Someone Else’s Life(9)

It was her fault, of course. Brody had only commented on the darkening sky and how maybe he shouldn’t have asked her to drive down with the storm approaching. And instead of taking it for what it was, a man concerned about his wife and child, she’d been offended, thinking Brody was saying that she didn’t know how to keep their son safe. She’d caught herself in midsentence, noting how shrill her voice was and wondering what had happened to them. Why couldn’t they have a simple conversation without her turning it into World War III? What kind of example was she setting for her son, who was looking back and forth between them, his brows furrowed?

Brody had caught her eyes, and as if sensing her thoughts, he’d reached out and taken one of her hands in his, giving it a squeeze. The feel of his big palm holding hers grounded her, and the harsh words died on her tongue as a wave of shame washed over her. Brody had squeezed her hand again, and she’d looked up to see him wagging his eyebrows at her, making her laugh.

Brody had laughed too, a happy, booming sound that Annie hadn’t known she’d missed until she heard it again. She smiled now, thinking about it as the bathroom door opened. She swung her head to watch as the woman came out and stood awkwardly by the couch.

“I hung the towel in the bathroom.” The woman gestured behind her. “Is that okay?”

“Of course.” Annie pushed away from the counter. “Can I get you something warm to drink? Coffee or tea?” She gestured to the bottle of cabernet sauvignon she’d opened. “Or a glass of wine? I know it’s only three o’clock, but it seems appropriate, given the storm and being alone.” Oh shit, maybe she shouldn’t have mentioned she was alone. How stupid could she be? “I mean, all my family are just over there, but . . . you know what I mean.”

“Tea would be nice.” The woman eyed Marley until Annie gestured to the two stools at the breakfast bar. The woman made her way slowly to them and perched on the edge of one, looking ill at ease. Either she was a great actress, or she really was harmless, just someone stuck in the storm needing refuge. “Thank you for letting me intrude on you like this. My name is Serena.”

“I’m Annie.” She put the kettle on the stove and turned to look at Serena. “Do you need to call anyone? Your husband maybe?”

“I’m not married.” Something sparked in Serena’s eyes, but it was gone so fast Annie wondered if she had imagined it. “It’s just me. I don’t have family on the island.”

“Oh.” Annie couldn’t help but feel sorry for the woman. As much as she didn’t want to spend an afternoon with her family, she was glad they were there if she needed them for anything. “What can I do? Maybe you can call the insurance company and they can send someone out to get you and the car?”

Serena made a face. “It’s a rental. I tried calling the company, but I couldn’t get through. I was just going to wait in the car, but it’s raining so hard I guess I got a little scared.” She gave a self-deprecating shrug. “I’ll call them again in a bit.”

“Are you a tourist?”

Serena shook her head. “Not really, but . . . I don’t have a car yet. I’m looking for one.”

“Oh.” Annie’s brows knitted, not sure what that meant. “Well, you’re welcome to wait out the storm here if you want.” She kept a pleasant expression on her face, but inside, she cursed herself. Shit, did I just offer for her to stay here? Why, why, why? I was looking forward to a quiet afternoon by myself.

“Thank you so much.” Serena shot her a grateful look.

Something flashed in Annie’s memory again. “Do I know you?” Annie cocked her head to the side as she studied Serena. She was pretty sure she didn’t know her, but there was something familiar about her, like seeing a celebrity in real life. Maybe she’d seen her on TV? Was she an actress or something?

Serena tilted her head. “I don’t think so. We’ve never met.” Her right eye twitched and she winced, almost as if she were in pain.

“Are you okay?” Annie asked.

“Yes.” Serena shifted on her stool as Annie looked at her.

At that moment, the kettle whistled, and Annie moved to pour the water into the blue-and-white china teapot she’d inherited from her mom. It had a built-in filter so she could fill the pot directly with tea leaves without having to use a bag. She brought the teapot and teacups to the breakfast bar and then reached for her phone to text Brody. It suddenly occurred to her that it would be a good idea to let someone know she had a visitor in case her overactive imagination was right.

Hey. A woman is here in the Ohana with me. Said car broke down and storm scared her. I invited her to stay here until it gets better out.

Brody answered right away.

I can’t believe you let a stranger in the house.

A: I know. But it was raining so hard. And I felt bad. Finn isn’t here. He’s with my father and Sam.

B: Do you feel funny about it? Maybe you should go to the main house.

A: No.

Annie decided not to tell Brody that she did feel slightly funny. It was probably just her paranoia. She didn’t want to worry him for no reason.

B: Ok, well, keep me posted.

A: Will do.

Annie looked up from her phone to catch Serena staring at her. “Sorry, I’m being rude. That was my husband.” She tucked her phone into the back pocket of her shorts and looked at her guest. Could she be called a guest if Annie didn’t know her and hadn’t expected her to show up on her doorstep?