Under the Boardwalk (Costas Sisters 1)

“But . . .” Before Ariana could discuss the subject further, her mother glided out of the room, a determined woman on a mission.

Her mother wanted to bring Sam here. That idea brought up a load of memories and questions Ariana wasn’t sure she was ready to deal with. She and her sister had been raised in this house with two very different results. But given the alternatives, Sam could certainly do much worse. At least she’d be safe and cared for here.

In the meantime, it hadn’t escaped Ariana’s notice that she and her mother had discussed every touchy and painful subject between them—except Zoe.

The notion that something might really have happened to her sister was a pain too great to contemplate. If Quinn held the secret to Zoe’s disappearance, Ariana just had to trust he’d confide in her soon.

She glanced around her sister’s room, not knowing what she was looking for, just that she desperately needed a connection to the twin she loved but didn’t understand. And then, unexpectedly, she found the link she needed. Reaching across the bed, she pulled a small crocheted pillow into her hand and ran her fingers over the nubby stitching. Sisters and Best Friends 4 Ever. Ariana had made the pillow as a birthday gift for Zoe when they were young. She couldn’t remember exactly how old they’d been, just that she’d given it to her twin.

She had no idea Zoe had kept the gift, but she had. Through the arguments and the rift, Zoe had held on to a link between them. At this moment, their last argument stood out in stark contrast to the past. The night Ariana had left for Vermont, she and Zoe had agreed that they’d never understand one another. Never agree. That distance was best for them both.

Distance, Ariana thought. Not a permanent gap. She wondered now how she’d stayed away for so long. And she hoped it wasn’t too late to make amends.

* * *

The persistent sound of banging woke Ariana from a fitful sleep. She rolled over and realized she’d dozed on top of her sister’s bed. She was still wearing her robe, which had twisted uncomfortably around her waist, and the pillow she’d found was clutched tightly in her arms.

As she made her way downstairs, the noise, which she realized now was hammering, became louder. “What’s going on?” she called to her father, who stood looking out over a window with a backyard view.

“We’re starting construction on the addition for the spa,” he replied, just as loudly, speaking over the noise.

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

He shrugged. “We told you we’d be doing remodeling on the house.”

“You just didn’t say when. I work nights and need to sleep days,” she reminded him.

“You’re young. You need less sleep.”

A loud crash reverberated throughout the house. Ariana jumped at the same time a bizarre shriek sounded in her ear and the monkey dove into Ariana’s arms.

“She hates the noise.” Her father spread his hands wide, indicating he was at a loss as to what to do.

“I take it you’re not any happier than I am?” she asked Spank.

The banging grew louder and the monkey buried her face between Ariana’s neck and shoulders. “How long is this going to go on?” she asked her father.

“As long as it takes,” her father said.

“I was afraid of that. Where’s Mom?”

Nicholas glanced over his shoulder. “She went to the library. She said she had research to do. I think she needs to figure out how to thicken the facial cream she’s been working on. But she was in an exceptionally good mood,” he said and winked at Ariana.

She rolled her eyes. When her mother played her father, she was so obvious, Ariana didn’t know how her father didn’t see it. Everyone else certainly did. Then again maybe he just accepted her the same way Elena accepted his snoring, because he loved her. Ariana wondered how he’d feel once her “research” led to another child in this house. Because the one thing Ariana had learned was that whatever Elena wanted, Elena made certain she got.

With a shake of her head, Ariana left the kitchen, the monkey wrapped tightly around her. In the meantime, Ariana needed to find a place to stay where she could actually get some sleep while the construction continued.

* * *

Quinn was pouring himself a cup of strong, black coffee when the phone in his hotel room rang. “Donovan.”

“Hey, buddy.”

Since Connor didn’t normally call from his post at the bar, Quinn was surprised. “I was just on my way downstairs. What’s going on?”

“Our mutual friend looks exhausted. Ariana has broken more than a few glasses, and I’m thinking she needs to get out of here early, if you get my drift.” Connor’s low chuckle sounded through the phone line.

“Thanks. I’ll check it out.” Quinn wondered what was going on with Ari and headed to the bar to find out.