Chapter 7

Seven

Isla

The next morning, I got up early, put on my running clothes, and decided to run the property. Most of it was empty besides several stretches of old fence. I’d often found that running helped me keep my head clear.

When I stepped onto the front porch, I could see that more cans of paint had been dropped off there. I decided that I would paint today. Why not? Maybe I would ask Wendy about another job or if she could keep a lookout. Of course, then I would have to explain why the other one hadn’t worked out.

After I got back from my run, I continued wiping walls and taping things off and got my first coat on the inside of the small ranch house. I plugged in the small boom box that I had found in the barn, tuning into a country music station. Perfect.

I continued washing walls and taping off. I had painted my last condo and was familiar with how to do it. I took the time to tape everything, making sure my lines were straight. I knew that taping was the key to a proper paint job.

I was about three hours into the work when there was a knock at the door. I hadn’t heard anyone on the gravel driveway, but that wasn’t surprising because I had the music blasting.

I was hesitant, and I peered through the peephole to see who was there. A handful of women stood there, waiting for me to answer.

I pulled open the door. “Hello?” Then I realized it was Damon’s mother, Nora; his sister, Kayla; and his sister-in-law Ella, who I hadn’t seen in a long time.

His mother smiled and held out a box of food. The words “Food Bank” had been written on it. “I hope you don’t mind. I was talking to Mayor Wendy this morning at the food bank, and she mentioned that you might be in need of some food. We’ve had extra come in, and if we don’t use it, then we must throw it away.”

Now, I was getting ticked off at being a pity case. “I’m good.” I said, and I didn’t let them in.

“Isla, aren’t you going to say hi?” Kayla held open her arms.

I stayed in the doorway. “Hi. And hi, Ella. And hi, Mrs. Armstrong. I’m not a charity case.”

Kayla put her arms down and frowned. “We didn’t think you were. We just heard that you might need a few things.”

I cocked an eyebrow. “And your brother and son told you that I was looking for a job yesterday?”

None of them gave anything away.

Kayla shrugged. “What is the big deal? Don’t you think we would be interested to know you were back in town? And that we cared about you?”

My heart raced. I had forgotten what it was like to be disarmed by kindness.

Mrs. Armstrong put the box of food down and moved to the front, opening her arms. “Even if you don’t take our food, and even if you don’t like us being here, I do get to hug you. I have missed you, sweetheart.”

Now I was really disarmed, and I fell into her hug, finding myself hugging her back and feeling glad that they were here.

Mrs. Armstrong pulled back and grinned at me. “You look good, Isla. Are you sure we can’t come in and chat for a minute?”

I took a step back. “Of course. Come in.”

Kayla picked up the box, and they all came in.

Mrs. Armstrong looked around. “You’re painting? That’ll be nice. I remember this place from a long time ago, and it’s needed some new paint and some work done for a while.”

I grinned at her and led them into the kitchen. “Since it seems like you guys know a lot about my life, yes, I’m painting. I’m staying here for a while. Wendy told me I could do some chores, and she would take some off the rent.” I decided to just say it, since they apparently knew a lot about me.

We all moved into the kitchen, and Mrs. Armstrong unloaded the box of food items.

I started putting them away. “You really didn’t have to do this.”

Kayla moved around to the windows that faced outside. “This is good land. I’m surprised they don’t put up some cabins out here and make this into some type of dude ranch or something.”

“That is a great idea.”

Kayla snapped her fingers. “Listen, do you need a job? Because you know that we have the resort property on the east side of town. I’m always looking for people to work some desk shifts. Especially during the summer. Especially with the Fourth of July coming and all of the tourists we will have.”

For some reason, it felt rigged to have her offer a job so easily. “I don’t know.” Of course, I needed the job. I should just accept the job. But for some reason, I’d been thinking about that stupid dispatch job.

Ella cocked her head to the side. “I know the hospital is always looking for people. I don’t know what kind of work you’re looking for, but they always need people.”

“Thank you. I’ll have to think about it.”

Mrs. Armstrong gave me a once-over. “Isla, I hope you know the people in this town take care of their own. You have been missed, and all of us want to help you get back on your feet.”

Once again, I vacillated between being grateful and irritated. “Thank you. People have been great to me.” I thought about Wendy and Willow and all their generosity. “The truth is, I have been thinking about that dispatch job. I think it would be fulfilling to help people. Since you all know about me …” It felt weird to have everyone in the room know about what had happened when I was young. “I remember making that phone call to the police, and I remember how comforting Mrs. Friendly’s voice was on the other end.” I turned away from them, hating how emotional I was getting. “I guess I’d like to help out someone else in the same situation, be a voice of comfort for them.” I shrugged, feeling sad. “Too bad I walked out on that interview, but that’s on me.”

For a long moment, all of us were quite quiet.

I finished putting away the food and turned back to them. “Thank you for stopping by. I really want to get this painting done.”

They all seemed to share a look that said they could tell I wasn’t in the mood for more talking.

Kayla leaned in and hugged me again. “I get it. You’re fiercely independent. I like it. Just remember that sometimes, when you are given another chance, you should take it.” She turned for the door.

Wow. I had to admire Kayla; she just called things as she saw them.

Her mother hugged me as well. “Good to have you back in town. And it’s not charity to stop by the food bank. That is exactly what the food bank is for: people that need food.”

I wanted to say that was charity, but I didn’t.

Ella paused and then pulled me in for a hug. “I know you are back and you’re dealing with your own past, but … we are here for you, whatever you need. Sincerely.” She took my hand and gave it a squeeze. Then she pulled out her phone. “Can I get your number so I can check in on you?”

“Yeah,” Kayla and Mrs. Armstrong echoed.

I sighed but then gave them my number. Instantly, they all texted me.

Ella grinned at me. “There, now you have our numbers too. Please call if you need anything.”

As I watched them leave, I wondered how I could walk back into the police station and get that job.