“That’s a very thoughtful thing for you to do. But I really don’t want to discuss your will or think about any of that.”

Her grandfather had laughed. “I was like that at your age. When you get to be older, like me, you think about this stuff more. I just want to make sure it’s all done right.”

“I’m sure it will be.”

Paula smiled at the memory as she reached her cottage. It was on a street with several similar cottages, owned by her brother, sister and her cousins, Andrea and Hallie. They all lived just a stone’s throw from each other and within easy walking distance of the hotel, where they all worked. Most of the time, it was convenient to be so near to each other and to the hotel. But sometimes, it was a little too close for comfort. Especially as Andrea’s house was just two doors down. Lucy was in the middle of them. Nick and Hallie were across the street.

And Paula worried about Andrea’s reaction to her grandfather’s decision. She tried to put herself in her cousin’s shoes and imagined she was feeling angry, hurt and betrayed and not just by her grandfather. Paula suspected that Andrea might direct some of that frustration her way as well. Paula had considered refusing the job partly for that reason, but she also knew that her grandfather had made up his mind about Andrea. So, if Paula said no, he’d just call the general manager search out to Elaine. He would not reconsider giving Andrea another chance. He’d made that clear.

Paula flipped the light on as she walked through the door and into her small, all-white kitchen. She’d designed it herself and loved the sleek white cabinets, white subway tile backsplash and elegant Carrera marble countertops and island. She poured herself a glass of cold water and smiled as her slightly chubby, cream-colored cat, Chester, sauntered into the room and shot her a glare as he stopped by his empty dish.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t intend on being home this late.” Paula quickly filled his bowl with wet food and he attacked it like he hadn’t been fed in days. She’d left him a bowl of dry food to snack on while she was gone, so she knew he was just being dramatic.