“I’m coming with you.” Nicole braced herself as they tiptoed up the stairs. What if there really was an intruder? Maybe this wasn’t such a great plan. But Ryan was already reaching for the door. With her phone ready, she stood behind him, holding her breath as he threw open the door. Reaching in, he flipped on the light switch—and jumped.
“Bernie!” he yelled. He sounded both relieved and irritated.
“Bernie?” She peered over his shoulder to see a teen girl with long brown hair looking at them with huge eyes and a shocked expression.
“Uncle Ryan,” she said, sounding aggravated. “You scared me half to death.”
“Back at you,” he said as he made his way past some stacks of storage boxes. “What on earth are you doing up here?”
“Just hanging.”
“Bernie?” He went over and put an arm around her shoulders. “What’s up?”
“Who’s that?” she asked, narrowing her eyes at Nicole.
“Sorry.” Ryan turned back to Nicole. “This is Bernice, Alex’s daughter. My niece.”
Nicole nodded. “I sort of got that.”
“And this is Miss Anderson,” Ryan told Bernice.
“The woman Grandma hired to house-sit and work at the gallery?” Bernice looked disgruntled, as if she resented Nicole. “The one who’s staying in my room?”
“Is that your room?” Nicole asked. “I’m sorry—”
“That’s not her room,” Ryan reassured Nicole.
“Yes, it is,” Bernice argued. “It’s where I stay when I’m here.”
“Bernie.” Ryan’s voice held a warning.
“Well, it is.” Her lower lip protruded.
“What are you doing here?” he asked.
She shrugged, crossing her arms in front of her as she stared down at the floor.
“Looks like you’ve had dinner.” Ryan knelt down to gather up empty dishes from the leftovers. “Let’s go downstairs and find out what’s going on.” He exchanged a concerned glance with Nicole as he handed a bowl to Bernice.
Nicole didn’t know what to think as they reconvened in the kitchen. Why was this girl hiding out in her grandparents’ attic? Was she in some kind of trouble?
Ryan set the dishes in the sink, helped himself to a soda from the fridge, and took a seat at the breakfast bar. “Out with it, Bernie. What’s up?”
Bernice followed his example, getting herself a soda and sitting across from him. Nicole, feeling somewhat like an outsider or eavesdropper, simply waited and listened.
“Well, you know how I usually stay with Grandma and Grandpa a lot during summer break,” Bernice began in a shaky voice. “But they’re gone. Dad was supposed to be here, so I thought I could stay with him. But he’s gone too.”
“So you decided to just come over anyway and stay here by yourself?” Ryan glanced at Nicole. “With Nicole?”
“I was just going to hang out there until Dad got home. I would’ve stayed in the carriage house, but it was locked up.”
“You had your key for here? And remembered the security code?”
She nodded.
“Why aren’t you with your mom?”
“She went to Fort Lauderdale for some kind of realtor school.”
“And she just left you home alone?” Ryan looked doubtful.
“I told her I was staying with Dad.”
“But she obviously didn’t talk to your dad first?”
Bernice shook her head.
“When does your mom get back?”
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t know?” Ryan frowned.
“A couple weeks. Or ten days.”
“So you planned to stay here that whole time?”
She just shrugged.
Ryan gave Nicole a questioning look.
“I don’t mind if she stays here while her parents are gone,” Nicole said without really thinking.
“You don’t?” Bernice looked up with hope in her blue eyes.
“How old are you?” Nicole asked.
“Thirteen.”
Nicole turned to Ryan. “Well, that’s old enough to stay alone during the day, isn’t it?”
He gave a brief nod. “Legally it is. I’m not sure it’s such a great idea—leaving her on her own like that.”
“But Miss Doreen is here some days. And I’m here at night.”
“Please, Uncle Ryan?” Bernice begged. “If it’s okay with Miss Anderson, why should you care?”
“Because Miss Anderson is just being nice.”
“No I’m not,” Nicole said. “I really don’t see any problem with having Bernice here. It’s a huge house. And I’m sure she knows how to take care of herself.” She studied Bernice, who was nodding. “It’s not like you’d do anything stupid while I’m at work, would you?”
Bernice firmly shook her head. “Grandma has left me here on my own before,” she said. “She trusts me.”
“See?” Nicole turned to Ryan. “It’s okay.”
He looked unconvinced. “Just the same, we better let Alex and Lori know.”
“You’re right. But I think Bernice should do that.”
“Good point.” Ryan looked at his niece. “You got your phone?”
She reached in her pocket and produced a brightly colored phone case.
“If you call both of them right now, I’ll agree to this plan. Even if I do think it sounds crazy.”
“You’re probably going to be one overprotective parent someday,” she said as she focused on her phone.
Nicole stepped away as Bernice began talking to her mom. It didn’t sound like her mom needed too much convincing.
“Lori is pretty laid-back about parenting,” Ryan quietly told Nicole. “She was pretty young when Bernice was born. My theory is that she’s having kind of a developmental delay. I suspect she’s trying to relive her twenties now.”
Nicole nodded, listening as Bernice told her mom goodbye and then called her dad. This conversation seemed to require more explanation, and eventually Bernice brought the phone over to Nicole. “He wants to talk to you.”
“Okay.” Nicole took the phone, saying a tentative “Hello?”
“I can’t believe Bernice pulled a stunt like this,” he said in a sharp tone.
“It’s okay. She just needs a place to stay for a few days.”
“Yes, but it was sneaky. I don’t like that.”
“I know. But she’s thirteen.”
“Great. I can’t wait to see what she does when she’s fifteen.”
“Maybe it’ll be better then.”
He laughed sarcastically.
“Anyway, it’s fine, Alex. I don’t mind.”
“You’re sure about that?”
“I’m positive.” She smiled at the teen standing by her elbow. “Bernice seems like a charming young lady. I’m looking forward to getting to know her better.”
“I hope you don’t regret it.”
“I’m used to teenagers. Remember, I teach high school art.”
“But you were probably looking forward to a break from it.”
Nicole laughed.
“Well, I owe you one, Nicole. Put Bernice back on, and I’ll warn her that if she pulls one more stunt, I’ll have her shipped off to Camp Greenwood.”
“Camp Greenwood?” Nicole saw Bernice visibly shudder.
“That’s right,” he said.
“Okay. Well, I’ll see you in a few days.”
“We’re still on for Saturday night, right? I’m looking forward to it. And I’ll really owe you big-time now.”
“Uh, yeah. See you, Alex.” She handed the phone to Bernice.
As Bernice listened to her dad’s warning, Nicole turned to Ryan. “Thanks so much for coming over here tonight,” she said. “It’s such a relief to know that it wasn’t a break-in. Or even a ghost.” She smiled. “I’m sure I wouldn’t have slept a wink tonight if you hadn’t gotten to the bottom of it. Thanks.”
“No problem. I just hope you’re really oka
y with it. I mean, Bernice crashing in on you like this.”
“I’m fine. Honestly.”
“Well, you’ll probably be a good influence on her.” He lowered his voice. “She’s had a hard go of it since her parents broke up.”
Nicole nodded. “I can imagine.” She had seen this almost every day while teaching high school—kids whose families were broken up or breaking up, and the toll it took on them. It always did seem hardest on the children.
9
After Ryan left, Nicole offered to surrender the pretty yellow guest room to Bernice. She secretly hoped that Bernice would feel guilty and decline, but instead the young girl’s eyes lit up. “Really?” she asked. “You don’t mind?”
Nicole thought about her answer. The truth was she did mind, but she also felt sorry for Bernice. The displaced girl probably needed that room more than Nicole did. “I don’t mind.” She held up a finger. “But only if you help me move my stuff into the other room. It’s been a long day and I’m kind of tired.”
“No problem.” Bernice jumped to her feet. Tearing up the stairs, she led the way to the coveted bedroom. Without waiting for Nicole, she threw open the door and went in, looking around. “What do you want me to do first?”
Nicole assigned some tasks, and before long all her belongings were deposited into the other spare room. Decorated in manly shades of navy and burgundy, this room was a bit smaller than the other one. But at least it had its own bath.
“This was Uncle Ryan’s room,” Bernice said as she tossed an armful of Nicole’s clothes on the bed. “The yellow one was my daddy’s. But it didn’t look like that when he had it.”
Nicole nodded as she hung her clothes in the closet, which was empty.
“Are you an artist?”
“Sort of.” Nicole turned to see Bernice neatly arranging her art supplies on the table by the window. “But I need to devote more time to it.”
“I’m an artist too.”
“Really?” Nicole went over to the table. “What kind of art do you do?”
“Everything.” Bernice smiled shyly. “I mean, I like to draw and paint and make stuff out of pretty much anything. You know?”
“Yeah. You’re basically an artist.” Nicole grinned.
“And you teach art in a high school?” Bernice studied her closely.
“That’s right.” Nicole crossed her arms.
“You think maybe you could sort of teach me too?”
“Sure, if you want. Or maybe we could just work together. You know, side by side.”
“Yeah, I’d like that. Thanks, Miss Anderson. I mean, thanks for everything. For letting me stay at Grandma and Grandpa’s and letting me have my room back. I can see why Grandma likes you.”
Nicole smiled. “You’re welcome. But if you don’t mind, I’d prefer you call me Nicole. Hearing ‘Miss Anderson’ makes me think I’m teaching. And I like to imagine I’m taking a break. Kind of a working vacation.”
“Okay. Nicole.” Bernice grinned. “And you can call me Bernie if you want. I only let family and friends call me that.”
“Okay then. Bernie.” Nicole let out a yawn and glanced at her watch, realizing it was nearly eleven.
“Do you work at the gallery tomorrow?” Bernice picked up a tube of cobalt-blue paint, obviously in no hurry to say good night.
“No, it’s closed.”
“Oh yeah. Tuesday.” Bernice set the tube down. “What’re you doing then?”
“Doing?”
“For your day off?”
“Oh. I hadn’t really thought about it. Maybe I’ll spook around Savannah some—”
“Have you done a ghost tour yet?” Bernice asked.
Nicole shook her head.
“You have to do a ghost tour!” Bernice’s eyes got big. “We could do it together.”
“That sounds fun.”
“They have them at night.”
“Have you been before?”
“No. My parents haven’t wanted to go. My mom says they’re stupid and Dad acts like I’m too young.”
“How old do you have to be?”
“All my friends have gone on the ghost tours already,” Bernice explained. “It’s embarrassing to tell them I haven’t gone yet. Even my best friend Gina teases me sometimes.”
“Well, if your dad doesn’t mind, maybe we should go.”
“Really?” Bernice came closer, peering up at her face. “You’d go with me?”
“Why not? I’d planned to tour Savannah sometime anyway.” Nicole pushed a strand of hair out of Bernice’s eyes. “But promise me you’ll ask your dad first, okay?”
“I will.”
Nicole kicked off her sandals and sat on the end of the bed.
“I know, I know.” Bernice moved to the door. “I should let you go to bed.”
Nicole smiled meekly. “I’m pretty tired.”
“Maybe I can show you around Savannah tomorrow,” Bernice suggested as she reached for the doorknob. “Like your own personal tour guide.”
“That’d be great. I’d love it.”
“Thanks again, Miss—I mean, Nicole.” Bernice smiled. “If you hear some scuffling around in the attic, it’ll just be me. I gotta get my stuff from up there and move it into my room. I’ll try to hurry, though.”
Nicole thanked her and said good night. As Bernice slipped out the door, Nicole felt a bit guilty. Perhaps she should’ve stayed up to visit with her more. Bernice seemed lost and lonely, like she really did need a friend. But if they were going to be housemates, there should be time for that. Hopefully she wouldn’t regret her impulsive decision to let the girl stay.
Bernie turned out to be a perfect tour guide. She knew just enough history to make it interesting, but not so much as to make it dull and dry. It was obvious that she had great respect for the dearly departed citizens of her hometown. Especially since so many considered Savannah to be the most haunted city in the world.
“I love the ghosts,” Bernie declared as they walked through Monterey Square. “I wouldn’t want to live in a place without them.”
“Do you really believe there are ghosts here?” Nicole peered up at the statue in the center of the park.
“Of course.” Bernie nodded vehemently. “Don’t you?”
Not wanting to spoil her youthful enthusiasm, Nicole didn’t answer. Instead she pointed to a huge oak tree. “I just love how that Spanish moss looks.”
Bernie looked up. “Me too. It’s kinda spooky.”
Nicole pulled out her smartphone and took some shots. “I’d like to paint a picture with some Spanish moss in it.”
“You took a lot of photos that you want to paint,” Bernie reminded her. “Which one will you start with?”
“I’m not sure.” Nicole pocketed her phone. “At least I’ll have plenty to choose from.”
“Do you want to see anything else?” Bernie let out a tired-sounding sigh.
“It’s pretty warm out.” Nicole glanced at her watch. “Maybe it’s time to call it a day for now. We can take a little break until it’s time to go on the ghost tour.”
“Yeah,” Bernie agreed. “Good idea.”
“I’ve been wanting to try out your grandparents’ pool.”
“You like to swim?” Bernie looked surprised.
“Sure.”
“Cool. My parents never want to go in the pool.”
“I can’t think of anything that sounds better right now.” Nicole fanned her face with her hand. “I’m steaming hot.”
It wasn’t long before they were both immersed in the cool depths of the turquoise-blue pool. “This is perfect,” Nicole said as she floated on her back. “Just what the doctor ordered.”
After a nice cooling soak, they got out and made themselves comfortable on the lounge chairs. As she felt herself pleasantly drifting to sleep in the sunshine, Nicole thought that this finally felt like a real vacation. A girl could get used to this.
When she woke, it was to the sound of voices behind her. Wit
hout opening her eyes, she listened to Bernie quietly talking to Ryan. She was telling him about their day and their plans to go on a ghost tour.
“A ghost tour?” he said. “I want to go too.”
“You should come, Uncle Ryan. It’ll be fun.” She told him the name of the company, and soon he was on his phone making his own reservation. Just as he was saying goodbye, Nicole sat up. Reaching for a towel, she turned to look at them.
“Uncle Ryan is going with us on the ghost tour,” Bernie announced.
“Do you mind?” Ryan asked.
“Not at all.” Nicole wrapped the towel around her midsection and stood.
“I just wanted to check on you ladies.” He grinned. “Looks like you two are getting along just fine.”
“We are,” Bernie declared.
“That’s right,” Nicole said.
“Since we’re going on the ghost tour together, maybe we should go get a bite to eat together first. You girls interested?”
“We have to go to the Pirates’ House!” Bernie said.
“The Pirates’ House?” Nicole asked.
“It’s a restaurant,” Ryan explained.
“That’s haunted,” Bernie clarified. “My best friend Gina has been there a bunch of times. Dad thinks it’s silly, but I’m dying to go there. And it really is haunted.”
“Sounds like we better go then.” Nicole winked at Ryan. “I mean, if we really want to do this haunted thing up right.”
“I’ll see if I can get a reservation.” Ryan pulled out his phone.
“I’ll go get dressed.” Nicole made her way to the door.
“Me too.” Bernie followed her inside. “This is going to be so cool, Nicole. I can’t wait.” She giggled. “It makes me feel kinda like I’m a little kid again. My friends would probably make fun of me if they knew. I mean, since they’ve already done the ghost tour and everything, like they’re so much more grown-up than I am. You know?”
“I do know. I remember how girls could be mean in middle school.”
“Did you get bullied too?”
“Sometimes.”
“But you’re so cool. And so pretty. Why would they bully you?”
“Thanks.” Nicole laughed. “But they don’t need a reason to bully someone. They just do it because they can. Fortunately, most of them seem to outgrow it after middle school. I don’t see nearly as much bullying in high school.”
Under a Summer Sky--A Savannah Romance Page 8