The Sisters Bloom: A Heartwarming Family Saga: Cape Harriet Series, #2

By Roma Brooks

Three estranged sisters meet at a seaside inn to celebrate their mother's 60th birthday. The oldest is struggling with a rocky marriage. Another is at a crossroads after being fired from her job. None of them are prepared for the secrets that are about to be revealed.

 

As one shocking truth after another comes to light, the sisters will forget their differences and come together as a family.

 

The Bloom sisters have forgotten the rapport they once shared.

 

Iris is exhausted from raising four kids and has turned into a controlling woman with an acid tongue. Hyacinth, the academic, faces a void after losing the job she worked hard for. Neither can understand the other's choices in life but they agree on something. Poppy, their youngest sister, needs to stop gallivanting around the world and get serious about her life goals.

 

Mary Bloom has a big surprise in store for her daughters but she can barely get a word in. Saddened by the constant bickering, she decides to remain a silent spectator.

 

Meanwhile, innkeepers Pete and Zadie are doing their best to make their guests feel welcome, plying them with delicious seafood and desserts.

 

As the sisters face one shock after another, they will bond like never before, finally realizing what matters most in life: family.

 

If you like stories about strong women, family life, beach settings and yummy food with a dash of intrigue, you will love The Sisters Bloom.

 

*Contains yummy recipes from the Rising Tides Inn.

 

Previously published as Wicked Summer

• Language: English
• Publisher: Roma Brooks
• Release date: Oct 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201113384

Book preview

Prologue

He struggled to open his eyes, feeling disoriented. Something hot and gritty prickled his skin. Sunlight shimmered over the wide blue expanse that surrounded him.

A small boat entered the cove. It reached the shore and a young girl jumped out.

His eyes shut with a will of their own. He fought hard to keep them open, anxiously looking around, searching. Had it been a dream?

She frolicked in the water, her golden tresses floating around her.

His heart thudded as he watched, mesmerized, yearning for a closer look.

The goddess turned and started swimming back. Soon, she stepped languidly out of the sea and walked toward him.

Chapter 1

Ladies and gentlemen, we have now begun our descent to Norfolk's ORF airport. The captain has turned on the seatbelt sign. Please ensure your tray tables are closed and seats are in their full upright position . . .

Iris Robinson took a deep breath as she snapped her 11 year old son's tray table up, and pressed the button at his side to pull his seat upright. He leaned back again, laughing.

You're not a child now, Danny. Listen to what the flight attendant said, she said sharply.

Dan, he corrected her with a frown. Didn't I ask you to call me Dan now? I'm not a child anymore, right? he challenged.

Alright, Dan! Iris sighed. Please straighten your seat and fasten your seatbelt. We'll be landing soon.

Dan made a face at his sniggering siblings and reluctantly obeyed his mother.

For the Detroit based Robinson family, taking a flight for their summer vacation was a novelty. A rare treat actually, if they thought a bit about it. But who could ever expect kids aged 11, 14 or 17 to think? The youngsters were ignorant and the teenagers arrogant. Maybe 19 year old Amber would get a reality check when she went to college in the Fall.

Iris Robinson loved her kids dearly, but there were times when she wondered how she remained sane. Matt, her husband of 20 years, had conveniently had a work emergency and would be following them on a later flight in a couple of days. 

Iris felt the plane touch down on the tarmac, and soon they were heading toward baggage claim. After counting and recounting the luggage and making sure it was loaded right on a luggage trolley, they trooped toward the rental car counter.

I specifically asked for a van, Iris said in a tired tone to the girl at the rental car counter. How am I supposed to fit four kids and all this luggage into a compact? 

The girl smiled mechanically. I am sorry but this is all we have. I can cancel your reservation at no charge, since we don't have the car you want.

And how are we supposed to get to the shore then? Iris muttered and filled out the paperwork needed.

When do we eat? I'm starving, dude! 17 year old Kevin grumbled.

Me too! The other kids whined and Iris followed them to the food court.

After squeezing into the compact car, they finally set off on the 60-70 mile drive to their destination. Amber had insisted she drive, and lanky Kevin had grudgingly settled in the back seat with his younger siblings.

Where is this place anyway? And who chose it for our vacation? I could be swimming in the lake now. Kevin grumbled. He did a lot of that lately.

Aren't you excited about swimming in the ocean and the bay? Iris asked in surprise. We go to the lake every year. I thought you'd like seeing a new state and the Atlantic.

Whatevs! Kevin mumbled, choosing to stare out of the window.

When can we see the ocean, Mom? Danny fidgeted restlessly, trying to curb his excitement. He had never seen the sea and was excited about experiencing sandy beaches and sea waves for the first time.

Very soon, my dear, Iris smiled at him, relieved to see at least one child showing some enthusiasm.

So why're we flying to this outlandish place, Mom? Amber objected. Couldn't we have gone to Florida, maybe? She was put out at being separated from her friends, just a week before heading off to college.

Well, this is the peak of summer and it’s hard to find a good hotel. Prices are sky high, and flights are expensive too. Her mother gave Amber a knowing look. One that said she should know better than rile up the already disgruntled kids in the back seat.

Grandma wanted to come here, don't you know? 14 year old Madison proclaimed importantly. She had recently entered her know-it-all phase and was quick to correct everyone around her at the slightest opportunity.

Hunh. Has she ever come here before? Kevin snorted.

And what do you know about what Grandma wanted? Amber challenged her sister.

We are celebrating Grandma's 60th birthday. She wanted it to be on the beach with her whole family with her. Maddie pressed. Aunt Poppy's friend recommended this place we're going to. What is it called, Mom? She looked at her mother.

Cape Harriet. And we are staying at the Rising Tides Inn. Although I'm not sure what to expect, considering one of Poppy's friends vouched for it. Iris said doubtfully.

What do you mean? Kevin challenged her, sensing some angst against his aunt. I say it’s gonna be freakin' awesome, if Aunt Poppy found it for us.

Iris twisted her face in a grimace. Poppy, her youngest sister, was not the most reliable person in the world. She led a nomadic lifestyle, traveling from country to country, on one big trip around the world. She even had some word for it, an acronym of course.

Well, I know you're bedazzled by your Aunt Poppy, but in this case, your Aunt Hyacinth might have made a better choice, she told Kevin.

We haven't even seen the place yet, Mom! Amber protested, siding with her brother for once.

Is Grandma already here? asked Dan, the baby of the family, still young enough to allow his grandma to cuddle him.

She got here yesterday. Maddie informed the group. Wonder why she didn't fly in with us.

Really, you wonder? their mother asked sarcastically.

As well behaved as her kids were, they could be a handful, especially when cooped up in an enclosed space. Traveling since early morning, the group was tired and ready to settle down.

Oh, look, water! Danny cried out in excitement, as they sped over a small bridge over the bay. They saw ships sailing on the water, and a barge in the distance. Soon they were passing a toll and entering a tunnel that said Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.

Yes, Mom, I can handle it! Amber assured her frowning mother.

Pay attention now Danny! We're going to be on the water for 17 miles now, Maddie poked her kid brother whose eyes were wide open with amazement, looking at all the new sights.

Can't be, Kevin said in a sleepy voice.

Unh-hunh, Maddie protested. You're such a jock. Don't you know this is a technical wonder of the world or something?

Technological, Iris corrected her.

Kevin sat up, as much as he could in the cramped seat. He finally took notice of where they were. For a while, the group was quiet as they stared at the deep blue waters of the Chesapeake all around them. All they could see was the winding bridge that stretched forever into the horizon. Amber looked serious as she concentrated on handling the car on the curving road. All the ‘No Stopping’ signs unnerved her a bit.

Look, there's a scenic overlook, Maddie proclaimed. Pull in here, please, she urged her sister.

Amber was only too happy for the respite. After taking some photos, and gazing at the Bay from a telescope, they finally piled into their car. Summer vacation meant there were several families with kids, all traveling somewhere.

Amber mutely handed the keys to her mother and grudgingly sat in the back, spying Kevin had already bagged the front seat.

After a few more miles of alternating between undersea tunnels and the bridge, they merged onto a state road. They went north for a few miles and spotted a sign for the Rising Tides Inn.

Iris turned off the road onto another bridge and followed directions. A colorful banner welcomed them to the town of Cape Harriet. A few turns later, she entered a large tree lined drive. Soon they were in a circular driveway, flanked by an imposing three story Colonial painted white with blue shutters. A huge porch or veranda wrapped the front and steps led up to it. Large round columns rose from the ground to the roof.

Is this some kinda museum? Danny asked in alarm.

Just then, an elderly woman bustled out of the door, followed by a balding man. She hurried to the car and Iris cracked the window open.

Is this the Rising Tides Inn? she asked the woman, surprised at how respectable and welcoming the place looked.

It certainly is, the woman beamed. You must be the Robinsons. We've been waiting for you.

She turned around to look up at the man beside her. Get their bags, Pete! 

He was already heading toward the boot of the car. Kevin opened his door at a nudge from his mother and helped the man take out all their luggage.

The woman pointed to an area nearby. You can park anywhere you want. You are on the inn's property now.

Iris parked the car, and got out, happy to stretch her legs. Instinctively, her hand went up to her sleek chignon, and she tucked away her stray hair.

Hello, I'm Zadie Strathmore, and this is Pete, my husband, the woman said cheerfully as they stood in a group, looking up at the inn.

Welcome to our inn. Hope you will have a great time here. We have planned plenty of fun stuff for you, she said, looking at the kids.

Is my Grandma Mary here yet? Danny burst out.

Indeed she is, young man, Pete smiled. And here she is.

The inn's door opened again and an attractive older woman wearing a white cotton sundress stepped out. Her aquamarine eyes shone with pleasure as she gazed at her daughter and grandkids. She opened her arms just in time as Danny hurled himself at her and gave her a hug.

Hello Grandma Mary. Why didn't you come with us? Maddie pinched me on the plane. She's so mean! He launched into a familiar tirade against his sister. We saw the bay, something called Chesapa? I saw sail boats . . .

Mary Bloom put an arm around her youngest grandson, and greeted the rest of her family. Kevin kissed her lightly on the cheek and Maddie took her other hand. Amber gave her a hug, and finally it was time for Iris.

Hello, Mother! How are you? she asked in a tired tone. Now that they had arrived, she just wanted to hit the bed and sleep.

Zadie hustled the group inside. Let’s get you settled in. You must be tired. And hungry, I hope?

Oh yeah, Kevin and Danny said in a chorus, always ready to eat.

They entered a large foyer with a colorful circular rug and a round solid wooden table. A vase overflowed with roses and hydrangeas, and the group exclaimed as they spied the large window at the end of the foyer, behind what looked like a check-in desk. Lace curtains swirled in a warm, salty breeze coming off the sandy beach beyond. Waves crashed on the shore, seeming very near and at once too far.

Is that the ocean? Danny stared wide-eyed and ran to the window.

Your mother is in the Garden suite, right here next to the living room, Zadie pointed. You're in the Bay suite on the first floor with your sisters, she said handing Iris a key. And you lot are on the third floor in Sage and Thyme, she told the kids.

You girls can take Sage with two queen beds. And you boys can take Thyme, with a Queen and a twin.

Zadie handed two more keys to Amber and Kevin.

There's a lounge or seating area there too, with board games and a TV and DVD player. So you kids should be fine there, Zadie smiled.

We're in Thyme, Danny screamed and headed to a flight of stairs he saw at the side.

Wait a minute, I'm sharing a room with my sisters? Iris questioned her mother with a shocked face. We haven't done that since junior high, maybe.

Mary smiled. It was Poppy's idea. She hardly gets to meet any of us. She thought it would be fun.

I should've guessed, Iris smirked and turned around to Zadie.

Can I have a room to myself, please?

Zadie seemed troubled. Not at the moment, dear. We are booked solid. It is summer time, you know.

Pete rushed in. Why don't you get settled in and relax? Neither of your sisters is here yet, so you have the room to yourself. We'll think of something. Don't worry!

OK. Frankly, I don't have the energy to talk about this now. But I definitely want to address this later.

The Robinsons trooped up the stairs, the kids happy to have an entire floor to themselves.

Mary picked up her book from a side stand, ready to head back to the beach.

Should we have a big tea like we discussed, or an early dinner? Zadie consulted Mary.

Mary laughed. Both, I think. The kids must be hungry after their hectic day. They're about to eat embarrassing amounts of food, Zadie. At least, the boys will.

Don't worry about that. We have plenty. And that's all factored into your tariff. Pete was indulgent. And we already have plans for them. He winked.

The Strathmores had come up with an active schedule for the kids, including boat rides and camping. They would keep the kids busy and away from the grownups, giving the women some quality time.

Chapter 2

Hyacinth Bloom maneuvered her trusty Volvo sedan into the crowded rest area. She was in a hurry to use the facilities. For once, she did not look back and check if she had parked her car right. Groaning at the long line, she rummaged in her purse for the spare bit of toilet paper she always carried with her. There was a fat chance she would get a stall with a paper roll.

Cringing at rubbing elbows with a crowd, she quickly washed her hands and hurried outside the restroom, slathering them with a generous squirt of scented sanitizer. It was expensive but it kept her hands soft, enriched with Vitamin E.

Her stomach rumbled signaling her hunger. Breakfast had been a long time ago. She wasn't one for long drives, but her practical self had insisted that they have at least one car between them for emergencies. Iris had cried off ferrying the kids across multiple states. She had offered to do the road trip if Hyacinth came along with her car. But then, Hyacinth had said no. She loved her nieces and nephews, but 12 hours with them on the road, with constant pit stops, fights and demands of 'Are we there yet?' and ' How much farther?' and ' I'm bored' and ' I Spy'? No thanks. She would rather do it on her own.

So Iris had grudgingly bought the six plane tickets for her family, and Hyacinth had promised to help return her rental and pick up Matt from the airport.

The 600 odd miles from northern Ohio to Cape Harriet could be done in a single stretch, but Hyacinth had opted to stop for a night in between. She was not accustomed to driving so much, and driving in the dark, on strange roads, in a tired condition wasn't common sense. So she had booked a motel somewhere in West Virginia along the way, nothing too pricey. She just needed a place to sleep and shower in the morning. The Rising Tides Inn was pricey enough and would hopefully offer some relaxation. She repented when she thought of the cost of a week's stay, but then, she resigned herself to it. It was their mother's 60th birthday and they had to make it special.

The three sisters had decided years ago that they would spend a week at the beach for mom's 60th. Over the years, many beaches had been discussed, ranging from resorts in the Caribbean, the coast of Maine, Martha's Vineyard and even Southern California.

Finally, they were going to Cape Harriet. Hyacinth had trouble accepting that. She could barely place it on a map, and she had breathed a sigh of relief when her GPS accepted the location without giving an error.

Trust Poppy to come up with something outlandish, she thought with a frown. They would all be lucky if it didn't turn out to be a hostel of some sort, or structurally unsafe.

She snapped out of her reverie and tried to decide between the smell of fried chicken and hot pizza. Finally, she got both. Then she grabbed a mini cinnamon roll and a large coffee and headed to her car. She was on vacation, and she was hungry! She was traveling alone and neither her sisters nor her mother was there to pass judgment. A judgmental man had never been her problem. She had none in her life and she was happy about it.

She was the only success story amongst her sisters. Iris had given birth to a bunch of kids without any thought to their welfare. Now she spent her life cooking and cleaning after them, and ferrying them from place to place. What a waste! And Poppy? Well, she was just a baby. Maybe there was hope for her yet.

Hyacinth preened a bit and closed her eyes in bliss as she enjoyed a juicy drumstick. The biscuit melted in her mouth and she took a few large sips of coffee to fortify herself. She felt more energetic and alert now that she had raised her sugar levels. She still had almost 200 miles to go, some of it local roads. At least the sun set later now that it was summer. Hyacinth did some quick calculations and surmised she would reach the inn by six - six thirty. Not bad - maybe they would save her dinner.

Back on the Interstate, between bites of pizza, Hyacinth picked the right lane, set the cruise button for the speed limit and relaxed a bit. Her mind roamed to the meeting she'd had yesterday, but she steered her mind away from it just as she steered her car when it drifted to the shoulder.

No more work, or thoughts about work, she reprimanded herself. It had been a while since she had taken time off from her research and her classes. Working at an university, especially in an up and coming department, was not easy. She found herself involved in much more than just designing her classes and conducting them. Enrollment in the new program had to go up to keep it viable. And so, the young and ambitious were kept on their toes. Good thing she liked teaching and liked her subjects. Technical communication in the digital world came with a new set of challenges, and she was putting in a lot of grunt work to prove her point and to be published in well known journals. Her work would pay off later, maybe a decade later. But she would be hailed as a pioneer in a particular field, she promised herself.

Teaching was in her genes, wasn't it? The name of Professor Bloom was still taken reverently. Her father had been a famous historian, and had been the Dean of his department at a top Michigan university at 55. His death by aneurysm was both shocking and premature. Iris had been well settled with her 4 kids at the time, and Hyacinth herself was working on her thesis. At 16, Poppy had been affected the most.

She had been their parents' favorite, born 10 years after Hyacinth. Neither of her parents had wanted or planned for a third child, but they welcomed Poppy wholeheartedly. Green eyed, fair, with hair like spun gold, she had been a vivacious, energetic child who feared nothing. She was closer in age to Amber, and being the only one at home at the time, she had been spoiled thoroughly by her parents.

Hyacinth shuddered at how her family never seemed to have heard of birth control or planned parenthood. Iris may still have a 5th child, she thought with horror.

Although her thoughts kept her busy, Hyacinth found herself nodding off again in a couple of hours. She had just passed the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and entered the Eastern Shore. But she was still in Maryland. Reluctantly, she pulled into a strip mall to get a drink and stretch her legs. The last hour on the road always seemed to stretch forever. And it was the time when drivers were most prone to error. Better safe than sorry, Hyacinth told herself and splashed some cold water on her face.

She wondered what her sisters had packed for the week. Iris no doubt had the latest in season clothes from Nordstrom's. Poppy would have her usual outrageously itty-bitty wardrobe. She would probably strut around in a bikini all week, Hyacinth thought maliciously, and immediately vowed to make her dress for meals. She looked at her own reflection in the mirror. Her cotton long shirt and the pressed denim shorts were perfect for the season. At least that's what the catalog had said. The white floral top made her feel like an old lady, rather than looking youthful.

Well, all my beauty is packed up there in my brain, she told herself, and dragged her feet to the car to cover the last fifty miles to Cape Harriet.

Chapter 3

Iris flung her handbag toward a table and collapsed on the bed. Or one of the beds. The room was quite spacious with two queen sized beds. There was a couch that probably pulled out and an extra set of sheets and pillows was already visible in the corner. She was spitting mad at the thought of sharing a room. What were they supposed to talk about? She knew none of them wanted to hear about her kids or her life.

How had they become so different? Weren't sisters supposed to have some kind of bond? Hyacinth always seemed to be judging her from the high professor pedestal she had placed herself on. She was the one who had followed in their father's footsteps and she never let anyone forget that. 

And Poppy! She was a nomad of sorts. She could never understand the life of a homemaker. You do all this willingly? And you're happy doing it? Wow!! she always said.

Iris slipped off her shoes and tentatively opened the door of the bathroom. It was airy and modern. A window looked out over the grounds. She spotted a pond in the distance with weeping willows around it. The tub was lined with candles, bath salts and bubble bath. The double sinks had a couple of soaps that looked handmade. She opened a bottle of bubble bath and sniffed. Liking the floral scent, she took another deep breath and closed her eyes. Roses, gardenias, lilac, maybe a touch of lavender, she thought. She rubbed her hand over the bar of soap, carefully opening the plastic wrapping without tearing it off. Some of it stuck to her hand. Jasmine, she decided. She was surprised at how soft and rich the soap was. A long bath was