This whole party was simply a way to ease her own conscience. How selfish she’d been. How wrong.

But this was what Louisa did. She took care of people—it was her job. Surely they understood how important it was to take care of the people she loved most of all. Right?

She’d been so stupid—so arrogant—to assume she had that kind of power.

At the mention of Maggie’s name, Mom shifted. “Of course. For Maggie.” But she quickly stood, hugged her purse to her body, and gave Louisa a nod. “Do take a shower, dear. You look like a mess.”

With that, she was gone.

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

“EVERYTHING IS PERFECT.” Ally had been doling out extra compliments in light of Louisa’s sour mood.

Everything was not perfect. In fact, nothing was perfect. But at least when Louisa made mistakes, she made them big: planning a party disguised as a reconciliation for people who didn’t want to be reconciled, inviting Marissa, pushing Cody away. What would she do next—marry Eric, abandon her business, and live a boring, pathetic life?

She groaned.

“What is it?” Ally asked.

“Nothing,” Louisa said. “I just need to get through this night.”

“Get through?” Ally grimaced. “You always said we started The Good Life to stop ‘getting through.’ This party has been on your radar all summer—you don’t get through it; you enjoy it. It might be the last time you get to do something wonderful for Maggie.”

Louisa was embarrassed she needed this reminder.

But she did. She’d grown so selfish she needed to be reminded that one of her dearest friends was dying, and if she were honest, she’d watched Maggie’s condition worsen over the last few weeks. How much longer did the old woman have?

“You’re right,” Louisa said. “You’re so right.”

Ally nodded as if to say, Of course I am. “Why are we standing here? We have guests to greet.”

They’d set up tables and chairs out on Maggie’s favorite beach just behind her house. In the distance, Louisa could see her father heating the oil for the fish fry, and her mom walked around with a tray of hors d’oeuvres.