The Sweetest Summer: A Bayberry Island Novel (34 page)

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.”