“You’re the best.” Laurel turned to give her a squeeze. “Change your mind, come with us.”

“Not on your life. Two weeks of quiet right here will suit me.” With her arm slung around Laurel’s shoulders, she studied Parker. “Don’t the pair of you look ready? Pretty as they come, too.”

“Beach girls of Southampton,” Parker said and did a stylish turn. “We’ll miss you.”

“You won’t.” Mrs. Grady smiled as Parker kissed her cheek. “But you’ll be glad to see me when you get back. Here comes the next group.” She jutted her chin as Mac and Carter pulled up behind Parker’s car. “You see she doesn’t forget to slather on plenty of sunscreen,” she told Carter. “Our redhead fries like an egg.”

“We’re stocked.”

She handed him an insulated bag. “Road food.”

“Thanks.”

“Emma’s late, naturally.” Parker checked her watch. “Carter, you’re in the middle of the convoy so you don’t fall behind.”

“Aye, Captain.”

“You have the directions on your GPS, in case?”

“We’re good. We’re ready.” Mac adjusted the brim of her ball cap. “We’re set.”

“It’s about a two hour and ten minute drive,” Parker began. Laurel tuned her out and stared in the direction of Emma’s house as if to will her friend to hurry with the power of her mind.

“It worked! Here she comes. Bye, Mrs. G. If you get lonely, drive over.”

“Not likely.”

“No wild parties.” Sober-faced, Parker put her hands on Mrs. G’s shoulders. “No boys sleeping over. No drugs. No drinking.”

“That doesn’t leave me much, does it?” With a laugh, Mrs. Grady gave her a last farewell hug, and muttered in her ear. “Don’t be such a good girl. Have fun.”

“Fun is the first item on my list.”

Laurel climbed in the car as Mrs. Grady passed the last bag of road food to Emma, as more hugs were exchanged. Laurel indulged in a quick bounce on the seat when Parker got behind the wheel.

“This is it.”

“This, my friend, is it.” Parker started the car, engaged the GPS. “Roll ’em out.”

Laurel let out a yee-haw as they headed up the drive. “I can already feel the sand in my shoes, the salty breeze in my hair. You must be dying to get there.You own the place, and you haven’t seen it yet.”

“Co-own. I’ve seen plenty of pictures, from the Realtor and some that Del took.”

“I can’t believe you, of all people, furnished the place by phone and online.”