Chapter 4 — Nora Thought the Resort Had Invited Her
Nora Bell believed the stay was a gift from Bellweather.
Adrian told her the resort wanted to honor former employees before the renovation.
Richard covered his face for a moment.
“So you lied to her too.”
Adrian nodded.
“Yes.”
Richard arranged for Sophia to wait in a private lounge while he investigated.
Then, unexpectedly, Sophia said:
“I want to meet Nora.”
Richard looked surprised.
“You don’t have to.”
“I know.”
“She’s not responsible for this.”
“Exactly.”
An hour later, Nora Bell walked into the lounge.
Small woman.
White hair.
Blue cardigan.
She carried herself with the careful dignity of someone who hated causing inconvenience.
Adrian followed several steps behind.
Nora immediately looked at Sophia.
“Are you the woman whose room I’m in?”
Sophia nodded.
Nora closed her eyes.
“Oh, Adrian.”
He looked down.
“Grandma—”
“No.”
Nora turned toward Sophia.
“I am so sorry.”
“You didn’t know.”
“I should have asked more questions.”
“You thought the resort invited you.”
Nora nodded.
Then she picked up her handbag.
“I’ll leave immediately.”
Sophia stopped her.
“Where will you go?”
Nora smiled.
“Home.”
She lived only thirty minutes away.
This had never been a vacation.
She only wanted a few hours inside the cottage.
To sit on the old rear porch.
Look at the lake.
And say goodbye to a place connected to most of her early adulthood.
Sophia’s anger remained.
But not toward Nora.
“Why is that cottage so important?”
Nora smiled faintly.
“My daughter took her first steps there.”
Then she looked more closely at Sophia.
“Bennett?”
Sophia nodded.
Nora’s expression changed.
“What’s your father’s name?”
Sophia frowned.
“Thomas Bennett.”
Nora slowly sat back down.
“Your father grew up here too.”