“Nyla,” she said softly, glancing at the kids before turning back to the old woman, “I added a little crushed ice. Want some?”

“Really?” Nyla straightened, her eyes flicking to the bowl.

“You’re not lying?”

“Of course not.” Hadley scooped a piece and brought it to Nyla’s lips.

“Here, try it.”

Nyla took the bite. Her eyes widened at once.

“It’s true! You weren’t lying!”

Hadley smiled.

“I snuck a little in. Just a bit—it’s fine as long as you don’t have too much.”

Nyla’s health was fragile, and the heat on the island had been unbearable lately, especially in the afternoons. Once she finished the bowl, Hadley didn’t offer more.

Nyla leaned back into the beach chair after the snack, satisfied. Her eyes drifted shut. Hadley stayed close and tucked a towel over her. The sea breeze brushed softly against them.

“Clare.” Nyla opened her eyes and looked at Hadley.

Hadley froze. She’d seen Nyla mix things up before, so she didn’t correct her.

“Yes?” she answered gently.

“Don’t worry.” Nyla smiled faintly.

“I’ll make sure Hadley is looked after.” Her voice turned faint.

“She’s grown now… so lovely, so capable…” Her eyes slipped shut, and she dozed off.

Hadley turned on her side to face Nyla, blinking away the sting in her eyes.

“Nyla,” she whispered, “Grandma knows. She knows everything.”

By the time the swimmers returned, both Nyla and Hadley were fast asleep.

“Shh.” Eric set Joy down gently and motioned for her to be quiet.

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“They’re sleeping.”

“Okay.” The little girl nodded, then tugged at her father’s hand.

“I want coconut water.”

“Sure.” He lifted her onto a chair and walked off to get one. When he came back, he held the coconut steady while she drank.

“Drink up.”

“Thank you,” said Joy, her lips around the straw as he held it for her.

“Good girl.” Eric watched his daughter closely, warmth softening his face.

Not far from them, Hadley was still asleep, her phone resting loosely in her hand. Then it rang.

The sound jolted her awake. The phone slipped from her hand and landed near Eric’s feet. She reached for it, but he bent down first and picked it up.

The screen was still on. A message appeared; because of the settings, he could read the sender and part of the text. He glanced briefly, then the screen went dark.

Eric brushed the sand off his hands and handed the phone to her.

“Here.”

“Thanks.” She took it, unlocked the screen, and read the message. It was from Ellis: “I’m leaving the day after tomorrow. I’d like to see you before I go.”

Suddenly, the heat felt heavier on her skin. Was he serious? If he wanted to see her, she might as well meet him—and end things properly.

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