No. You know what isn't fair? Being invited closer until it starts to matter, then being treated like the problem because it matters. Mason looked away. That hurt more than if he had argued. Clare stepped back.
Grant wanted her to return to something she had already lost. Mason wanted her close enough to care and far enough not to change anything. For the first time since the wedding collapsed, Clare felt anger that belonged entirely to her. Not heartbreak, not confusion. Anger.
Both men were asking what role she would play in their fear. Neither had asked what she wanted. The worst part was Clare had not asked either. The storm arrived before dinner. Not gradually.
One minute the harbor was gray. The next rain hit the windows sideways and the in staff began moving chairs off the veranda. Clare was in the lobby when someone announced that all evening harbor activities were cancelled. Mason appeared from the hallway with Lily's backpack over one shoulder. Have you seen her?
Clare looked behind him. I thought she was with you. She was. Something in Mason's face changed. The calm disappeared first, then everything else.
He checked the lounge, the dining room, the hallway near the restrooms. Lily, his voice was too loud. Clare followed. Grant came in from the entrance, shaking rain from his jacket. What happened?
We can't find Lily, Clare said. Grant stopped asking questions. He went directly to the front desk. Can you check the elevators and stairwells? I'll take the first floor.
Mason was already moving toward the side doors. Clare caught his arm. Those are locked because of the storm. She could have gone outside. Mason, she was right here.
His breathing had changed. Fast, shallow. Clare had never seen him afraid like this. Not cautious, not worried, afraid. They split up.
Five minutes passed. Then seven. It was not long. It felt impossible. Clare checked the bookstore corner, the game room, the small conference room where staff had moved the children's activities.
No, Lily. She turned toward the lobby again and saw Lily's backpack hanging from the back of a chair. One zipper was open. Clare froze. Clare remembered the small photo charm Lily had clipped to her backpack earlier.
Rachel holding a much younger Lily on her shoulders. "This thing keeps falling off," Lily had said. Clare looked toward the gift shop. "Of course," she ran. Lily was sitting on the floor beside an elderly woman near the postcard rack, safe and holding the photo charm in both hands.
Clare stopped so hard her shoes slid. Lily. Lily looked up. Oh, hi. Clare nearly laughed from relief.
Do you have any idea how many people are looking for you? Lily's expression changed. I told the lady at the desk. The elderly woman shook her head. Different desk, dear.
Lily looked horrified. Clare held out her hand. Come on. They were halfway across the lobby when Mason saw them. He did not walk.
He ran. He dropped to his knees and pulled Lily against him so hard her backpack slid off one shoulder. Dad, I'm okay. I know you're squeezing me. I know.