Page 74 of The Accidental Innkeeper

Dottie nodded, calm as ever. “They went for a swim at midnight… and never came back.”

I stared at her. “Get out.”

“Some say they drowned,” continued Dottie. “I say the sirens got them.”

“The sirens?” I laughed. “You believe in all that fairy stuff?”

Dottie looked at me like I’d just admitted I didn’t believe in gravity. “Of course I do. I’ve seen them. And you never, ever go into the water at night.”

Okay then. Not sure what to say to that. I took a sip of coffee and closed my eyes for half a second. It tasted like victory and caffeine.

“Breakfast looks incredible,” I said.

“Always does,” said Dottie. “And, Sarah?”

“Yes?”

She smiled at me, soft but certain. “You fit.”

I didn’t trust my voice to answer that. My heart felt lighter than it had been in a long time. For once, the pressure didn’t feel like it was crushing me.

It felt like momentum.

The door to the kitchen swung open, and a tall blonde in a tailored beige linen suit walked in.

“Ah,” she said brightly. “Thought I’d find you here.”

“Becca?” I blinked. “Hi?” I hadn’t seen my realtor cousin-once-removed since the first night I’d slept at the inn, when I’d been too tired to form sentences longer than three words. We were supposed to shoot the shit over a bottle of wine.

“I saw this and I had to come over,” she said, already fishing in her bag. She yanked out her phone, swiped with purpose, and angled the screen toward me. “Look. Your reviews are in.”

My stomach dropped like I’d missed a step on the stairs. “My reviews?” Oh crap. I forgot that was a thing. A very public thing. With stars. And opinions. And the internet.

Becca handed me her phone. “Your reviews are amazing.”

“What?” I grabbed it, my thumb hovering like the screen might bite me.

I scrolled.

Five stars. Five stars. Five stars.

I didn’t breathe.

“Charming coastal inn with a heart,” one said. The words sat there, calm and confident, like they knew they belonged. “The owner made us feel instantly welcome. Breakfast alone is worth the stay.”

“Ain’t that the truth,” came Dottie’s voice.

I kept scrolling. Another five-star review slid into view. “Immaculate rooms, thoughtful touches everywhere. Felt like staying with a friend who somehow also runs a professional operation.”

Friend. Professional. Operation. I stared at the words like they were a magic trick.

“I can’t believe this,” I breathed.

Becca leaned on the counter beside me, grinning. “Keep going.”

I did.

“The beach access is a hidden gem. Our dog was welcomed like royalty.” There was a little paw emoji. I smiled despite myself.