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The elderly woman who opened the door was tall and thin, if a little stooped, and she had her nails manicured into a point with bright red polish. She was wearing a colorful housedress with an even more colorful apron over it, and orthopedic shoes, and she had her silver hair swept up and pinned back. The smile lines around her mouth and eyes creased as soon as she spotted Bo. “Bo, what are you doing back here already? You don’t need to worry about me—I’m doing fine,” she said as soon as she’d opened the door. Then, while he caught and held it for her, she bent to pick up a yellow tabby cat. “And so is Clementine.”
“I haven’t been as worried since the power came back on,” Bo said.
“It’s definitely nice to have some heat.” She smiled at Ismay. “And who do we have here?”
Bo gestured in Ismay’s direction. “Honey, this is Ismay Chalmers, Remy’s fiancée. Ismay, this is Honey Wellington, who makes the best dill pickles, canned beets, and jellies this side of the country.”
“It’s very nice to meet you,” Ismay said.
Honey’s eyes were kind but shrewd at the same time. “Aren’t you beautiful?”
Ismay felt her face heat. “Thank you.”
“How do you like Mariners?” Honey asked.
“It’s a lovely day today, but...it wasn’t so accommodating right after I got here,” she said jokingly.
“This island is certainly unpredictable,” Honey said. “But I’ve always loved wild things. Bo told me your brother might be joining you.”
“Yes. He’s going through a terrible divorce and needs to get away, so I suggested he come visit. He’s a farm boy from northern Utah—he’s never experienced anything like this.”
“How old is he?”
Ismay stroked the cat Honey was holding, which started to purr. “Only twenty-five.”
“And he’s already going through a divorce?” she asked in surprise.
“I’m afraid so. The poor guy is heartbroken, never saw it coming. He and his wife have been together since the ninth grade.”
“Did she find someone else, or...”
“She did,” Ismay said.
“I see.” She nuzzled her cat. “When does your brother arrive?”
“He’s coming in tonight, actually.”
Her eyes widened. “So soon?”
“I figured if he was going to get away, he might as well do it immediately. Then he won’t have to face the gossip.”
“Does he need a place to stay?” she asked.
“He can stay with me,” Bo said, causing Ismay to glance at him.
“No,” she said. “I’m not asking for anything like that. I’ve reserved a room at the Hotel Mariners for now. But Bo mentioned you might like him to house-sit at some point—there’s certainly no pressure.”
“I just thought I’d bring Ismay by so you could meet her and see if you might also like to meet Jack,” Bo volunteered.
“Yes, I would. I spoke to Frankie today—that’s my daughter,” she explained for Ismay’s benefit, “and she said I should definitely come for a few weeks, at least.”
Bo lifted his hands. “Well, we’re not trying to hurry you on your way. Merely wanted you to know that Jack would be an option, if you’re interested.”
“That’s good to know.” She turned to Ismay. “Why don’t you bring him by tomorrow so we can talk?”
“I’ll do that,” Ismay said. “Is there any particular time you’d like to see us?”
“Why don’t all three of you come for lunch?” she asked.
