Still, Ruth had a vested interest in Carlotta, who could have been family. She followed in her mother’s footsteps, careful to hold back so she wouldn’t be seen. As the front screened door to Carlotta’s cottage closed, she crept up the back stairs in time to hear her mother say, “Ann Manchester is making trouble.”

“She’s always enjoyed the drama,” Carlotta said with some disinterest. “Mrs. Manchester could stand to drink a little less. It would make life easier.”

“Agreed,” Mama said. “I’m worried her nerves are getting the better of her. She’s always been a nervous one. She suggested Talley might also be a problem.”

Carlotta shook her head. “Talley is sweet. She wouldn’t know how to lie, even if you paid her.”

Mama sighed. “She reminds me of her mother. Honest and naive.”

“When is the last time you were back home?” Carlotta asked.

It had never occurred to Ruth that Carlotta would know anything about Mama’s life before the resort.

“I haven’t been back,” Mama said.

“Why not?” Carlotta asked.

“Have you ever visited?” Mama challenged.

“No, but I write to my mother regularly.”

Mama cleared her throat. “Patsy loves you very much.”

A silence settled between them before Carlotta said, “Does Ruth know about the family?”

“The bare details.”

Ruth didn’t understand the unspoken meanings and crept closer to the door.

“None of us needs or wants trouble, especially now,” Mama said.

“I’ll be on my best behavior,” Carlotta said.

“Thank you.” As Mama exited the front door, Ruth crouched low, waiting for her to clear the dune before she headed out.

Footsteps creaked in the house, and the sleeping porch door opened. Carlotta looked at Ruth, her brow arched. “Does this cottage have a rat problem?”

Ruth rose and was relieved to see the amusement dancing in Carlotta’s eyes. “I was worried.”

“About what?”

“All the trouble,” Ruth said.

“It’s nothing your mother and I can’t handle. We’ve crossed paths with trouble before.”

“How do you know about Talley and Mama’s family?” Ruth asked.

“You should ask your mother.”

“Then she would know I’ve been snooping.”

Carlotta cocked a brow. “It’s okay for me to find you spying but not her?”

“She wouldn’t appreciate it.” Mama rarely raised her voice, but her disappointed looks were positively withering.

“What makes you think I do?” Carlotta asked.

“You’re cooler than Mama.”

“Am I?”

“Well, yeah. You travel around and see all kinds of things.”

“Your mother has lived a full life, Ruth. She’s more open minded than you think.”

Carlotta’s defense of her mother surprised Ruth. “You still haven’t told me how you know Talley’s family.”

A crooked smile tipped the edges of her lips. “In that part of the state the world is small. Everyone knows everyone.”

“And you knew Mama’s family?”

“Some, yes.”

“What are they like?”