Like most beach houses around here, the front door was on the second level. She balanced her load and held her hand slightly above the wooden rail as she hiked up the steep stairs. Over the years she’d had more than her fair share of splinters from the old hand rail, and those were never fun.
She opened the screen door, rapped twice on the front door, and walked on in.
“Nana?” The smell of something sweet wafted through the front room. “It’s me, Nana. Elli.”
Sandy Eversol walked into the living room with a kitchen towel slung over her shoulder, wiping her hands on her apron. Elli loved the way Nana’s eyes lit up when she saw her. If she was ever feeling down, that look would lift her out of it in a snap.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” She threw her arms open, and Elli walked right into them.
“Surprise.”
“A good one. What are you doing in town? I thought you weren’t coming until next month.”
“I had the chance to expedite the plan, so I jumped on it. Besides, it’s been too long since I’ve seen you in person. On the phone is just not the same.” Nana seemed like her old self. Elli hoped Pam’s concerns were a false alarm. “Hope you’re ready for some company.”
“I’m always ready for company, but I know you’re busy. You’ve been working your sweet patootie off on the Buy A Board campaign from Charlotte. So it’s almost like you’re here anyway.”
Being here made Elli realize just how much she’d missed this place. She’d only been fooling herself that working on that project from Charlotte was the same. It wasn’t. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too, dear.” Nana hugged her again, so tight that Elli found herself gulping for a breath. “Let me look at you.” She stepped back and looked Elli up and down. Her silvery curls bounced as she nodded approval. “You look even prettier. I love your chic hairdo. That’s a city-girl look if I ever did see one.”
Elli touched her hair. The short look was new, and she was still getting used to it.
“I like the way I can see your face without all that hair hanging down around it. Shows off my blue-eyed beauty.”
“You’re not biased or anything,” Elli teased.
“Well, you were the prettiest baby in the world. I still say you could have been on commercials, but you’ve done okay for yourself. By the way, that delivery of wood came, just like you said it would. Did I tell you that? I did, didn’t I?”
“Yes. We spoke.” Elli wondered if Nana was starting to get a little forgetful. The mail and now the comment about the wood.
“Oh, good. Yes, I do remember now. That’s a lot of boards! They brought it on one of those trucks that had the forklifts on it. Good thing. Probably would’ve taken all day if they’d had to unload those boards one at a time.”
It was true. The outpouring of support to help fix the pier shops had shocked Elli. Social media reached so many people with just a few well-placed comments and hashtags, and it seemed like anyone who’d ever driven through Sand Dollar Cove on their coastal Carolina travels wanted to pitch in to help.
“I’ve got good news on that front. That’s how I was able to move up my trip. I’ve got someone coming to start the personalization on the boards. He’ll be here later this afternoon. I told him he could stay in the guest quarters. I hope that’s not a problem.”
“Of course not. We’d already talked about it.”
“That’s part of the reason I came too. I didn’t want you to have to get the place ready for him.”
“Him?” Nana got that twinkle in her eye. “Is this a special him?”
“No. It’s not like that. His name is Brody. I’ve only met him online. Sorry for the short notice, but he had something come up in his schedule and had to travel sooner than we’d originally planned. Since the wood was here I figured we may as well get started.”
“Could be fate. I’ve heard about people meeting on that Internet and falling in love.” Nana beamed. “It’ll be great to have someone to cook for and fuss over a little. Plus, it makes me feel like I’m doing my part. All I’ve been doing is working on projects to restock the store. So much of the inventory was damaged when the roof caved in during that last storm. I’ve salvaged all that I could, but the truth is I don’t really have much to start the season off for the first time in twenty years.”
“We can buy some things. Or let the popsicle stand take up a little more real estate, maybe realign some of the storefront since we’ll be rebuilding anyway.”
“That’s an idea. The popsicles do a great business. Those kids need the money more than I do.”
The truth was Nana didn’t need the money at all. The shop was really more of a tradition, and something to keep her busy.
Nana reached for Elli’s hand. “You were such a genius to start that business. Who knew Ever-SOL-Pops would end up thriving for so many years after you started it?”
“Not me.”
“The fact that it’s still helping others in this town get to college, now that’s a real gift, Elli. I’m so proud of you.”
“I learned that from you. Giving back to the community is important. And it’s not that much work for me since the last year’s recipients train this year’s. Plus, I like going through the essays to pick the candidates who will run it each year. It’s all a pretty well-oiled machine.”
“Scholarships Elli-style.” She turned and motioned Elli to follow her. “Speaking of style. Let me show you what I’ve been working on for the shop.”
Elli followed her grandmother into the kitchen, where the smell of the baked goods was so delicious that she almost felt full without so much as a bite.
The only thing Sandy Eversol did better than bake was paint. The eight-foot-long dining room table was filled with rows of sand dollars — each in a different stage of completion. Some just started, others fully painted and some already coated with a shiny protective covering. “Nana, these might be your best works yet. They’re gorgeous.”
“Thanks. I’m glad you like them. I tried some new designs. It’s actually been quite fun. At least trying to get the inventory restocked is keeping me busy. I’m not sure if I can get enough done though. But I’m trying. I want to do my part.”
“Don’t be silly, Nana. You need to just relax and do what you do best. Paint and talk to customers. I’ll handle the rest, and I’m happy to do it.” Elli walked back out to the living room and caught a glimpse of a quilt and bed pillow on one of the couches. “Is the house a little too chilly for you this winter? I can get someone to come check the heat if you need me to.”
“No.” She raced over to the linens and began folding them. “It’s fine. I’m really quite comfortable. The new heat and air unit they installed last year works so well. It’s very efficient too. My bills are half what they used to be.”
“Well, then what is all of that?” She noticed the tired look on Nana’s face.
Nana shook her head and sat down on the couch, hugging the linens to her chest. “You know, the truth is, Elli, it’s just been a little easier to sleep here on the couch rather than climb those stairs. My legs get to aching so bad some evenings I’d rather not make the climb.”
“Are you okay?” Pam’s concerns should’ve prepared her for this, but they hadn’t. She walked over and sat next to Nana.
“I’m fine. I’m just getting older. There, I said it. I’m getting old. Things just aren’t quite as easy as they once were, and especially not without your granddaddy around to take care of things.”
Why hadn’t she ever even considered the beach house might be too much for her grandmother? Maybe because Nana and Sol~Mate were synonymous. There was never a time this cottage wasn’t part of their lives. But like she told her clients all the time: It’s just a house. Home is in your heart. She helped people downsize all the time. Being in real estate was a constant upsize or downsize depending on where people were in their lifecycles. “Maybe it’s time to find a place that’s a little more manageable for
you.”
Nana looked surprised. “Wouldn’t you be sad if I sold this place?”
Elli shrugged. Maybe at one time it would have felt like losing her second home, but now she knew better. Besides, that would just be selfish. “Of course not, Nana. Sol~Mate has given us a lot of wonderful memories, but the house isn’t what makes your life special, it’s the people you spend it with and the things you choose to do with your time that make it important. You taught me that.”
“You really wouldn’t mind if I moved?”
“No. Not at all.” Elli was glad Nana had confided in her. This was easy to fix. “It’s settled. I’ll take a look and see what’s listed, and pull some comps on this place. We can at least look at our options.”
Nana looked so relieved. “Oh, honey, that would be great. It would be a huge burden off of me. I was talking to my friend, Janice. You know, my friend with the crazy talking bird that I play bridge with. Well, she doesn’t have the old bird anymore. She moved into the retirement condos near Manteo. She’s so much happier without the upkeep of her house. She’s been telling me I should move there. Only I think I’d rather just be in a smaller house. I don’t think I’m ready to just be around a bunch of old farts. And I really want to be here in Sand Dollar Cove.”
Elli had to laugh, because compared with Nana most of the people her age were just old farts. “I think it’s a good plan. I guess you’ll want to stay close to the pier. Anything else on your must-have list?”
“Just a guest room, and a craft room. A wonderful room with lots of windows where I could paint the days away. I would really love that.”
“Got it. Near the pier and a sunny studio to paint in.”
“Actually, I don’t have to be near the pier. They haven’t even renewed any of the pier licenses. I’m not sure what’s going on with that.”
“I’m sure it’s just a formality.”
“You haven’t been down to see the damage to the pier yet, have you?”
“I stopped by there on my way here. It does look worse in person. I’ll give you that, but I’m sure they’ll get that fixed. Isn’t that what insurance is for?”
“Maybe you’re right. I’m probably worrying for nothing, but it sure seems like a lot to fix.” Nana shook her head, and the doubtful look on her face gave Elli pause.
“I’ll check into it. In fact, can I get the keys to the shop? I want to stop in there and make sure things are where I remember so I can be prepared when Brody gets here, then I’ll go get a closer look at everything at the pier. I need to get a plan and timeline in place for the repairs anyway.”
“The keys are on the hook by the front door.”
A whisper of anxiousness ran through her. Nana looking so worried and having trouble getting around made Elli regret offering to put Brody up here at Sol~Mate. She might have to reconsider and move him to Carolina By The Sea, if Pam even had a vacancy. But he’d be here this afternoon, so she’d play that by ear.
As soon as she had a chance, she’d have a quick look down at the shop and head down to the pier to see whether there was any more salvageable inventory on the pier. That way maybe she could get Nana to slow down her production line of those painted sand dollars and take a break before she gave herself a heart attack.
***
Elli helped Nana get the room freshened up for their guest, and together they made such quick time of it they did a good once-over of the whole house. Nana dusted while Elli vacuumed, moving furniture to get every bit of dust and sand up, even wiping down the base molding. A stack of shipping boxes that had been broken down and tucked behind the bookcase next to the door came in handy to quickly box up some of the extra knickknacks to reduce the obvious clutter. A step they’d have to take if they were going to sell the place anyway, so why wait.
“It looks a hundred times better in here already,” Nana said.
“We did good. We’re a good team.”
“We always were.”
Bah-duup. Elli grabbed her phone from the pocket in the front of her purse and swept her finger across the screen. “Our guest is on his way. That was the driver from the airport.”
“Did he fly in on the new charter?”
“Apparently so. Can’t wait to hear how it was.” He must have some good business on this coast to be able to afford a charter, but if it meant she didn’t have to pay to get him here, that was definitely good for the budget.
It wasn’t a bad deal for Brody Rankin either, because renting a room on the beach for a month or longer could get pricey, and this was one of the best spots.
Just as she put the vacuum back in the hall closet, Nana called out, “They’re here. My goodness, it’s a pink Cadillac limo. Have you ever seen such a thing?”
Elli joined Nana at the front door and busted out laughing. “Well, well. Looks like they bought a secondhand Mary Kay car or something. Never seen anything like it, but it’s eye-catching. I guess that’s good advertising.”
“Something to talk about anyway,” Nana said.
Brody slid out of the backseat with nothing but a duffel bag and headed for the beach house. He looked like a guy who would work with his hands and spend all his downtime on the beach. His hair was longish, and he had that sexy Adam Levine scruff thing going on.
Nana pumped her elbow into Elli’s ribcage. “He’s really cute.”
“Shh. He’ll hear you.” Elli opened the front door, and she had to admit, he did fill out that red T-shirt right nice too. “Welcome. Hope you had a good flight.”
“No problems at all. That little charter was sweet.”
“Good to hear. They’re new to the area. This is my grandmother, Sandy Eversol. I call her Nana.”
Brody hitched his bag up on his shoulder and extended his hand to Nana. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Eversol. I promise I’ll be as quiet as a mouse.”
“Oh, don’t worry about that. Glad to have you. You can call me Nana too.”
“Thanks, Nana. Great house. And I’m willing to do my part while I’m a guest in your home. Pick a night and I’ll cook.”
“Really? Are you teasing me?”
“No. I’m a good cook.”
Nana gave Elli an impressed look. “Can’t believe your girlfriend would let someone as good-looking and handy as you out of her sight for six weeks.”
“I don’t have a girlfriend.”
Nana wrapped an arm around him like she was getting ready to weave a homespun net around the poor guy. “Let me show you your room.”
Elli stood there blinking as Nana practically sprinted up the stairs like she’d just been given steroids or something. Nothing like matchmaking to get that woman a second wind.
Bless Brody’s heart. He didn’t stand a chance. When Nana had her mind set on something, she was relentless.
Elli waited downstairs while Nana and Brody clomped around on the top floor. That room had the best view in the house and even a small kitchenette, so he’d be pretty well set if he never wanted to visit with Nana the whole time, although he seemed to be indulging her quite nicely. Their laughter made her smile. There’d been a time when this house was always full of people. It probably got lonely for Nana now that Elli had moved off and she and her friends hardly ever stayed more than just an overnight.
Brody came down the stairs slowly, obviously letting Nana take her time. He clapped his hands together and gave Elli a wink. “I think I’ve had the tour. You ready to show me where the work will happen?”
“Sure. See you in a bit, Nana.”
“You two have fun. It’s a beautiful day out there.”
“Sorry,” Elli said to Brody as they walked outside. “My grandmother is always trying to be the matchmaker, but she’s harmless.”
“She’s terrific. Reminds me of my grandmother except with a crazy accent.”
“Excuse me? Are you mocking the way we talk around here?”
“Well, it’s a little more twangy than I expected it to be.”
“Folks say our part of the b
each has its own dialect. Keeps the outsiders guessing. You’ll get used to it though.”
She led Brody over the dune to the workshop. He seemed at home trudging through the sand, but he came to a dead stop when they neared the building.
“This is your grandfather’s workshop?” He glanced the length of the building and then back at her. “It’s huge.”
Seeing it through Brody’s eyes brought a fresh appreciation for the building. Even after years of being unused except for Pops’ projects, the place still looked pretty impressive. The brick exterior had held its own over the years, although the trim could use a good coat of paint. It really was kind of impressive. “They used to call this the plaza. Back in the day there were a couple shops here. That’s when people frequented this end of the beach. It’d been closed for years before Pops started using it for his projects. I guess it is pretty nice.”
“Nice? It’s every man’s dream.”
Elli stifled a giggle at Brody’s excitement as she pressed the numbered buttons on the keypad at the side entrance. “The code is 2020 to get inside.”
“Easy enough to remember.” He held his arm out and waited for her to enter. “After you.”
“There’s a story behind that number. My grandfather said he had 20/20 vision no matter what the eye doctor said, because the first time he laid eyes on Nana, he knew she was the woman he’d marry.” She flipped the light switch and stepped inside. “That was kind of their own little I love you. He’d just give her a wink and say 2020.” She sucked in the familiar smells of varnish and wood. “That story still makes my heart race a little. They were so in love even after so many years.”
“When did he pass away?”
“About five years ago.”
“Sorry for the loss.” Brody stepped inside behind her and let the door close behind them. “Wow. The ultimate man cave.” His green eyes flickered approval at the workbenches and neatly arranged tools. A couple chairs and a table faced a television where Pops and his buddies used to watch sports so as not to bother Nana.
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