Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Frank’s eyes widen. “Well, listen to you. Sounds like you’re missing it.”
“Nah, I’ve gotten my fill since I’ve been back.” The lie comes easily to smooth the path away from this discussion. “I’m sure one of the fishers at the docks will take the boat off my hands.”
“Why not take it with you?” Rocco asks.
“No place to store it.” I don’t mention that I barely have room for myself.
“Speaking of the docks, I hear Cap had a stroke,” Frank says, then to Rocco and Aaron, “He’s run the tackle shop on Sleepy Slip for decades.”
“Yeah, it’s a bummer.” I rub the back of my neck. “He’s been a fixture for as long as I can remember.”
Frank nods. “Maybe someone in his family can take over the business.”
“His daughter and granddaughter are helping out, so we’ll see.”
“Maybe they’ll give the place a facelift while he’s away,” Frank teases.
“Like the service station,” Aaron adds excitedly.
“Eh, I don’t know.” Frank shrugs. “Some things are better left in their original condition. That place has character, you know?”
“This house does too,” Aaron argues. “But a little upkeep never hurt anything.”
“You’re right,” I admit, considering how Cap’s shack could do with some new paint. “And you did an incredible job.”
Aaron beams before suggesting we head back downstairs, and we make small talk as I walk them to the door.
Rocco reaches out to shake my hand. “I’ll get in touch with Chuck so he can draw up the paperwork.”
My stomach tilts uncomfortably, but it’s likely only nerves. “Sounds good.”
Aaron playfully elbows Rocco. “Look at you. About to become a bona fide Aqua Vista resident.”
He huffs out a laugh. “So much for your town curse.”
“You heard those ridiculous rumors?”
Damn, I hope it doesn’t include my grandpa’s house being haunted or whatever the kids are saying. Though he wouldn’t be here if he had a problem with it.
“Frank told me some things. Aaron too.” He holds up a finger. “Oh, and Beth.”
“I forgot you’ve been talking with her,” Frank says. “Careful, she might forecast your future.”
“She was right about me,” Aaron admits.
I open my mouth to confess the same, then clamp it shut.
Looks like the horizon is doing its job keeping John and me at arm’s length. Or should I say, in different cities?
“She did make a prediction.” Rocco’s tone is a cross between amusement and discomfort. “But only because I asked, and even then, I was half joking.”
Frank nudges him. “You didn’t tell me this.”
He narrows his eyes. “Because I still think it’s bullshit, and I didn’t exactly like what she had to say.”
“Well, don’t leave us in suspense,” Frank eggs him on.
“She said I would end up with the love of my life,” he mutters.
“And?” Aaron’s eyebrows pull together. “What’s wrong with that?”
“Nothing.” He shifts awkwardly as if recounting their interaction makes him uneasy. “So I pointed out that I am marrying Corrine. Beth looked away and didn’t respond.”
“So?” Aaron scoffs. “That doesn’t mean—”
He huffs out a breath. “Then she said, I wish you all the best.”
The foyer grows silent.
“Well, you did ask.” I wince.
“I did.”
I shrug. “It all depends on what you believe.”
“True, and like I said, it’s all BS.”
I notice Frank is suspiciously silent.
We shake hands again before I close the door behind them.
I lean against the wood and look around the space. With all the clutter gone, it looks clean and sleek but also stark and not lived in, which makes sense with all the updates.
Did I really just sell my grandfather’s house?
29
JOHN
The next few weeks seem to intensify at lightning speed. The bar feels more crowded, especially in the lead-up to today’s spring festival.
While that’s kept us busy, along with this evening’s fish fry, I’m also glad to see how much Seth has stepped up to take the load off. He’s gunning for more responsibility, and if he keeps it up, I’ll be more than glad to delegate.
Micah has been busy with the sale of the house, his second audition, which he thinks went well, prepping his grandfather’s boat for sale, and the play. We still text constantly and see each other when we can. He’s stopped by for one meal or another nearly every day.
I glance out the window to the shining sun, which feels refreshing after the moderate temps and rainfall as spring takes hold. There’s a certain energy in town, an excitement about the season that you don’t feel many other times of the year. Almost like a rebirth, a reprieve from the unpredictable weather. Though spotting the migrating gray whales is always a sight.
I pat Ross on the back. “Think you can cover for me for an hour?”
“Sure thing, boss.”
A moment later, I’m out the door, and the closer I get to the large grassy field where most events in town are held, the more my stomach scrambles with nerves. I stand to the side of the constructed stage, careful not to disturb Micah or Ms. Hart. They’re busy giving a pep talk to the students, who look great in their wardrobe and makeup.