“That didn’t look good.”

Sydney turned to see Nikola holding her laptop and bag. “How much of that did you hear? And, well, see?”

“Enough.”

“Clearly I can’t go to Maine now.”

“Actually, I think he’s all the more reason to go. You’re stuck, the both of you. Him getting into trouble, you bailing him out over and over again.” Nikola slipped Sydney’s laptop into the bag and handed it to her. “You want to help him? Let him see you choose something different for once. Something new.”

It couldn’t be that simple. Sydney slid her bag over her shoulder. “Nik—”

Her friend interrupted her by holding up a business card. Wilder’s. “Just call him.”

“You went through my stuff?”

“Yes, because I’m that good of a friend.” Nikola leaned in for a hug. “The kind of friend who’s not afraid to boss you around. Go, Syd. Go meet your maybe-grandmother. Go look for your father. Let go of all the doubts holding you back and just . . . go.”

Text from Sydney to Micah: Hey, can we talk?

Text from Sydney to Nikola: I can’t believe it! Lorenzo gave me two weeks off work!!!!

Nikola: Of course he did. You’ve got all your bosses wrapped around your little finger. ;)

Sydney: Wilder flies out tonight . . . I guess maybe I do too?!?!?! This is insane.

Nikola: It’s an adventure. Enjoy it!

Text from Wilder to Maggie: Well, she’s coming. Getting her a plane ticket and everything. Hope you’ve warned Neil and the girls.

Maggie: I don’t do texts, young man! But also . . . thank you. Sincerely, genuinely, thank you.

Text from Wilder to Sydney: Hold up. Guess tonight’s flight is overbooked. They rebooked us for tomorrow morning. I’m emailing you the deets.

Sydney: People still say deets?

Wilder: Ha. Ha. Make sure to pack a warm coat. That seaside chill is nothing to mess with.

Sydney: Random question—do you know anyone in Muir Harbor named JP?

Wilder: Not that I can think of. Why?

Sydney: Fill you in tomorrow.

Voicemail from Wilder to Maggie: Okay, I know you don’t do texts, but be honest, do you ever actually check your voicemail? I hope so ’cause I need to let you know we won’t hit Maine ’til tomorrow. Flight got

changed.

Text from Lilian to Neil: Why do I keep thinking about that car in the drive last night?

Neil: Because we told too many ghost stories as kids. We’re susceptible to needless alarm.

Lilian: But why was Cap whining? Shouldn’t he have been barking?

Neil: Why are you texting me from one room away? I’m in the kitchen. Just come talk to me.

Lilian: Grump.

Text from Sydney to Micah: If you don’t want to talk about this morning, that’s fine. But I need to let you know I’m taking a trip. To Maine. For two weeks. Long story. I leave tomorrow. If you ever want to hear it . . .