Auntie Wang giggled. “Nope. Because I’m not lying. I decided first thing this morning that I am going to put together a small organization to go into the schools and do historical presentations. This new generation thinks the only culture we come from is a long line of surfers. It might take an outside group to tempt their curiosity. Of course, I need Miss Carmen Crowe’s input before making a decision about whether to pursue this or not.”

Quinn smiled. “You’re brilliant, Auntie Wang.”

“I also wanted to tell you not to worry about tomorrow. You’ll be in a public place, and it’s a big step, but not a sure thing. This person might not even be related. Anything on the computer can be manipulated these days, Quinn.”

“I know. I’m not getting my hopes up,” she lied. If by some chance this was not a relative, Quinn was going to be devastated.

She took one more look in the mirror, hoping her makeup was right, then headed out the door. Outside the kitchen, Liam and a small group of painters were setting up tarps and stacking paint cans.

“Aloha,” he called out, lifting a hand before turning back to the crew of men dressed in white pants and shirts. He’d brought help to finish painting while he rehung the kitchen cabinet doors. Quinn couldn’t wait to see the old wainscoting polished up. Even the shiplap should be hung by nightfall.

“Morning,” Quinn responded, then headed to her rental car. She hated that it felt awkward with him, and she wasn’t even sure why.

But soon he’d be done, the family would move out, and she would go home. No sense in worrying about it, she reminded herself.

“Wait!”

Quinn turned around to find Maria hurrying toward her.

“Hi,” Quinn said.

Maria had a huge smile, and when she got near enough, she hugged Quinn tightly.

“Well, you’re in a good mood,” Quinn said, feeling a bit awkward.

“I sure am,” Maria said. “I’ve got a job interview lined up later.”

“That’s great!” Quinn smiled, watching the excitement play across the woman’s face.

“And . . . are you ready for more good news?”

“Absolutely,” Quinn said, almost adding that any good news would be welcome to offset what felt like months of the opposite.

“I’ve found a rental up on the north end of the island that we can afford. If I get the job,” she added. “The landlord said he’d break my deposit up into payments too.”

Quinn felt instant relief. Maybe it was all going to be okay after all. Maria and her family would get a new start, and Quinn’s spur-of-the-moment house-buying adventure could be recovered.

“Oh, Maria, I’m so glad,” Quinn said.