“It’s definitely different here.”

“The Gables has been on my travel bucket list for years. I’m so glad I finally got to see it. What a beautiful place, right? And the food? To die for.”

“Definitely.” I pick up my paper and start writing again in the hopes that she’ll get a clue and leave me the hell alone.

Not so.

“Have you been here before?”

I nod rather than answer verbally this time, and a rush of relief fills me as Karma and her girls come through the glass doors.

Thank the Lord. I need a distraction.

I wave at the girls and smile. “Hey! You guys ready for some swimming?”

“Yes!” Addy replies as she runs toward the pool.

“Addy, slow down. You’re not getting into the pool yet.”

“They’re so cute. Friends of yours?” the woman asks.

“Yes.” I keep my answer short, hoping she’ll take the hint, not that it’s worked so far.

Shockingly, Karma comes over toward me instead of heading to the opposite side of the pool. “Decided to finally risk leaving your room?”

I cringe. Maybe this was like wishing for a life ring and someone throws you one—but it’s on fire.

“Thought I’d get some sun and swim.”

“Hi, I’m Emmy.” The woman beside me stands up and holds out her hand. “We were just chatting.”

Karma eyes the lady and shakes her hand reluctantly. “Hi.”

“Are you from here too? I was just about to ask your friend what I need to make sure I try before I leave town. I hear Gable has some pretty interesting history and infamous residents, past and present.”

“Karma, the girls look excited to get in the pool. Do you want me to go swim with them?”

She shoots me a glare. “I don’t need your help, Whitney.”

The lady’s kind smile turns into a grin. “And here I thought she’d never admit who she was.”

Karma’s eyes light up. “Who? Whitney Gable Rango? Yeah, that’s definitely her.”

I give my cousin the most intense side-eye I can possibly manage. “I think it’s time for me to go now.”

The woman reaches out and puts a hand on my arm as I stand. “Now, don’t go running off just when things are getting interesting.”

“Who are you and what do you want?” I drop any pretense of politeness.

“I could be your new best friend.”

“I don’t need any new friends,” I tell her as I grasp my stationery to my chest.

“You really don’t want to leave until you hear the proposition I’ve got for you.”

“No, actually I do want to leave.”

“I’m interested in what your new friend has to say,” Karma says, and I want to smack the bitchiness right off her face. “Are you a reporter?”

Emmy nods with a smile.

“I don’t know how you got up here, but you need to leave before security comes to show you out. That’s the first call I make as soon as I step inside.”