39. Libby
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
libby
Good Neighbours’ “Home” blares from my phone as Putt-Putt bounces over a rock on the path toward the theater. Laughing, I veer to the right, waving in apology to Farmer Todd, who’s crossing the street to the town meeting. Oh shoot, I’m supposed to meet Fisher there.
With one hand on the wheel, I pause the music and hold the button on the side of my phone down to dictate a text so he knows I’m going to finish up at the theater and plan to meet him later. The play is in two days, and the car needs one more coat of pink paint.
Gotta make my Pink Lady proud of her car counterpart.
I smile at the thought of the boat on stilts in Fisher’s yard. We have yet to get it out on the water, but it makes a great spot to lie out in the sun and read with Sutton. It’s become vital to our new afternoon routine.
I peer at the church where they’re holding today’s town meeting since the theater is a bit of a mess, but I don’t see my man. He’s probably still taking care of things around the island. The meeting doesn’t start for another hour or so.
As I open the door to the theater and inhale the familiar scent of new paint and old, worn chairs, I smile.
This place brought back my love for acting, and I don’t even have a part in the play.
Like everything else on this island, this simple building has helped me discover another facet of who I am.
Next week I’ll head to Boston to begin voice training, but I’ll be bringing more than a piece of Monhegan with me.
And because my two favorite people will still be here, I’ll be back often. This island holds my heart.
“Libby!”
I spin at the sound of one of my favorites.
Sutton’s dressed in a pair of jean shorts and a peach T-shirt that says Island Girl on it. I have one that matches. It’s hanging in Fisher’s closet. We got them in Boothbay. I don’t know why they don’t sell them here.
Behind her, Kennedy and Lindsey appear. Kennedy’s long blond hair is pulled up in a messy bun and she’s got on a pair of ripped jean shorts and a tank top.
Her daughter is in a bathing suit, her little tummy popping out, revealing the most adorable outie belly button.
Every time I see it, I want to poke her like the Pillsbury Dough Boy.
“No peeking!” I shout. I want someone to be surprised by the set, and Kennedy might be the only resident we haven’t dragged into painting because she’s always busy working.
She throws her hand over her eyes and laughs. “Sutton wanted to come help you rather than go to the beach with us. Is that okay?”
I prop a hand on my hip and eye my sweet girl. “You’d rather work than have fun? Who are you?”
She lowers her head and toes the dirt, obviously not interested in explaining herself. She doesn’t need to. It’s been hard on her, knowing I’m leaving soon. It’s been equally hard on me. I will physically ache when I pull away from the dock.
I wave off Kennedy and Lindsey. “Go have fun at the beach. I got my pretty girl.”
Sutton’s lips lift, joy once again radiating from her as the girls say their goodbyes, Kennedy still shielding her eyes.
When it’s just the two of us, I wave, signaling Sutton to join me on the edge of the stage.
I sit, letting my legs dangle, and when she drops to her butt beside me, I rest my head against hers, watching as she kicks her smaller legs beside mine against the stage.
Back and forth, smack, back and forth, smack.
“You want to talk about it?” I ask.
Focus still fixed on our feet, she says, “Not really.”
“I’m going to miss you too,” I tell her.
She lets out the loudest sigh. “I don’t understand why you have to leave so early.”
“I haven’t sung in a long time, pretty girl.
I have to train my voice for the role.” I only got the part because my name on the marquee will guarantee a crowd, but I’m determined to prove that I’m more than just my name.
I’ll do my part, and I’ll do it well. “But I’m not leaving for good.
This will be my home eventually. I just need to work for a bit.
” It’s important to me that she and Fisher understand this.
I’m not running anymore. This island is my solace because they’re here.
Wherever they are will be my home. I nudge her with my elbow.
“You know you can come visit me whenever you want. If you talk to Fisher?—”
A thunk near the doors catches my attention. When I look up, though, we’re alone. “Did you hear that?” I say, jumping off the stage.
“Yeah.” Frowning, she scans the theater.
“Hello?” I call out, taking another step forward.
When no one responds, I shrug and turn back. “Must have been the wind.”
“Or a squirrel.” Sutton giggles.
I roll my eyes. “Only if Flora’s around.”
She screws up her face, making me laugh.
“So like I was saying.” I shuffle back toward her. “You should talk to Fisher. Tell him how you feel about living on the island.”
Sutton eyes me, her lips pressed into a firm line. “Will you do it with me?”
Affection blossoms in my chest. “Of course, pretty girl. I’ll do anything you want.”
For the first time today, she gives me a truly joyful smile. “Okay, so what do we need to do?”
I glance around the set, seriously impressed with all we’ve already completed.
“The car just needs one more coat of paint.” I turn the music on again, and we get to work, jamming out to Taylor and Gracie Abrams, Lake Paige and Melina Rodriguez, dancing every time we hit a really good chorus, laughter and smiles our companions as we work.
“Gosh, it’s getting hot in here.” I yank off my sweatshirt.
Sutton swipes at her sweaty forehead. “Yeah, maybe I’ll go open a window.”
“I got it.” I drop my paintbrush into the tray and head down the aisle, but with each step I take away from the paint, the scent of it dissipates and another fills my nostrils. “Is that…” I inhale again. “Sutton, do you smell smoke?”
The second the words are out, I catch a flash of orange in the corner. Blinking, I take a step toward it. The orange light at the side door dances, casting shadows on the floor in front of it.
I almost shake my head to clear my vision, but when I look back, the orange blazes forward, and I realize there’s a fire coming from the side door. Fuck. We need to get out of here.