Chapter 3
Ivy and Shelly burst into the kitchen, panting after a brisk beach walk. A chill laced the morning breeze, reminding Ivy of a New England autumn.
“Another coffee to warm up?” Ivy asked.
Shelly shivered and blew on her hands. “How about hot chocolate? It’s the beginning of the Christmas season, after all.”
“And we have to come up with a better plan for the winter.” Ivy shrugged off her fleece jacket and hung it on a hook by the back door.
The house was quiet. Misty had boarded a plane to Boston, and the rest of the family had returned to their homes. The only guests remaining were Bennett, Gilda and Pixie, and Imani and Jamir. Barely enough cashflow to keep the lights on. And worse for Ivy and Shelly, Gilda’s home would be ready soon, as would Imani’s—though Ivy would be happ
