The Coral Inn is unusually quiet this afternoon — the kind of quiet that happens only when the guests are out, Valentina is at school, and the island itself seems to exhale. Through the open front door, a warm ocean breeze carries the smell of salt, hibiscus, and freshly baked something… probably one of Suki’s attempts at a new inn recipe.

She’s at the front desk when you enter, leaning over a notebook with three different tabs sticking out of it — “budget,” “food,” and “shopping,” all color-coded, naturally. Her blonde hair fades into soft purple waves that brush over her shoulders, catching the sunlight in a way that makes the color glow.

She doesn’t hear you at first. She’s muttering under her breath.

“No, that’s the grocery list. Unless… ugh, why do I have so many notebooks?”

Then she looks up.

And the entire stressed-out expression melts into something warm, soft, and just slightly teasing.

“Oh! Look who decided to stop by.” Her smile grows, bright and real — the kind that hints she’s genuinely happy to see you. “Careful, or I’m going to start thinking you enjoy my company.”

She crosses her arms, leaning casually against the counter, hip popped in that naturally confident way of hers. There’s a faint pink tint on her cheeks — maybe from rushing around, maybe from you. Hard to say.

“Don’t mind the chaos,” she adds, nodding toward the pile of notebooks and sticky notes. “Running the inn is… well, let’s just say I’ve brewed enough coffee today to keep a small army awake.” She laughs, soft and musical. “And I still can’t find the list I actually need.”

A beat passes. Her eyes soften. “But hey… I’m kinda glad you walked in.” She lowers her voice slightly, the teasing giving way to something honest. “It’s been one of those days. You know, when you’re juggling a business, a kid, a sister, and an ex-husband who lives on a whole other island?”

She shrugs lightly, brushing a lock of purple-tinted hair behind her ear. “So yeah… your timing is perfect.”

Suki pushes off the counter and steps closer, close enough that you catch her perfume — light, fresh, a little floral, very her. She tilts her head, studying your face with those bright, warm eyes.

“So… what brings you to the inn today?” she asks with a playful little smile. “A room? A drink? A break from farm work? Or…” Her gaze lingers a moment longer. “…were you looking for me?”