Chapter 17
With the interview and video recording out of the way, Morgan dove into her work, which made her think about Ronni and Jax, having not heard a peep from either of them.
“Should I or shouldn’t I?" she asked Chester, who was snoozing on the floor next to her feet.
He groggily lifted his head and yawned.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” Morgan snatched her cell phone from the charger. Sitting here at the desk, thinking about you and hoping you and Jax are having an amazing time, wherever it is you ended up.
Morgan’s cell phone promptly rang. “Hey, Ronni.”
“Sorry, Morgan. I was going to text you a picture. Jax and I have been busy riding bikes, exploring the fort, and sampling some amazing fudge. I even dragged him to The Parlor at the Grand Hotel for afternoon tea.”
“Based on all of those clues, I’m guessing you’re on Mackinac Island.”
“Ding. Ding. As a matter of fact, you’ll never guess who I ran into and am standing here chatting with. Hang on.” She could hear Ronni talking to someone—another woman. Seconds later, her cell phone chimed.
Morgan clicked on the photo…a picture of Ronni standing next to a smiling Harlow Wynn.
“Tell Harlow I said hi.”
“She was asking about Tristan. I’ll let you talk to her for a sec.”
Harlow’s cheery voice came on the line. “Hello, Morgan.”
“Hey, Harlow. I was just thinking about you the other day. How is the reno on your new home, Lighthouse Lane, going?”
“Slooooww. I mean, not really, but I’m champing at the bit to move in.” Harlow told her she would be leaving soon to work on an upcoming movie. “Fingers crossed that by the time I get home it will be almost done.”
“Good luck. I know how these projects can end up getting delayed.”
“Which is why I’m trying to curb my expectations. I was asking Ronni about Tristan. How’s my charming young friend doing?”
Morgan mentioned the science fair. “The lucky arrowhead you gave him hasn’t left his backpack. It’s one of his most treasured possessions.”
“Awe. How sweet. He’s a great kid.”
“He is,” Morgan agreed.
“And the other kids at his school? Is he making new friends?”
“Unfortunately, Naomi Renaud, Grandmother’s nemesis, has two great-grandchildren who go to the same school and are giving him a hard time.”
“Bummer.”
“He told some kids you gave him the arrowhead. They don’t believe Tristan.”
“Looking back, we should have snapped a photo of us together,” Harlow said. “What grade is he in? You told me, but I don’t remember.”
“Fifth grade. He’ll get through it. To answer your question, he has a couple of friends, so that helps.”
Harlow’s voice grew muffled. “Hey, I need to get going. Tell Tristan I said hello and to keep his chin up.”
“Will do.”
Ronni came back on the line. “I gotta run. Jax booked us a carriage ride, and they’re waiting for me to board.”
“Have fun.”
“We certainly are.”
Morgan started to set her phone down when it chimed again. It was a text from her grandmother, inviting her and Wyatt to breakfast the following morning to celebrate Tristan’s science fair ribbon and welcome Prissy to Easton Estate. She promptly replied, accepting the invitation.
The rest of the afternoon flew by, handling new reservations, confirming existing ones, emailing upcoming guests a current schedule of events going on around the island, and it made Morgan appreciate how much Ronni handled, dealing with the day-to-day business operations.
She finished at five on the dot and swung by the kitchen where Tina was prepping for the evening’s social hour. “Are you sure you don’t need me to hang around and help host?”
“No.” Tina waved dismissively. “The guests chit-chatted with you last night. Grace plans to pop in to say hi and tell them about the Lilac Inn, so I think we have our bases covered.”
“Oh, good.” Grace and Morgan had come up with a clever plan to cross-promote their businesses after comparing notes and realizing they were, in essence, already doing it. If Locke Pointe was booked, Morgan gave guests Grace’s number and vice versa.
It had worked well all the way around and was a win-win for everyone—the guests looking for a place to stay, plus it helped fill vacant rooms.
Before she left, Morgan swung by the workshop. She found Greg sharpening the riding lawn mower’s blades, gearing up for the height of the summer cutting season. “Knock. Knock.”
“Hey, Morgan.”
“Hey, Greg. I’m getting ready to head home. Tina and Grace are hosting this evening’s social hour. Do you need anything before I leave?”
“Nah, I’m good.”
Noting the sad look on his face, Morgan stepped closer. “Are you okay?”
“I’m a little bummed out.”
“About Hailey?”
He nodded.
“It’s never fun when relationships hit the skids.”
“Nope. Mom invited me to dinner, so I’m going over there.”
“Good. The key, at least for me when I’m feeling down, is to stay busy.
” Morgan turned to go, and a sudden thought popped into her head.
“Grandmother Elizabeth is hosting breakfast tomorrow morning to celebrate Tristan’s honorable mention ribbon for his volcano and welcome Priscilla Finkpin, who moved to Easton Estate. ”
He absentmindedly brushed grass clippings from his pantleg. “I…uh…don’t have the right clothes.”
“Do you have a pair of slacks and a collared shirt?”
“Yeah.”
“Then you have clothes.” Morgan tugged her cell phone from her pocket and texted her grandmother. I’m inviting Greg Baker to breakfast in the morning.
Elizabeth: The more, the merrier. Nine o’clock sharp.
Morgan: We’ll be there.
“It’s settled.” She put her phone away. “You can meet me there or swing by my place and hitch a ride.”
“What time is breakfast?”
“Nine sharp. No ball caps, shorts, or jeans.”
Greg put his hand to his forehead, playfully saluting her. “Aye, aye, boss lady.”
Morgan giggled. “Very funny. Mrs. Arnsby is an excellent cook, so be sure to bring your appetite.”
“That won’t be a problem.”
She turned to go, and Greg stopped her. “Thanks for inviting me. I’ll meet you there and will be on my best behavior.”
She winked at him, a slow smile spreading across her face. “I have no doubt you will.”