the candy shop and—”
Holly wheezed and quickly darted from behind the counter and dove in for a hug. “I’m so sorry for your loss. Phyllis Jones was an amazing woman. Such a shock for us all.”
I drew a deep breath as Holly let go, and she chuckled nervously, backing up.
“Sorry.” She grimaced. “When I lived back in Illinois, I wasn’t a hugger, but something about these islands does that to a person.”
My eyes widened. “You’re from Illinois?”
She nodded.
I relaxed, pushing my dark hair away from my face. “I was born in Chicago, but I live in Arizona.”
“What a small world.” She grinned. “You’d better watch out. You just might want to stay here like my family did.”
I shook my head. “That will never happen.”
The thought of leaving my apartment, friends, and family seemed beyond crazy. My entire life was in Arizona. I liked Phoenix. I liked the sun. Or did I? I actually spent an awful lot of time trying to hide from it, which explained my slight pastiness year-round.
“Oh, dear. Never say never.” Holly wiggled her brows, and I laughed, picking up the cup and taking a sip of the warm liquid.
The flavors were even more heavenly than I imagined.
“So good,” I whispered.
“Well, we ship all over the world.” Holly beamed. “Since it sounds like you’re headed back to Arizona like yesterday.”
I chuckled. “I’m sure I sound horrible. Sorry. I didn’t mean to be like that. It’s not like I don’t enjoy Fireweed, but I haven’t been here for years.” I shrugged. “My whole life is in Arizona, and I just—”
“It’s totally fine. I get it. Small-town living isn’t for everyone.”
I let out a wistful sigh and grinned. “It’s not like I haven’t thought of leaving it all behind and starting over, but…” I scrunched my face into a frown. “It’s a lot of work, and I’m lazy.”
Holly laughed, making her way back behind the counter and leaning on it with both hands. “It’s really not all that difficult. But what do you do for a living?”
I laughed, shaking my head. “Besides owning a candy shop?” I smiled, feeling the pit in my stomach deepen, and I wasn’t even sure why. “I’m a nurse.”
Holly’s mouth dropped open. “You can’t for a minute try to convince me that you’re lazy.”
I nodded. “You’re right. I do work long hours on my feet. But I’m definitely lazy when it comes to moving. I’ve been in the same apartment since college. It’s just an excuse so I don’t have to think about it.”
Holly winked at me and wiped down the counter. “I know all about living the island life and the fantasies that surround it. Tourists come here for a long weekend, imagine a new life, and talk themselves out of it by the time they’ve hit the ferry terminal. It’s not a lifestyle for everyone.” She twisted her lips into a cute pucker. “But my fantasies happened to come true here.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
It was funny. I seldom opened up to anyone right away, but it felt like Holly and I were old friends. Her friendliness was contagious.
I drew a deep breath and let it out slowly. “The truth is that Aunt Phyllis left me her store. I’m sure she wanted me to come up here and run it, but it’s just not in me. I don’t even know how to cook, let alone make candies.” I shrugged. “And I could never make them as good as she did.”
Holly nodded quietly. “She made the best fudge in the universe.”
“Is my life perfect in Phoenix?” I shook my head. “Heck, no. But it’s the life I know.”
Holly nodded again, her eyes widening.
“Do I like everything about it?” I shrugged.
“Am I exhausted just thinking about going back?” I nodded.
Holly laughed. “Should I take a stab at it and say yes?”
I grinned. “Sorry. I’ve been having this same conversation over and over again since I boarded the plane this morning.”
“So, you’re just here for a few days, shutting it down and taking off?” she asked.
I wasn’t sure if I’d imagined it or not, but she sounded almost disappointed.
“I’m staying through the holidays as a sort of mental break for me, myself, and all of me.” I chuckled. “I’ve had many conversations with all of us, and we all agree it would be a good idea to take a break.”
“That’s nice for all involved,” Holly offered. “I’m sure every one of you appreciates a hiatus.”
I twisted my lips in a contemplative pout. “I already feel