Dani unlocked the front door and opened it, and Ivy walked inside. She was instantly taken by the light-gray space, the vaulted ceiling, the whitewashed timbers, and the windows that let in so much natural light. “This is really pretty.”

“I know.”

“I mean, I wouldn’t expect you to do anything other than top of the line, but this is great.” She walked to a seascape done in oils. “It’s nice.”

“He’s very talented. Lives on the mainland but spends a lot of time here.”

She glanced at the price tag and winced. “Ouch.”

“That’s a lifetime of work and study on the canvas. Experienced talent does not come cheap.”

Ivy considered the endless hours refining her skills in the kitchen. “Point taken.”

“Why are you here?” Some of the bite had left her tone.

“I’ve been offered a job in New York. Luigi’s. In fact, I was reading an article about them while I was waiting for you in the doctor’s office. It would be a huge step up for me.”

“So this is goodbye?” she snapped.

“Why are you getting upset with me?” Ivy challenged. “I didn’t tell Dalton about you! And I’m trying to be more mature about leaving this time than I was the last!”

Tears welled in Dani’s eyes. “I’m not upset. This is a happy moment, right? You’re going to take your money, move back to your old life, and find your bliss. I’ll remain here and get on with my life, just like I always have.”

“I haven’t said yes to the offer yet,” Ivy said.

“Why not?”

“I don’t know. Maybe I feel like I’m abandoning you and I want to help.”

“How? No one can help. And I will not be responsible for you sticking around here and being miserable for the rest of your life.”

“Why are you so sure I’d be miserable here?”

Dani shook her head. “There’s nothing you can do. Nothing anyone can do. It’s a problem with no fix.”

“I know. I know.”

Dani closed her eyes and rubbed her temple as a tear ran down her cheek. “Don’t stay for me.”

“What if I stayed for me? This area has a lot of new challenges for me, and I can cook Italian food in my sleep.”

Dani looked at her. “I’m sorry. I was shitty to you yesterday.”

“Yes, you were.”

“I didn’t mean it.”

“Maybe you did a little.”

That prompted a half smile. “Either way, I’m sorry. Low blow.”

“Apology accepted.”

Dani shoved out a sigh. “I told you that I did a little genetic research on my family. I was trying to figure out where the vision issues came from.”

“And?”