window and was surprised to already see Nantucket coming up below. A few minutes later, they made a smooth landing. Ben called an Uber, and it wasn’t long before they were back at the inn and climbing the stairs to their rooms. Mia thanked him again when they reached their floor.
“It was nothing. I’m glad you were able to come. Sleep well, Mia.”
Chapter 19
The rest of the week was a busy one as Mia prepared to move back into her condo. The good news from Will was that he was able to salvage most of the furniture and paintings that he’d put in storage to work on. And she had the new painting from Kristen that she had in her room at the inn, all wrapped and waiting to be unpacked and hung once she moved back in. She was ready. She and Penny had enjoyed their weeks at the inn, but now that the move-in day was set for Thursday, she was eager to get home and sleep in her own bed.
When she arrived at the yoga studio for the weekly meeting, Ken was setting out his latest creation, lemon cake this time with lemon frosting. Mia brought a contribution this time, too. She’d stopped at the Italian bakery and picked up fifteen mini-cannoli. There was no sign of Sam by the time Janie called for everyone to take their seats. But at the last minute, he came rushing through the door, apologizing, and took a seat next to Mia.
They started the meeting, as usual, with everyone sharing how their week had gone. It was a long holiday weekend and for most of the group, that meant fun times with friends and family. For Candy, it was still a bit of a struggle.
“I did have fun this weekend, too, for the most part. I saw some friends I hadn’t seen in a long time, and there were parties to go to every night. I kept busy, because I knew if I stayed in, that I’d just be sad. Last year, we had so much fun together, and it just isn’t the same without him. And I felt a little guilty for not being sad enough, and for having fun. That probably sounds crazy.”
The others assured her that it did not.
Then it was Mia’s turn to share. “I had a good week. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t have any sad days, even though it was a holiday weekend. I saw friends and family, and I stepped way out of my comfort zone and went with a new friend on a very big sailboat.”
“That’s a big step. Embracing new experiences and spending time with new people. Good for you, Mia,” Janie said.
“I have some news to report.” It was Ken’s turn next. “I decided I was tired of eating alone and I invited one of the ladies that has been bringing me food to go out to dinner with me this weekend. I told her what was what, not to get any ideas, that I’m not looking to get married again, probably ever. And she still said yes. So, I’m taking her to the restaurant at the airport Saturday night. She likes to go there, too, and we can watch all those fancy planes take off.” Many of the rich summer residents flew private jets and there was always steady traffic, especially on the weekends.
“That sounds like a good time, Ken. Sam, your turn.”
“It was a mostly good week for me, too. The girls and I went to a cookout and had fun watching all the big boats down at the harbor. My mother offered to watch the girls pretty much whenever I want, so I’m going to take her up on that and try to get out more.”
“I think that sounds like a good plan, Sam.”
Later, when the usual group was at the Rose and Crown nibbling on the appetizers they’d ordered, Sam asked how her sailing day had gone.
“It was a great day. An incredible experience. Did the girls have fun watching all the boats leave?”
Sam smiled, but Mia had noticed he was a bit quieter than usual. “They did, and they were suitably impressed that they knew someone on one of the biggest boats there.” He paused and then asked, “Who is that guy to you? The one that brought you on the boat? Are you dating?”
“Ben? No, we’re not dating. He’s my neighbor. And I’m planning his sister’s wedding.”
Sam relaxed a little.