Tiny Island Summer Read Free Page B

that to her for years since leaving for college. He had to take charge of her situation.
    “Only if you stop pacing.”
    Ben froze then sank onto the couch. “Sorry.”
    “It’s fine,” she sighed. “Okay, once a week. Are you sure you can do this?”
    “Yes, I’m sure.”
    “Because if it’s too much, I can find someone else, someone to hire, someone without any ties to us.”
    “Don’t do that. I can handle this, I can.”
    “Thank you. I love you.”
    “I love you too. I’ll be leaving for Madeline in a couple days. After I am settled, I’ll come see you. Expect me early next week.”
    “Okay,” she said, resigned.
    “Bye Mom.”
    “Ben?”
    “Yes,” he hesitated.
    “Have fun, okay?”
    Ben chuckled. “I’ll try.”
    He hung up the phone and immediately turned it on silent before shoving it under the cushions. Agreeing to help his family and actually helping his family amounted to two entirely different things. He’d stepped up because he’d been worried that no one else would, and Mom deserved better than that. But if he were being honest with himself, he’d acknowledge that he loved being the hero. He loved being the best brother—the most responsible, the one with the best career.
    But now? Dealing with doctors and lawyers, selling his town house, and fighting with his company for a sabbatical had him worn out. For the first time in a long time, he didn’t know what he was doing. He wished he could take a break and have fun, like Mom suggested. Living without responsibility sounded like a dream that he knew he could never accept. He cared too much, especially for his family. He’d never be able to sit out and let his brothers take charge.
    Reluctantly, Ben pulled the phone out from the cushions and put it on top of a box next to his couch. He had less than a day left in his home, but he couldn’t grasp it. His mind refused to accept that he was moving on from his bachelor pad. He didn’t need to sell the condo, necessarily. But something had changed for him in the last month. Dealing with everything with Mom had put his life into perspective in a way. He didn’t want this anymore.
    The phone rang again. He looked at it and promptly walked out of the room, collapsing on his bed.

- # -
    Fresh air and an all-day drive had conspired against Darcy. Despite her best efforts to rise with the sun, she slept until her eyes could no longer block out the light streaming into her room through the curtains. She slipped from the bed and padded downstairs as quietly as she could. Char had always been a late sleeper, and if Darcy had slept until ten, then Char would surely be in bed until noon.
    A cool breeze rushed through her shoulder-length hair and goose pimples rose on her neck as she reached the bottom step. Had she forgotten to shut one of the doors last night? The question alerted her other senses as she caught the smell of coffee wafting toward her and heard soft footsteps and cabinets opening and closing.
    Steeling herself for a fight as she rounded the corner toward the kitchen, she grabbed the bear-shaped umbrella stand, prepared to defend herself.
    “Argh!” Char screamed and dropped a ceramic mug as Darcy came around the corner.
    Relief and embarrassment washed over Darcy as she met her best friend’s eyes.
    “What on earth are you doing?” Char scolded.
    “I could ask you the same,” Darcy retorted, retrieving the broom and dustpan from the hall closet and sweeping up the shards.
    “I’m making coffee, you weirdo. Not trying to attack innocent women.”
    “I’m sorry. But forgive my shock. When have you ever woken up before me?”
    “You can sweep this up too,” Char pointed to the remaining shards strewn on the tile floor. “And then when you’re done, I made a breakfast tray for us to take outside.”
    Darcy looked at the wooden tray laden with a coffee pot, several plates and cups, mixed berries, a small vase with a single flower, and three toasted, buttered