It was when Heather became the declarer and Donna the dummy that Donna began to talk, which was only natural, Heather supposed, because Donna’s hand was on the table and it was up to Heather to play to win.

  “Can’t stop thinking,” Donna said softly, “about this poor little island and how it’s being overrun by billionaires. I’m especially concerned about the condition of the harbor water. All the pesticides and fertilizers going into the harbor, killing fish and seaweed.”

  “We have rules about that,” Miribelle reminded her, placing a jack on the table and taking a trick.

  “True, but who enforces the rules?” Donna asked, outrage in her voice. “I’m going to petition the board of selectmen to appoint a state-approved inspector whose duty is to check out the new building sites and impose fines on the contractors who violate the rules.”

  Heather didn’t react. She was glad she had the bridge game to distract her.

  Lana said, “The contractors aren’t responsible for the grounds. The landscapers are.”

  “Ah!” Donna pounced. “But who hires and inspects the landscapers? The people who’re having their little palaces built here don’t want to bother with landscapers. The contractor chooses the landscaper and is responsible for checking their work. I know. I’ve been looking into this.”

  “The town would have to hire someone qualified to regulate the different landscapers,” Linda said. “Another cost to the taxpayers.”

  “I will set up a fund to pay the inspector,” Donna said triumphantly. “I’ll be willing to meet the salary and other costs for the first year, but everyone on this island knows how important a clean harbor is to us personally, and as a resort community.”

  Linda said, “I’d be willing to contribute. I’ll write you a check right now.”

  “Hold off on that,” Donna said. “It’s possible that the fines we gather from contractors who don’t make their landscapers adhere to the rules would more than make up for the cost of the salary.”

  Miribelle intervened. “Have you talked to the Land Council’s Waterkeeper?”

  “That person is only an advocate,” Donna said. “We need an inspector and enforcer.”

  “Goodness,” Lana said. “That sounds so…Russian.”

  “You’re right.” Donna sighed dramatically. “We’re here to play bridge. I’m only sharing my thoughts with you all, and I need you to keep this under your hats until I’ve completed looking into this, both on the local and the state levels.”

  Heather played a card and took the last trick, smiling pleasantly, as if she didn’t realize that Donna’s idea was aimed at Bob Essex and his company. Actually, she could understand why Donna would want such a person on the island. New homes were being built daily, and anyone driving down Eel Point Road or Lincoln Street up on the cliff could see clearly that the natural wild grasses and flowers of the island had been killed and replaced by unnaturally perfect lawns.

  “Well played!” Miribelle told Heather.

  “Yes,” Donna said. “Good job. I hope you won’t tell anyone about my proposal just yet.”

  Heather gave Donna an innocent smile. “Of course not!”

  The rest of the afternoon passed pleasantly. Heather drank enough iced tea to float a kayak, and flattered Donna about her beautiful house. Finally, the group broke up. Heather tried not to run to her car, and once she was inside, she sat with her head against the headrest and forced herself to deep breathe.

  What had happened in there? Should she mention Donna’s plan to Evelyn?

  No, she decided. Evelyn had a heart problem. And Heather didn’t have to deal with it, at least not urgently. Right now, she wanted to deal with a cold vodka tonic and the most twisty, dark, mystery novel she had in the house.

  * * *

  —

  In mid-July, the heat and humidity intensified, lying over the island like a wet quilt. Heather woke early for her walk on the beach, and by seven-thirty, when she left, people were already arriving with their beach umbrellas and coolers, making little nests at the edge of the ocean. At home, Heather took a shower and dressed for work at Miles’s office. She returned to her house for lunch and to let Sugar out for a while. At one, she drove to Evelyn’s house to help her with her correspondence. She was rather proud of herself. She had two real jobs!

  Today, she found Evelyn downstairs, fully dressed in tennis shorts and a lavender T-shirt, settled on a living room sofa, piles of papers next to her on the coffee table.

  “I couldn’t stand staying in my bed another minute,” Evelyn said. “When all this is over, I’m having the room redecorated.”

  Heather settled on the sofa across from Evelyn. “When all what is over?”

  “This heart business, of course. I’m not getting as many responses to my emails about ENF and I’m sure it’s because I haven’t been able to attend any of the parties and galas and lectures. It’s ridiculous, just sitting around! I hate it!”

  Heather joked, “Calm down, Evelyn, or you’ll have another heart event and I’ll have to give you CPR.”

  “What?” Evelyn looked at Heather, appalled. “That would be awful!”

  “It’s not like I’d enjoy it, either,” Heather said dryly, and then a wonderful thing happened. Both women burst out laughing, together, laughing so hard Heather’s stomach hurt.

  “I’ll be good, I’ll be good, I promise,” Evelyn said, and laughed even more.

  When they settled down, they went through the day’s email. Evelyn, with Heather working on Evelyn’s laptop, made large donations to several groups, with sincere apologies because she would not be able to attend. They took a break while Heather made glasses of iced tea for them both—peach-flavored tea, with no caffeine.

  “I’m worried about Kailee,” Evelyn said. “She doesn’t seem able to concentrate this summer. She’s odd lately. She hardly eats anything.” Evelyn looked at Heather. “Do you think she’s doing the ‘stick your hand down your throat’ thing? She’s losing weight, I can tell, even if I’m not there to eat meals with her.”

  Heather leaned back in the couch, pretending to think. “What does Gravity say?”

  “She agrees with me. Unless Kailee’s taking all her meals out, she’s not eating. Kailee’s not touching what Gravity cooks.”

  “I imagine she’s eating with Ross. And I think they go out to eat with friends. I wouldn’t worry. It’s summer. Everyone’s busy.” Heather tried to sound reassuring, but her conscience was troubling her. Evelyn was Kailee’s mother. Why hadn’t Kailee talked with her? The next time she saw Kailee, she’d urge her to confide in Evelyn.

  “Ross is coming over tonight to install two window air conditioners,” Heather said, changing the subject. “I don’t mind the heat, but the humidity makes me droop. Plus, I can’t be bothered to make a decent meal for myself. I’ve been living on takeout.”

  “We should take a break,” Evelyn suggested. “Let’s finish the next two letters, and then I think I’d better rest. Just thinking about Kailee makes me nervous.”

  “She’ll be fine,” Heather said, because that was what one said. And she did believe it.

  * * *

  —

  That evening, Ross arrived with two air conditioners in the back of his truck. It didn’t take him long to install them, one in Heather’s bedroom, one in the far living room window.

  “Thanks, darling,” Heather said. “Do you have time for a drink?”

  “Do you have beer?”

  “Heineken,” Heather replied, smiling.

  “I absolutely have time.” Ross threw himself down on the sofa. He was deeply tanned, and in several places, he was scratched or cut.

  “Would you like some Neosporin for those cuts?” Heather asked, handing him a beer.

  “No, Mom, don’t bother. They’re not deep.” Ross took a long swig of beer. “How are you doing? I know you’re helping Evelyn with her committee work.”

  “I think we’re both doing fine. We’re getting to know each other. She’s a high-powered woman and genuinely concerned about the island, and I’m glad she’s taking the medication she was prescribed, because it calms her down a bit.”

  “How are you doing?” Ross persisted.

  Heather smiled. “I’m fine, and you’re sweet to ask. I think this island is the most beautiful place on earth. I dream of living here, year-round. I like the peace, and the pace.”

  “It’s not peaceful now,” Ross said. “The island is more crowded than it’s ever been. Maybe as many as one hundred thousand people were here for the Fourth of July. You should try to stay in September and October. That’s supposed to be the best time.” He paused. “Do you miss Dad?”

  “Truthfully, Ross, I don’t. We weren’t really with each other the past few years. I don’t mean in the same location, I mean mentally, spiritually. I felt guilty for leaving him. I’m so relieved that he’s found Nova—whenever he found her—and has a new life. I hope you don’t feel left out, I mean with your father.”

  “I’m good.” He turned serious. “Listen. I want to talk to you about something.”

  Oh, no, Heather thought. She sat across from him, looking innocent, or trying to.

  “It’s Kailee. I’m worried about her. She’s always cranky and exhausted.”

  Heather tried to sound thoughtful and wise. “I suppose the first year of working after being in university, I mean, really working, is stressful. Plus, I’m sure she’s worried about her mother. Evelyn’s heart is still giving her trouble, and Kailee must be aware of that, but she’s helpless to do anything.” Plus, she’s pregnant, Heather wanted to say. But didn’t.

  “It’s more than that, Mom. She’s closing off from me, I can feel it. I don’t know what to do.”

  Heather said, very quietly, “Ross, you have to talk to her. I think…I think you have to ask her what’s going on.”

  “What’s going on?” Ross echoed. “What do you mean, what’s going on? Mom, what do you know? Tell me!”

  Heather said, “It’s not mine to tell.”

  Ross stared at his mother for one long moment. He stood up, started to speak, sat down. “Mom. Is Kailee pregnant?”

  Heather said, “Go home, Ross.”

  twenty

  On weekdays, Gravity always made delicious dinners that she left in the refrigerator when she went home at the end of the day. Kailee microwaved a plate of shepherd’s pie and took a tray up to her mother. She stayed and chatted with Evelyn for a while. Her father came home, fixed himself a Scotch, and came up to his wife’s room.

  “How’s our patient?” he asked, kissing his wife on the forehead.

  “I’m absolutely bored out of my mind,” Evelyn told him.

  “We’re seeing the doctor tomorrow,” Bob reminded her. “We’ll see if she lets you get back to normal.”

  Kailee heard Ross’s truck enter the driveway. “Dad, there’s a fab shepherd’s pie Gravity made on the counter. Just give it a minute in the microwave and you’ll have your dinner. And you can make Mom eat hers. I’m going to see Ross.”

  As she went down the stairs, Kailee hoped Ross had eaten at his mother’s. She knew he was delivering air conditioners there, and installing them for Heather. Surely, she’d give him dinner in return. She loved her father, she did, but she knew the moment he came in the room that he’d ask her to fix his dinner and bring it up to him, and she was in such a cranky, uncontrollable mood these days that she didn’t want to wait on him hand and foot. Taking care of her mother was enough. Her father was a grown-up. He could fend for himself, but every morning he still expected Kailee to have a cup of hot coffee waiting for him. Kailee was going absolutely crazy! She loved her parents, she loved Ross, but everyone was driving her mad.

  She stomped up the stairs to the garage apartment and opened the door. She thought she’d find Ross in the shower after his long day, but to her surprise, he was standing in the living room looking like thunder.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  “Are you pregnant?” Ross demanded.

  “What?” She’d never seen Ross look so angry. Still, he had no right to act like this.

  “I asked if you are pregnant,” Ross said, lowering his voice but keeping the tension.

  “Oh my God. Your mother told you. I knew I couldn’t trust her.”

  “Stop it, Kailee. Answer me, please. Yes or no?”

  Kailee burst into tears. “I don’t know what to do!”

  Ross looked terrified. “You’re pregnant.”

  “But I don’t have to be,” Kailee told him. “I know we weren’t planning on having kids until we were thirty.”

  Ross walked to Kailee and took her in his arms, cradling her head against his chest. “It’s okay. Come on, let’s sit down.”

  They sat on the sofa, side by side, Kailee sniffing back her tears. Ross kept his arm around her, and she was grateful for that.

  “Your mom shouldn’t have told you,” Kailee said resentfully. “I wanted to tell you. She only found out first because when she brought over her meatloaf, I barfed. Oh, God, it was awful.”

  “You’ve been vomiting a lot, haven’t you?” Ross asked, his voice gentle.

  “I thought I’d covered it up.”

  “The bathroom smells like you’ve been pouring Listerine in the toilet.”

  Kailee smiled. “I have.”

  Ross took a deep breath, his body so close to hers, so twinned with hers, she could feel him inhale and exhale.

  “When did you know?” Ross asked.

  “Just after the Fourth of July.” Kailee took a big shuddering breath. “I tried to tell you, but…it didn’t seem to be the right time.”

  Ross counted on his fingers. “So, if we have the baby, it will be in March.”

  Kailee stared at his face. “You said ‘we.’ If we have the baby.”

  “Kailee, of course. It’s a decision we both have to make. Together. I’m sorry you felt it was all on you. Did you talk to your mom?”

  “No. I didn’t want to give her anything else to worry about.”

  “She might be happy about it. But you and I have to decide if we’re going to have this baby.”

  This baby. “It’s not a baby yet, Ross. It’s, like, a cluster of cells.”

  Ross stood up. “I’m going to get a seltzer. Would you like one?”

  “No, thanks.” Her emotions were all over the place. She was shocked that Ross was so calm, and furious that Heather had told him, and worried about telling her parents, and freaking terrified of making a decision one way or the other. But she wasn’t crying right now. Or throwing up. That was something.

  Ross stood in the galley kitchen, sipping his seltzer, thinking. At least she thought he was thinking. Maybe he was wondering when he could watch the Red Sox.

  Ross said, “If we have a baby, we don’t want to live in the garage apartment, right?”

  “I suppose.” She was still stunned at Ross’s reaction. “We could always find a place to rent,” Kailee said.

  Ross nodded. “I’ve been talking with some of the guys. They’ve bought land and in their spare time, they’re building their own houses. They help each other out, like with the plumbing or electric stuff. We could do that.” Ross stood up and began to pace. “We could borrow money from your parents and buy a piece of land, and over the winter, I could build a house.” His face brightened. “I could build a house, Kailee. It wouldn’t have to be big. Not at first. Mom might give us, I don’t know, money for a wedding present to help us pay for part of it.”

  “Ross, what are you saying? Do you want to have this baby? It would ruin our plans. Well, maybe not yours, but mine. I couldn’t take care of a baby and work with George, and I really couldn’t take care of a baby and help my mother.”

  “Couldn’t you have, what do they call it, maternity leave?”

  “Ross, this all seems easy for you, but it’s different for women. I’d be the one sacrificing her career, staying home with a baby. I couldn’t work and take care of an infant.”

  “Well, my mom did it,” Ross said.

  Kailee picked up a book from the coffee table and threw it at Ross. It hit him on the thigh.

  “I am so sick of your mother! First, she tells you a secret that’s not hers to tell, and now you’re holding her up as St. Mama, capable of working full-time and taking care of a baby full-time!”

  “I never said she was a saint,” Ross argued. “But she did take care of me and do the books at the hardware store until I started walking.”

  “You want me to carry our baby in a laundry basket and nurse it in front of George?”

  “I didn’t mean that, Kailee. I just mean I think we could figure it out.”

  Kailee rose, folding her arms as if she was trying to keep herself together. “I can’t do this. I feel sick. I’m going home.” She went to the door to the steps.

  “Yeah, Kailee, you do that. You go home,” Ross called after her.

  * * *

  —

  Damn Heather! Kailee thought as she raced down the stairs from the garage apartment. How could she? How could Ross’s mother tell Ross the most important, sacred secret of all?

  She hesitated by the back door to the house. She was sane enough to know she shouldn’t face her parents in this deranged, furious, terrified state. She’d give her poor mother another heart attack. And this was all Heather’s fault!

  She went quietly into the house, found her purse, and left the house without slamming the door. She ran to her Jeep. She got in and started the engine. She drove to Heather’s cottage, shaking with anger all the way.

  Heather’s car was in the stupid little dirt driveway. Kailee slammed her car door and hurried up the path. She knocked on the door so hard it hurt her knuckles, which made her cry and curse even more.