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"Well, I can't laze about allday," Roxanne said, seeming to miss the point and frantically throwing onclothes. "Not when you need help getting this place wedding-ready."
Charlotte laughed out loud."Funny. Real funny. It's okay, Roxy. I know you'll pull your weight whenyou're rested. Go shower and come get breakfast."
Roxanne shook her head. "No time!Just throw a scone at me as we work. You have inn duties, right?"
Before Charlotte could think of how todissuade her, Roxanne was up, dressed, and out the door. Charlotte chuckled,then followed her wayward sister. Perhaps having Roxanne here wouldn't be sobad after all. The confrontation that Charlotte had been gearing up for didn’tseem necessary now. Surely, it was a one-off oversight on Roxanne’s part. MaybeCharlotte could gently bring it up after food.
Charlotte followed Roxanne down thestairs into the main dining area of the inn. Though it was mid-morning, Roxannewasted no time—after a scone and tea—
jumping into the tasks at hand.
"Okay, what needs doingfirst?" Roxanne asked, rolling up her sleeves.
Charlotte surveyed the room. Themorning dishes were still piled up, and the fireplace could use a fresh stackof wood. "Well, the guests will be down soon looking for more coffee. Whydon't you give the coffee station a refill while I start clearing theseplates?"
"You got it!" Roxanne saidenthusiastically, already heading behind the counter to grab the coffee carafe.
As Charlotte began gathering empty mugsand plates, she watched her sister work out of the corner of her eye. Roxannemoved with vigor as she emptied out the old coffee grounds and filled themachine with fresh ones. Within minutes, the rich aroma of brewing coffeewafted through the dining hall.
Charlotte smiled to herself. Perhapsher well-meaning but rambunctious sister would be an asset here after all.Roxanne's energetic spirit brought a renewed sense of liveliness to the innthat had been missing since Amelia’s departure.
Soon, guests began shuffling into theroom, drawn in by the smells of the coffee. "My, something sure smellsgood this morning!" remarked Mrs. Waverly.
"Fresh coffee, courtesy of mysister Roxanne," Charlotte said, gesturing. “Roxie, how about setting outsome of the biscotti from the pantry?”
Charlotte smiled warmly as she watchedRoxanne engage with the guests, chatting animatedly as she refilled theircoffee cups and passed out treats. Though Roxanne could be a bit much at times,her energy was infectious.
As Charlotte wiped down the diningtables, she noticed how Roxanne took the time to ask each guest how they wereenjoying their stay. She had her phone out, and she jotted down requests forextra pillows or towels, promising to take care of it right away.
Soon, the dining hall buzzed withactivity as Charlotte and Roxanne moved in sync, clearing dishes and refreshingcoffees. Laughter and lively chatter filled the air.
As soon as the dishes were done,Charlotte restocked the napkin holder. She felt a lightness in her heart. Afterthe midmorning rush died down, Charlotte pulled Roxanne aside with a gratefulsmile.
"That should be all untiltomorrow. Now, everyone will go into town or to their own activities. I can'tthank you enough for pitching in this morning," she said. "But I dohave to tell you—I had a guest complain about you keeping him up last night. Ishould have had a talk with you when you first arrived about being mindful ofour other patrons."
Roxanne waved her hand dismissively."Oh! I did have the TV on late. I didn’t realize. It was my fault."She placed a reassuring hand on Charlotte's arm. "I'm just happy I couldhelp out this morning. It feels good to be useful again to people instead ofjust a conduit for earnings and numbers like I was back home."
Charlotte nodded understandingly. Afterher divorce, she had felt that same sense of purposelessness for a time.
"Well, I'm glad you're herenow," Charlotte said, giving Roxanne's hand an affectionate squeeze."It wouldn't be the same without my big sister keeping me afloat."
Roxanne chuckled. "And don't youforget it!"
The two sisters exchanged a warm smile,their bond evident in the silent conversation passing between them. Thoughmiles and years had separated them, they were finally reunited and in sync. Afew moments later, as the last few patrons gathered their belongings and headedout the door, many paused to compliment Charlotte on the cozy atmosphere andstellar service.
"We'll definitely be comingback," an older gentleman proclaimed. "Can't remember the last timewe felt so cared for."
His wife nodded in agreement."It's been an absolute treat. Thank you both for everything!"
Charlotte beamed, her heart full. Sheturned to Roxanne. “We’re free for the day! Where should we go now?”
“The beach sounds lovely, don’t youthink?” Roxanne said, grinning. “And my room neighbor won’t be able to hear methere.”
Giggling, the sisters began to take afinal clean sweep around the kitchen, ready to leave the hustle and bustle ofthe morning behind and sink their toes into the warm summer sand.
CHAPTER SEVEN
The waves crashed against theshoreline, seafoam swirling around Charlotte and Roxanne's ankles as theystrolled along the beach. Charlotte breathed in the salty air, a smile playingon her lips as Roxanne regaled her with stories of the latest Broadway showthat her firm financially backed.
