Moondance Beach (28 page)

“Imelda!”

The petite older woman clutched her chest in surprise, then cut loose with a long string of Portuguese-laced obscenities. “You’re gonna give me a heart attack one day, Mona.”

“I was just happy to see you.”

Imelda Silva, who had once been the family’s private housekeeper and was now the B and B’s cook, shook her head and marched through the foyer on her way to the staircase. “I’ve been working for your family for twenty-some years. You and I both know you’re not happy to see me. You just want me to do something for that fruity mermaid group of yours and the answer is still
não
! I’d rather fix the toilet in the Dolphin Suite! And you, Rowan.” Imelda pointed an accusatory finger in her direction. “Stay out of the butter pecan ice cream. It’s the topping for tomorrow’s waffles.”

Mona looked hurt as she watched Imelda trudge up the grand staircase. “What is
wrong
with everybody this year?” She sighed loudly. “Everywhere I turn, it’s just one bad attitude after another! What happened to the
joy and delight of the biggest week of the whole summer season? Why aren’t people filled with excitement?”

“We’re tired.”

“Ha!” Mona narrowed her eyes at Rowan. “We are the people of Bayberry Island, my dear, caretakers of the mermaid, the sea goddess of love. This week is nothing short of sacred to us, to our way of life. We have no time to be tired.” She paused for dramatic effect. “Mark my words, honey. If we don’t perk the hell up around here, we’re completely
screwed.”

Looking for more?
Visit Penguin.com for more about this author and a complete list of their books.
Discover your next great read!