“Hmm,” was all Tara said.

Chloe was eyeing the sole motorboat. “Hey, we should take that out for a joyride and-”

“No!” Maddie and Tara said in unison.

Chloe rolled her eyes. “Jeez, a girl gets arrested once and no one ever lets her forget it.”

“Twice,” Tara said. “And you still owe me the bail money for that San Diego jet ski debacle.”

Maddie had no idea what had happened in San Diego. She wasn’t sure she wanted to know. They moved outside again and faced the last section of the “resort,” the small owner’s cottage. And actually, small was too kind. Postage-stamp-sized was too kind. It had a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kitchen-and-living-room combo and a single bedroom and bath.

And lots of dust.

“It’s really not that bad,” Maddie said into the stunned silence. They stood there another beat, taking in the decor, which was-surprise, surprise-done in blue and white with lots of stenciled ducks and cows and roosters, oh, my. “Mostly cosmetic. I just think-”

“No,” Tara said firmly. “Bless your heart, but please, please don’t think.”

Chloe choked out a laugh. “Love how you say ‘bless your heart’ just before you insult someone. Classy.”

Tara ignored Chloe entirely and kept her voice soft and steely calm. “Majority rules here. And majority says we should sell ASAP, assuming that in this economy we don’t have to actually pay someone to take this place off our hands.”

Maddie looked at Chloe. “You really want to sell, too?”

Chloe hesitated.

“Be honest with her,” Tara said.

“I can’t.” Chloe covered her face. “She has Bambi eyes. You know what?” She headed for the door. “I’m not in the mood to be the swing vote.”

“Where are you going?” Tara demanded.

“For a ride.”