Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75408 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75408 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
Palmer shrugged. “Why don’t you do it, Harlee?”
Harlee’s eyes nearly popped out of her head. “Me? In what universe do you honestly think I’d want to be a nanny?”
Palmer followed Harlee back toward the front of the store. As Harlee started to straighten up the clothes on one of the displays, my sister made her case.
“You volunteer in the children’s ward at the hospital. You organize the toy drive every Christmas. You plan all the kids’ events at the holiday boat parade. You were born to be a nanny.”
Harlee looked over at Palmer. “That’s different. I get to spend a little bit of time with them, then I get to leave. I don’t have to stay for hours every day and take care of one of them. I wouldn’t even know what to do with a five-year-old kid.”
Letting out a disbelieving laugh, Palmer asked, “And I do?”
“I’m going to head on out. Harlee, you sure you don’t mind closing up alone?” I asked.
Harlee gave me a soft smile. “I’m positive. Will you please go and do something for yourself for once, Sutton?”
Palmer turned to me. “Where are you going?”
I felt a smile spread over my face. “I’m going to Seaside Spa. I’ve booked a facial, a manicure, and a pedicure. Then I’m going to stop by the restaurant and surprise Mom and Dad with dinner at Pete’s Place.”
“Mom will love that,” Palmer said.
“Do you want to come with me to the spa? I’m sure they can probably work you in.”
Palmer reached for the newspaper that was still on the counter and put it into her bag. “I wish I could, but I’m working at the vet clinic this afternoon. Matter of fact, I need to get going. Enjoy your afternoon at the spa though!”
I laced my arm with my sister’s. “I’ll walk out with you. I parked out front today.”
After saying goodbye to Palmer, I slipped into my car and headed to the spa. As I pulled in and parked, I got a text from Brody.
Brody: I’m off for the rest of the day. Was going to swing by the store.
Me: I’m at the spa, remember? After I’m finished here, I’ll pick up my mom and dad and meet you at Pete’s Place.
Brody: Enjoy your spa day.
I frowned at his reply. It wasn’t like Brody to keep it so short and simple, and he always closed his texts with an I love you.
Me: I love you!!!
Brody: Love you two.
I stared at the reply and felt a rush of cold through my entire body. “That’s how Jack would spell two.”
Before I had a chance to hit call, someone knocked on my window and I jumped, nearly throwing my phone into the backseat. I glanced over and saw it was Kimberley, one of Palmer’s friends. Harlee and I once thought she might be the writer of the gossip column, but Palmer swore she wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed.
I tossed my phone into my purse, grabbed it, and opened my door. “Hey, Kimberley. I forgot you worked here. How are you?”
She beamed back at me. “I’m doing great! Are you here to pamper yourself this afternoon?”
“I am.”
“Come on, I’ll walk you in.”
After I’d checked in, the receptionist walked me to the locker room. “Pick a locker. Each one has a robe and slippers in it.”
“Thank you,” I said as I pushed the door open.
“Sure thing. Once you’re finished, come out here and they’ll call your name. There’s water and tea if you’d like some.”
Smiling, I headed into the locker room, ready for an afternoon of pure relaxation.
Brody
I walked into Seaside Grill and immediately spotted Barbara talking to Addie and Gannon. When she saw me, she rushed over, with Addie and my brother hot on her trail.
“Hey, I thought we were meeting at Pete’s Place?” I asked as I bent down to kiss Barbara on the cheek. “I waited there for a bit before I realized no one was showing up.”
“Why aren’t you answering your phone?” Gannon asked. It was then I finally noticed the worried looks on all of their faces. Keegan came walking out of the kitchen and looked relieved to see me as well.
“Is Sutton with you?” he said. “Why haven’t you two been answering your damn phones?”
“Keegan, calm down,” Barbara said, a concerned tone in her voice.
Addie approached her father. “Dad, take a deep breath and don’t get upset. I’m sure there’s an explanation.”
I looked at all of them and frowned. “I lost my phone. Well, honestly, I think someone stole it.”
“Then you haven’t spoken to Sutton?” Addie asked.
“No,” I said with a shake of my head. “Not since this morning. I thought the plan was for her to pick you guys up, and I’d meet you at the restaurant.”
Barbara put her hand to her mouth.
“What’s going on?” I asked, dread filling me.