After a few more unsuccessful searches, I set my phone down and watched TV, hoping to find something I could concentrate on long enough until it was time to meet Ash, but I couldn’t focus, I was too wired, so I gave up and headed to the tiny white bathroom, cursing as I unpacked my toiletries and discovered I’d left my toothpaste at home.

“Hi, Fiona, it’s Lily in room twelve,” I said when I dialed reception. “I forgot my toothpaste. Do you have some?”

“Of course, I’ll be right over.”

“No, don’t worry. I’ll stop by now.”

I hung up and walked back to the front entrance, grateful for the distraction my forgotten toothpaste was offering. Fiona stood talking on the phone, and as I waited, my eyes were drawn back to the photographs on the wall. I couldn’t help it. There was something so majestic and foreboding about the way the rugged cliffs plunged deep into the ocean below.

“Impressive, aren’t they?” Fiona said as she put the phone down and set two miniature tubes of toothpaste on the counter. “Dangerous, too.”

“Are they the Newdale Bluffs?”

“Yes. If you go for a walk along them, make sure you have proper footwear, and stick to the marked paths. Even the locals have been known to get into trouble.” A shadow crossed her face, but it quickly disappeared, replaced with a smile. “Need anything else? How’s the room?”

“It’s perfect, the bed’s super comfortable.”

“Fabulous, glad to hear it. We replaced them last fall and the guests seem to approve.”

She looked like she was about to wish me a pleasant evening, but I couldn’t stand being alone in my room again. “Have you worked here long?”

“You could say that,” she said with a grin. “Born and raised in town, and this place belongs to my aunt, but I run it now. My brother helps out a bit, too. Where are you from?”

“Buffalo, originally.”

“Do you have family here or are you just visiting?”

Her question made my face crumble. I thought I’d done well, almost congratulated myself on how I’d held it together since I’d arrived in town, but the mere kindness in her voice made my eyes well up. Before I could stop them, hot tears spilled over my face.

“Oh, no,” she said, rushing from the counter and putting an arm around me. “Oh, crap.”

“I’m s-sorry...”

“No, I am, poking my nose into your business. Come with me, let’s get you a drink.” She guided me into a dining area, with pastel beach paintings on the dark blue walls, whitewashed tables and sky blue chairs. There were a few other guests at the far end of the room, and Fiona got us settled at the table farthest away.

“What can I get you?” she said. “On the house.”

“A water, please.”