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couldn’t ask for a better business partner,’ said Paula. ‘It helps that she’s an amazing cook. She’s kept us all fed. And her daughter recruited the Teen Town Council to help with rebuilding the summerhouse. They’ve been great.’
    â€˜The Teen Town Council?’ Her tone had definitely capitalized the words, and I repeated it the same way.
    Paula waved a hand. ‘You’ll meet them. Bluestone Hill makes a good meeting place, so they’re always around.’
    I glanced at Rhys again to see his latest reaction. But he was gazing straight ahead, his hands on the wheel, as if the road required more concentration than a fourlane divided highway warranted.
    Paula reached across and patted his shoulder. ‘And of course, Rhys and his dad are a godsend. They needed a cheap place to stay and didn’t care that we’re not even open – goodness, not even ready yet.’
    Some tension – maybe I had been imagining it – ran out of him, and he smiled, entirely genuine. ‘There’s a bed and there’s Clara’s stellar breakfasts. We can’t ask for a better situation.’
    â€˜Even when I recruit you to drive me to Birmingham.’ She glanced over her shoulder to tell me, ‘I don’t like to drive so far by myself.’
    I wanted to ask more about Rhys and his father’s situation, but this last comment distracted me. ‘How far a drive is it?’
    Rhys looked at his watch. ‘Less than two hours. We should be there in time for a late supper.’
    â€˜Two hours ?’ Gigi squirmed in my lap, as if she knew what we were talking about. ‘We’re going to need a rest stop before then.’
    Nodding, he changed lanes. ‘There’s a spot on the way.’
    We’d quickly left the suburban homes and strip malls, and were now on the tree-lined interstate. I usually had a very good sense of direction, but I was slow to get my bearings after the tiring trip. I had no idea where we were, except, apparently, a long way from our destination.
    â€˜I need to fire my travel agent,’ I grumbled.
    â€˜Any large airport would be a bit of a drive,’ Rhys said.
    Paula confirmed this with a chuckle. ‘Yes, we’re really out in the sticks.’
    â€˜And you’re opening an inn?’ I asked. ‘Who do you expect to stay there?’
    â€˜Oh heavens. People come from all over to hunt and fish or just enjoy nature. There’s antique shopping,we’re on the way to Mobile, and Selma’s not far away at all.’
    I couldn’t decide if I was more annoyed or appalled at myself for not asking these questions before I’d left New York. I could have at least looked the place up on a map. ‘What’s the name of your town again?’
    â€˜Well, the Hill is the country, a few miles from a charming little town called Maddox Landing.’ Paula spoke with some pride and a lot of tour-guide enthusiasm. ‘I expect you’ll know everyone’s name within a day or two. They’re all looking forward to meeting you.’
    â€˜Oh God.’ I didn’t realize I’d groaned aloud until I sensed her bristling in the front seat. No taking it back, I guess. ‘Why would they want to do that?’
    â€˜Because you’re a Davis, of course.’ She’d pokered up, her back ramrod straight, giving me a disapproving look over her shoulder. ‘It would behoove you to be a little gracious if folks want to welcome you home.’
    A quick rush of remorse scorched my ears. I was being ungracious and ungrateful. The fact that this wasn’t my home seemed like a pointless argument. Especially with someone who used ‘behoove’ in a sentence without the slightest irony.
    I didn’t want to look at Rhys, but I couldn’t help that any more than my blush. He was watching me again, but not with disapproval or sympathy. Just that same, studying look, as if