“Yeah, well, it, uh…it didn’t seem like the time.” Gray fiddles with the strap of his bag.

I recall what he said on the ferry, that the last time he saw Sam’s parents was at his memorial.

A flash of sadness crosses Marnie’s voice before she recovers. “Celebrating life is part of accepting death. I always want to hear about yours, understand? It’s what Sam would have wanted.”

Gray nods. “Okay.”

“Good.” Marnie returns to the desk and pulls a key off the hook. She sets it on the counter and then pulls out a sheet of paper with a map. “You’re in room 205. Top of the stairs to the right. And here’s a map of the town. I’m sure you can pull up whatever you need on your phone. Scott insists we hand out copies to all the guests anyway.” She looks at me. “My husband isn’t one for technology.”

I smile.

“Dockside has the best food on the island. You should plan to go there for dinner. I’m happy to make you two a reservation.”

“You and Scott should join us.” I make the offer automatically. I’ve known Gray’s parents for most of my life. Yet oddly, I feel like I’m seeking out parental approval right now. It’s obvious how close Gray and Marnie are.

“Oh, no. You kids should enjoy yourselves.”

“No, really. We’d love to have the company.” I don’t look at Gray, but Marnie does.

“Okay,” she agrees. “That sounds lovely. I’ll make a reservation for seven p.m.?”

I nod. “Perfect.”

“All right. Y’all need anything before then, just let me know.”

“We will,” Gray replies. “Thanks, Marnie.”

He heads for the hallway with our bags. With one final smile, I walk out after him. There’s a middle-aged couple coming down the stairs. We wait for them to pass and then Gray starts climbing. The stairs creak with each step. The walls on the second floor have no artwork besides the same floral wallpaper. It appears every frame in the place was congregated together for a first impression.

Gray unlocks 205 and pushes the wooden door open. Yellow giraffes cover the walls in here instead of flowers. The sight draws an involuntary smile as I peer at one of the animals replicated thousands of times around the room. The furniture is all built from old, dark wood and decorated with elaborate carvings. The four-poster bed takes up most of the room. There’s also a chest of drawers and a love seat covered with pink upholstery.

He tosses our bags on the blue bedspread.

“You’re really close with his parents.”