7. Isabel #2
"Bye, Gran," Emma said, leaning up to press a quick kiss against her cheek.
She leaned in a fraction closer, her voice dropping into a cheeky whisper.
"I really like Dr. Reed. But for future reference, next time try to stay in his arms and avoid the pot plants.
" She gave a mischievous grin that made Isabel's cheeks burn with a fresh wave of heat.
"Bye, Isabel," the other two girls called out, waving as they stepped toward the rear exit doors. Their sly grins matched her granddaughter's perfectly, and they gave her a coveted thumbs-up sign before pointing directly toward Owen's back when he wasn't looking.
Isabel stood gaping at the three incredibly intelligent and observant tweens, feeling so thoroughly embarrassed that she wished a massive sinkhole would open right beneath her feet.
She spun around quickly to head for the exit and nearly slammed straight into the massive potted plant a second time.
She caught her balance at the last second, sidestepping the glazed ceramic container with a clumsy jerk.
Owen was already heading through the corridor doors, but the girls caught the entire awkward display and rolled their eyes in unison.
"Stupid freaking pot plant," Isabel muttered beneath her breath, smoothing her shirt down as she bolted through the front doors toward her hired car.
She climbed into the driver's seat, started the engine, and made the ten-minute drive out toward the lighthouse district where Penny's new estate was located.
She pulled up to the heavy iron security gates of the historic Mediterranean property a short while later and pressed the small button on the silver intercom box.
A few moments passed before static hissed, and Penny's voice filtered through the speaker. "Hello. This is a nice surprise. Please tell me you're here to help move some of these heavy contractor crates."
"I'm here to help for a bit," Isabel said into the intercom grid, leaning close to the metal panel. "But it's going to cost you."
"I don't have my checkbook anywhere near me," Penny stated, her tone flat, but Isabel knew her friend understood the exact nature of the transaction.
"This is going to cost you your moral checkbook," Isabel told her firmly.
"Will you believe me if I told you I left it back at the hotel?" Penny asked, and Isabel could easily picture the exaggerated, defensive face her friend was pulling on the other side of the stone wall.
"Nice try," Isabel told her, a small smile breaking through her anxiety. "Now are you going to let me in?"
"Sure," Penny said, letting out a loud, dramatic sigh that rattled the speaker. "I'll pull out the moral checkbook so long."
The heavy iron gates swung open with a low, mechanical groan.
Isabel pulled her hired car through the entrance and drove up the winding gravel driveway toward the beautiful old house.
She parked, stepped out into the warm morning air, and paused to admire the Mediterranean Revival structure once again.
It really had a way of pulling a person in with its historic charm, arched windows, and faded stucco that felt deeply grounded in the island's history.
Penny was already standing at the wide front door, holding two mugs of steaming coffee.
"I installed my espresso machine," she called out, a proud gleam in her eyes.
"Awesome," Isabel said, reaching out to take the warm ceramic cup as she stepped past the threshold into the grand foyer. She looked around at the open spaces, noting the clean lines and the progress on the interior. "I see you've been busy."
"I have," Penny admitted, a broad smile lighting up her features.
"You're really enjoying this," Isabel noted, watching her friend track the architectural curves of the ceiling layout.
"It's been a while since I refurbished a house," Penny said, her tone going a bit wistful as she leaned against the doorframe. "I really do think fate led us here this summer."
Isabel had to agree with her friend. The timing had been strange, but everything about the bay felt as if it were meant to happen.
"I can't argue with you there," Isabel murmured, taking a slow sip. She glanced toward the secondary hallway, trying to look casual. "Where's Linda? The girls told me she was on her way out here."
Penny's eyebrows shot up instantly. "Oh, she went into town to get some renovation supplies for me."
Isabel frowned slightly, her eyes narrowing. Why did Penny seem a little jumpy? A subtle shift in her posture made her look nervous. Isabel shook the thought away, telling herself she was simply being paranoid because of the massive volume of drama happening around the hotel property lately.
"So, how big of a check am I writing?" Penny asked, skillfully shifting the conversation back to the reason Isabel had buzzed the gate.
Isabel felt a heavy wave of guilt and worry course through her chest. She set her bag onto a side table. "First, I was hoping you could help smooth the way for me to talk to Linda. I need her to know that we didn't betray her trust, that we had no idea about the deception until it was too late."
Penny looked at her, a gentle smile softening her features.
"Don't worry, Linda already knows." She stepped closer, her tone quiet and reassuring. "I talked to her about it, and she fully understood the situation. She doesn't blame us at all."
Isabel let out a long, ragged breath, a massive weight lifting from her ribs. "Still, I want to speak to her myself. I need to look her in the eye and say it."
"I know you do," Penny said softly, her gaze full of compassion. "But maybe let Linda have some time to breathe."
Isabel felt her heart sink again. "I knew it. She's upset with me."