“But people’s lives change, their needs change. What was right for a person five years ago or even a year ago, might not be right now.” She realized that she could have been talking about herself.
“She loves that house. Even on days when her arthritis is bad, she loves sitting and watching the boats and the people coming and going on the ferry. I’m worried she’s thinking of leaving because she doesn’t want to be a burden to me.”
“Have you tried asking her what she really wants?”
“She wouldn’t give me a straight answer.”
“She might if you were honest with her. I think you should take her to see it. I think you should keep your mouth zipped, let her look around and do what she needs to do to make a decision. Then you should talk. This isn’t about you, Ryan. It’s not about what you’re doing or not doing. It’s about what she needs and wants.”
They returned to the painting, and finally, as the sun was dipping down over the horizon, they finished. Lisa stood back and admired the freshly painted frontage with the new sign and the beautiful mural visible through the large window.
“I love it. I might cry.”
“Don’t cry,” Ryan drawled. “I hate bawling women.”
Emily noticed his eyes narrow slightly as Jared looped his arm arou
nd Rachel’s shoulders and kissed her on the head. “She’s an adult now,” she said quietly, and he pulled a face.
“I know. I still want to kick his ass for kissing my sister.”
“She looks happy.”
“She’s too trusting. And if he breaks her heart I will kick his ass.” He frowned. “Oops. Lizzy is crying. Someone is tired. Do you want me to—?”
“No. I’ll go to her.” Concerned, Emily scooped up Lizzy and knew immediately something wasn’t right. She put her hand on the child’s forehead and frowned. “You’re burning up. Are you not feeling well? Lisa, I’m sorry, I’m going to have to take her home.”
“Of course. Thank you for everything. Do you have medicine? It’s probably just a cold or something. Give me a call later and let me know how she is.”
Ryan walked with Emily to the car. “I guess we’ll have to postpone that romantic night.”
“She was fine when she woke up, and she was painting happily all day. It’s come on very suddenly.” She pressed her hand to Lizzy’s forehead again and felt a flash of unease. She was relieved Skylar was staying another night. It would be moral support.
“Give her lots of fluids.” Ryan opened the car door for her. “Don’t let her overheat, and if you’re worried get in touch with the medical clinic. You have the number?”
“Stuck to the fridge.”
“If you’re worried, call me. I’d come back with you, but we have a wedding at the Ocean Club tomorrow and things are a little crazy.”
“We’re fine, Ryan.” She strapped Lizzy into her seat. “I should go.”
She closed the door, and Ryan put an arm on either side of her, caging her. “As soon as Lizzy is better, we need to arrange another sleepover.”
For a moment she thought he was going to kiss her right there in public, but then he pulled away and she saw Skylar walking toward them, loaded down with art materials.
“Have I kept you waiting? I was taking photographs of the mural for my website. How’s poor Lizzy?”
“Feverish.” Emily knew she was going to be answering a hundred questions from her friend the moment they were on their own. “I’m going to get her home.”
“Keep her cool,” Ryan advised. “Don’t let her overheat.” He stood back so that Emily could slide into the driver’s seat. “I’m sure she’ll be better tomorrow.”
*
TOMORROW CAME AND Lizzy was worse. She was restless and fractious all morning, and by the time Emily dropped Skylar at the airport at lunchtime her temperature was high.
Skylar stared up at the sky. “Storm blowing in. I wish I could stay, but I have a meeting with the gallery. They’ve sold some of my pieces and need more, and I really have to do some work on my collection for the exhibition in December.”
“Of course you can’t stay. We’ll be fine. It’s just a cold, I’m sure.” She ignored the uneasy twinge in her stomach that told her it was something more.