Holly’s disappointment rode into Alice, taking the shine off what had been a very happy fifty minutes. She supposed she could take Holly home and see the bronze pelican, but she felt uncomfortable rocking up unannounced. She and Harry had an employer–employee relationship and he always delivered Holly to her. He’d never suggested that Alice come to the house and pick up Holly. Not that Harry wasn’t polite, but from the first time they’d met on the pier, Alice had sensed a reserve and a need for privacy. The only time it had wavered was at Relay for Life when his obvious concern for Holly had made him fight for her.

“It’s not that I don’t want to come, Holly. I’d love to see the pelican. It’s just you should probably ask your dad first.”

“Ask me what?”

Harry’s voice startled Alice so much she almost dropped her pencil into the bay.

“Daddy!” Holly scrambled to her feet. “I want to show Alice Mom’s pelican.”

Surprise lit up his eyes, immediately followed by hesitation, giving Holly the opportunity to add, “You said I could invite a friend home anytime I wanted.”

Alice stood and gave Harry the out he obviously wanted. “I was just explaining to Holly that today might not be convenient.”

“Please, Dad,” Holly begged. “Alice sucks at drawing birds. Seeing Mom’s pelican might help her.”

Harry’s face morphed from being cornered to horrified. “Holly! Manners! That’s a very rude thing to say.”

“I was trying to help!” Holly’s voice was thick with impending tears.

Alice gave the girl’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Actually, Harry, she’s right on the money. I totally suck at drawing birds.”

“See, Dad!”

Harry shoved his hands into his pockets and studied the toes of his boots, reluctance rising off him like steam. “I suppose as long as you don’t mind that the breakfast dishes are still in the sink and there’s a mountain of unsorted clean clothes on the couch and—”

“I’m coming to see the pelican, Harry, not to rate your housekeeping.”

He gave her a rueful smile. “I’ll hold you to that.”

“So, you’ll come?” Holly asked eagerly.

“Sure, but I can’t stay for long.” It was a Dan night and he’d promised to cook if she bought the ingredients for mushroom risotto.

“Yay!” Holly started stowing their gear into her backpack and Alice’s giant tote.

“Alice!”

She turned and saw Nick standing a yard away, holding his hand up in a stationary wave.

“Have you got a minute?”