“I’m going to apply for an online university and take some writing classes.”

“Writing?” Olivia said, cocking her head.

“Yeah,” Chase said, clasping her hands and looking down at them, feeling vulnerable. “I’ve enjoyed keeping my journal, and I thought perhaps if I wrote about my journey, my life the way it unfolded, the mistakes I made, all that stuff, that I might be able to help someone else who is going through or might have gone through what I went through . . . what Marley went through.”

Olivia blinked at her a few times, the befuddlement clearing. “You want to write a book?”

“I sent Marshall—you know, my agent—a long text last night about taking a break from working. I told him I planned to write my story, and this morning he gave me the name of someone at a publishing house. He’s going to talk to a literary agent he knows and maybe even option it for film. I also mentioned my mother to him. Lorna was a fine actress back in the day, but she gave everything up for my career. Lorna needs to focus on herself, too. Not me. Marshall said he would check around. See? I’m being responsible. And I was going to call you and my mom right after I had coffee. I just needed that coffee first. Maybe two cups even.” Chase unclasped her hands and leaned back.

Neve raised her eyebrows. “That’s quite a change.”

Chase nodded. It was, indeed, but she felt more certain about this new direction than she had about anything other than Zeke. Of course, she still had to talk to him and see if he felt the way she did. She suspected he did. He, too, had called her last night when her phone was off, leaving a message that he was worried about her. She’d texted him before she’d come downstairs, asking if she could see him today.

There was only one other thing to do.

“So, Olivia and Neve, I have a favor to ask,” Chase said with a hopeful smile. “Can I stay here to write the book? Stay in my old room? I can pay rent and help Neve with some of the renovations. I’m great at raking. Okay, so-so, but if Zeke gives me a second chance, I can probably borrow his tarp.”

Olivia straightened in her chair and did the blinky-blink thing again. “You want to live here? In the cabin? This is all so . . .”

“Bizarre? I know. But it’s right for me.”

Neve shrugged. “I don’t mind. I could use a little company. I’ve been talking to that blasted cat like it’s a person. At least you can talk back.”

Olivia stared hard at Chase for a few seconds, and then she glanced at her sister. “Um, sure.”

Chase felt relief flood her. “Thank you. For everything.”

Tears filled Olivia’s eyes again. “You’re welcome.”