Free Siren by Tricia Rayburn

that's such a good idea."
    "Why not? You love Simon. He was the one you guys always left in charge whenever you, Dad, and Mr. and Mrs. Carmichael went out."
    "Yes, I know ... but things are different now."
    "Things, yes--but not Simon." I paused. "He's looking out for me. I thought that would make you happy."
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    "What would make me happy is if you came home. The garden party is Saturday night. Why don't you just relax today, think about it, and call me in the morning?"
    I wouldn't change my mind, but I told her that sounded like a good idea and hung up.
    Mom was right about one thing: being around people helped. That had been confirmed when I returned to the empty lake house last night. I'd left the lights, TV, and radio on that morning, but after spending all day with Simon, they'd only served as glaring reminders that I was alone again. I'd considered inviting him over to watch a movie--I'd even picked up the phone and dialed--but eventually decided against it. We'd already spent so much time together, and it had been a tiring day; he'd probably needed a break.
    Which was why I was already at Betty's Chowder House at seven thirty the next morning.
    "Back so soon?"
    "Good morning," I said, getting out of the car. Louis stood on the stairs leading to the kitchen door, smoking a cigarette. Garrett stood next to him, drinking coffee.
    "Hon," Louis said, taking a long drag and letting it out slowly, "you won't find anyone more supportive of a good time than me--but the summer's barely begun. You might want to pace yourself."
    "Maybe you should look into a chaperone," Garrett said with a smile. "I usually work days, so would be happy to help keep you out of trouble at night."
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    "Thanks for the offer," I said, starting up the steps. "But I'm fine. My Betty's breakfast was not only healing, but preventative. I might never feel sick again."
    Holding the cigarette between his lips, Louis opened the door for me. "Paige is on silverware duty. She could use your help."
    "I'm off at seven!" Garrett called after me.
    I scooted inside and found Paige quickly. She stood over a big red plastic bin at the back of the main dining room, tossing knives and forks into a sorting container.
    "Twice in three days?"
    I spun toward the voice behind me--and pressed my fingertips against my temples. Maybe I'd spoken too soon when I'd said Louis's breakfast had had preventative powers. Because that fleeting migraine that had hit two days ago, when I was on my way into Betty's kitchen for the first time, was back.
    "There are twenty other restaurants in town."
    My eyes were scrunched up against the pain, but the scowl on the waitress in front of me was clear.
    "And, let me guess--no reservation?"
    "No." I recognized the waitress as the one who'd spoken to me by the Dumpster two days ago. "But--"
    "Vanessa!"
    I smiled as a handful of utensils clattered into the bin.
    "Paige, do you see swing sets? Seesaws? A sandbox?"
    "Simmer down, Z," Paige said, coming up behind me. "Vanessa's not here to play. She's here to work."
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    Z. Short for Zara, waitress extraordinaire--the one who'd yelled at Paige from the bottom of the stairs leading to the balcony two days ago. I could see the resemblance--they both had the same dark hair and silver-blue eyes, though Paige's features were softer, plainer--but considering their personalities, it was still hard to believe they were related.
    "I'm just here to lend a hand," I explained, not wanting to get Paige in trouble. "Temporarily."
    Zara's eyes narrowed. "Betty's Chowder House is a fifty-year-old institution. People travel here from all over New England for our famous lobster chowder. We have a sterling reputation and won't risk tarnishing it just because my brilliant little sister thought an at-work ally might make sorting silverware more interesting." She yanked a pad and pen from her apron pocket. "Have you ever even worked in a restaurant?"
    I glanced at Paige. "Not exactly, but--"
    "Z, Louis said it was okay. I