Sunrise on Cedar Key by Terri Dulong Page A

her tone? Or sarcasm?
    â€œYou too,” I lied, and attempted to give her a hug.
    But I wasn’t quick enough, because she moved away and was already unlocking the trunk of her car.
    â€œCan I give you a hand with some of your luggage?” I asked.
    â€œYeah, that would be good.” She reached in and gave me two Louis Vuitton bags. “I’ll get the rest later.”
    As I schlepped through the gate toward the back door, I didn’t miss the fact that she was only carrying her handbag and a small tote.
    â€œChloe,” Aunt Maude called from the porch. “I’m so glad you arrived safely. Welcome to Cedar Key.”
    â€œI’ll just take these into your room,” I said, heading inside and feeling very much like a lowly porter at a hotel.
    I deposited the heavy bags on the floor and blew out a deep breath. Where are ya, Suellen, when I really need you? I realized having Chloe around might be even more difficult than I’d anticipated.
    When I walked into the kitchen I found Aunt Maude and Chloe at the table sipping iced tea.
    â€œGrace, honey,” my aunt said. “Come join us.”
    I accepted the glass she poured for me and sat down. Talk about feeling uncomfortable. She may have been my sister, but I had no clue what to say to her.
    â€œAfter we finish the tea, I’ll show you around,” my aunt told her. “The contractors started working on the carriage house this morning—that’s where we’ll be holding the knitting retreats—so I’m afraid it’ll be a bit busy around here for a few weeks.”
    Chloe nodded and looked around the kitchen. “It looks like a nice place. And your apartment is upstairs?” she asked, turning her head in my direction.
    â€œYeah, I’ll take you up there later.”
    â€œI still can’t get over the fact that you’re going to be starting another business,” she said, directing her attention back to my aunt. “I mean, you know ...”
    Maude shifted in her chair.
    â€œNo, I’m not sure I do, Chloe. If you mean because of my age, it’s never too late in life to change course and begin a new adventure. Besides, I think Grace and I are doing quite well so far. We’ve managed to plan the knitting retreats, I’ve hired the contractors, so we’re in the process of converting the carriage house and decorating. And don’t forget, with me moving here it’s also given you the opportunity to get away and start over.”
    Yes! You give it to her, Aunt Maude . She never was one to put up with Chloe’s antics.
    Now it was my sister’s turn to shift in her chair and clear her throat. “Yes, well ... and I do appreciate you taking me in. And before we go any further, let’s clear the air about Parker.” She looked directly at me. “I assume Aunt Maude has brought you up to date on everything, but I’d rather not have it be a topic of conversation. My attorney has the divorce in progress and ... once that becomes final in December—Parker Radcliffe will be as good as dead to me.”
    â€œFine by me,” I replied, grateful that I didn’t have to offer sympathy to my sister.
    â€œOkay, good,” she said, effectively cutting me off. “So tell me what you have planned for these knitting retreats and how I’ll be involved.” Her attention shifted back to Aunt Maude.
    I had a flashback to years ago—sitting at the dinner table with my parents and Chloe. I was probably about five and she was a senior in high school. I’d been so excited about my upcoming dance recital and was trying to explain to my parents how my lesson had gone that day, but Chloe had effectively cut me off, telling them about what kind of gown she intended to get for her prom. Had it always been that way, I wondered? With her dismissing me like I didn’t even exist? Or maybe more important, with her wishing I didn’t