Entertaining Donna hadn’t turned out to be a problem. After Annie helped her unpack and find places for almost everything, Donna said she needed a nap. Annie told her to make herself at home, that she’d be back later. “There’s plenty of food in the refrigerator if you get hungry. Please, help yourself.”

All Annie needed then was to find something to do. She could not go to the main house; she didn’t want to see Kevin, for fear she’d give away Donna’s secret. Even with the positive cancer outcome, it was up to Donna to tell him, especially since he’d be upset that he hadn’t found out sooner.

Annie thought about driving up island to see Winnie, but trekking up and back, and having a good visit, would simply take too long.

She didn’t want to go to Earl and Claire’s, because Claire had a way of reading people’s minds. If she asked Annie outright if everything with Donna was okay, Annie might spill what she knew. Then there’d be no telling whom Claire might tell. She was a wonderful, caring woman, but sometimes it was hard for her to hold her tongue. And if she told Taylor . . . Well, the news was sure to be dispersed across the island faster than skunk spray in breeding season.

Before spending more time ruminating, Annie realized there was only one place other than Winnie’s where she could go and feel safe sharing Donna’s news. So she boarded the On Time and went to John’s.

“He’s still sleeping,” Lucy said when she greeted Annie at the door. “But go upstairs and wake him. He won’t care if it’s you.”

Annie hesitated. After all, the bedroom was off-limits when Lucy was around.

“Oh, for God’s sake,” Lucy said. “Go upstairs. I’m not stupid. And I’m not five years old. If it makes you feel better, I’ll walk over to the library.”

Annie smiled. “Yes, that would make me feel better.”

Lucy rolled her eyes, grabbed her backpack, and meandered out the door, texting as she walked away.

The heavy drapes in John’s room blocked out every ray of daylight that might have tried to sneak in. Which was why when Annie opened the door, stepped inside, and was accosted by something small and furry, she let out a shriek. She wasn’t yet accustomed to Restless being there.

“Hey,” John mumbled from under the covers. “Whoever is entering this room better have a good reason.”

“It’s me,” Annie whispered, as if whispering would make her interruption less startling. She bent down and scratched Restless behind his ears, which only resulted in him running in circles, yipping for more attention. “I’m sorry. I forgot about the dog.” Her vision started to adjust to the lack of light.

“Restless,” John said in a hushed, barely audible tone, “c’mere.”