Page 46 of The Romance Adventure

“Were they defending the pirates or fighting them off?”

Bean shrugs. “All I know is that if you listened to Chip’s stories you could get sucked into believing that there’s treasure on this island. If I’m not mistaken, he didn’t want anyone other than his grandsons to find it.”

“By sending them on a wild goose chase?” I tell her how upset Royal was. That Magnus was mostly quiet and reflective. Ryan seemed somewhat curious and CJ definitely has secrets.

“Secrets or stories his brothers don’t want to hear because they think it’s nonsense? Anyway, thank you for being me today.”

“There’s one more thing. I’m supposed to oversee the fixing up of the Driftwood.” I tell her about being named the executor.

“That’ll do the island wonders.”

“Bean, I can’t take on that role.”

“Did you sign the cover page?”

“Yes. Does that mean I signed away my life, firstborn, and made a promise to forgo chocolate forever?”

She winces.

“Not the chocolate. Please no. It was little more than a scribble. Could easily say Robyn.”

“Except I’m guessing it matches your signature on every painting and mural you’ve ever made. No one would believe it says my name. Have you seen me paint? Or write? I can hardly read my handwriting.”

She has a point. I hold out my hand, palm up. “Where’s my chocolate?”

“There’s a chocolate on your pillow, sis.”

I give her a hug and then jitter. “Wait. How did the call with the coffee company go?”

Bean grins. “I got the account.”

“Happy dance time.” I do the silly little dance we’d do when Aunt Olga wasn’t watching.

“Things are looking up. Plus, the McGregor brothers aren’t bad to look at. I mean the scenery. It’s beautiful. Especially the twin with the pewter eyes. I mean the clear sky and turquoise sea. All this sunshine must be scrambling my brain.” I tip my head from side to side, framing it and flutter my hands.

“Good night, sis,” Bean says with an amused smile.

“Hang on. What happened to their parents?”

She shifts like this question cuts close to our shared loss. “Colin McGregor and Emmanuella. She was Almeida before they married, Chip’s daughter.”

“You call him Chip, too?”

“Everyone did. Anyway, I’ve heard it was a boating accident. But the couple was never found.” Her shoulders rise and drop on an exhale.

Me too. “So sad. That means they’re also orphans.”

We hug again because even though anyone would argue that our mother wasn’t interested in the role, we always wonder what it would’ve been like not to eat Aunt Olga’s borsch five days a week.

“The oldest three brothers are a bit growly. Grumpy. Grouchy,” I say.

Bean asks, “Even Ryan?”

“When he’s hungry,” I say, sharing my observation.

“The triple G.”

“G to the third power.”