Sunrise on Cedar Key by Terri Dulong Page B

exist?
    â€œThat sounds like it has a lot of potential,” I heard her say. “Knitting has become quite the rage, even though it’s been around for centuries. So I have no doubt you’ll be fully booked for those weekends. And yes, I think I’d like to do a class on the Fair Isle sweaters. That’s one of my specialties.” As if remembering I was seated at the table, she turned to me and said, “You don’t knit, do you, Grace?”
    I smiled. That showed you how little she knew about me, not to mention the fact she’d paid no attention that I was knitting on the porch when she arrived. “Actually, yes, I do. Aunt Maude taught me many years ago.”
    â€œShe also taught me. What would we have done without you?” she said, reaching out to touch my aunt’s hand. “We certainly had no mother to speak of.”
    With that, she stood up, put her glass in the sink, and said, “Okay, well, I’m ready for the tour.”
    My aunt and I exchanged a glance. Was it my imagination or was there definite animosity in Chloe’s voice when she mentioned our mother?
    The three of us turned as Rachel came into the kitchen. “I’m all finished, Miss Maude,” she said, sending a smile toward my aunt and me.
    â€œHey, Rachel. How’re you?”
    â€œI’m good, thanks,” she answered, and looked toward Chloe.
    â€œRachel, this is my niece, Chloe. Grace’s sister. She’s just arrived from St. Simons Island and will be living with me. Rachel is my new housekeeper,” she explained to Chloe.
    My sister nodded. “I’m glad to see you’ll be getting some help,” was all she said.
    As Rachel walked out the back door, the phone rang. “Hello, Ali. How are you?” I heard my aunt say.
    â€œAlison owns the Bed and Breakfast on the island,” I told my sister. “It’s such a small town it won’t take you long to get to know everybody.”
    â€œOh, no,” I now heard Aunt Maude say. “Well, that’s certainly good news for Twila Faye, but I can see where that leaves you in a bit of a bind. But yes, I’ll keep my ears open for you.”
    â€œEverything okay?” I asked as she hung up.
    â€œNot really. I’m afraid Ali got some disturbing news this morning. Well, disturbing for her. It seems Twila Faye is going to be leaving the island and the Bed and Breakfast.”
    â€œWhat?” I could hardly believe my ears. She’d worked at the B & B forever. “What’s going on?”
    â€œWell, Twila Faye feels bad about leaving, but she’s also quite happy. Her son, his wife, and her granddaughter are moving to Clearwater. He has a new job position down there and he wants Twila Faye to come with them. They’ve purchased a new home, and it has an in-law apartment attached, which will be perfect for Twila Faye.”
    â€œOh, wow. Yeah, I can see how she’d be torn. She’s so close to her son and his family. But leave Cedar Key? Gosh, she’s been here all her life.”
    â€œRight, and believe me, I’m really happy for her. I think it’s wonderful that her son wants to include her in the move, but ... I’m afraid poor Ali will be lost without her. Twila Faye was her main housekeeper and her only full-time employee.”
    My aunt was right. “That’s certainly bittersweet news.”
    â€œYeah, it is. I guess Ali will be advertising for a new housekeeping manager. So if you hear of anybody, let her know. Come on, Chloe,” my aunt said. “I’ll show you around the apartment and then we’ll go take a peek at the carriage house.”

10
    C hloe’s first weekend with us passed with relative calm. Aunt Maude and I took turns taking her around the island, showing her various things. To her credit, although Chloe didn’t rave about the scenery or anything else, she didn’t display any negativity.
    But on