Page 15 of Only You

“This place is huge!” Lucy exclaimed as she ran around. “Jesus, look at that pool and hot tub!”

“Watch your mouth, Lucy,” I said. “My mother sure updated the place,” I said, looking around.

“She renovated the entire house a couple of years ago, Mara said. “Every room except her bedroom.”

“Why?” My brows furrowed.

“She told Katherine that it was her space, and she was keeping it as is.”

“Katherine?”

“Katherine Barrister. But you knew her as Katherine Young.”

“Katherine Young, eh?” I smiled. “Colin’s twin sister?”

“The one and only.”

“I didn’t know she was an interior designer,” I said.

“A lot has changed with the folks here in Harbor Falls since you left. Don’t forget, you’ve been gone for eighteen years, Alex.”

“You know I didn’t have a choice.” I stared out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the water. “Lucy, let’s go upstairs. I’ll show you to your room.”

I grabbed our luggage and took them upstairs. Opening the door to my old bedroom, I saw that it had been redone—light gray walls, white crown molding, a queen-sized white canopy bed with a light pink comforter, a white dresser, vanity, and matching armoire graced the walls, along with a full-length mirror in the corner.

“Wow!” Lucy ran in and threw herself on the bed. “Can I have this room, Dad?”

“I guess it was made for you,” I said, glancing at Mara as she looked down. “Why would she do this?”

“You know why, Alex. There was no reasoning with her. I’m sorry.”

“Well, I guess it worked out for Lucy.” I turned and headed to one of the other guestrooms.

“You won’t be staying in your mother’s old bedroom?” she asked.

“God, no. I’ll be fine in here,” I said, staring at my sister’s old bedroom. “She completely redid Athena’s room but turned my old room into a girl’s room? I don’t understand, Mara.” I frowned. “Wait, I know why she did it. She wanted every trace of my existence gone.”

“I’m sorry, Alex. You know she wasn’t right. I have to get going. The refrigerator and pantry are fully stocked with food. I’ll be back tomorrow morning.”

“What happened to the rest of the staff?” I asked.

“Your mother drove them out a couple of years ago.”

“I’m not surprised. I’ll see you tomorrow, Mara. Thank you for everything.” I hugged her.

“You’re welcome, Alex. It’s good to see you again. Welcome home.”

I went downstairs to the kitchen and stared at the open-concept space. The house looked completely different from when I left. It was updated and modernized—something I never thought my mother would do. Opening the sliding door, I stepped onto the patio and looked around. Memories of being out here when I was a child flooded my mind.

“Dad, I found this in my room. Who is she?” Lucy stepped onto the patio and handed me a framed picture.

I swallowed hard as I stared at it. “This was my sister, your Aunt Athena.”

“Where is she?”

“She died when she was thirteen years old.”

“Oh. I’m sorry.”