Forever Summer - Melody Grace Page 0,17
hooted with laughter. “They do, don’t they?” She twisted around to follow Evie’s gaze. “Oh, those are the Kinsella brothers. They’re all taken. But I’m sure we could find someone single—if that’s what you’re looking for?” She gave Evie an inquisitive look, but Evie quickly shook her head.
“Oh, no, I didn’t mean that.” She glanced down, fidgeting with her teacup. “I’m just focusing on the inn right now. I’m not looking to get involved with anyone.”
Especially not an arrogant man who looked way too good in his fireman’s uniform …
“Well, you picked the perfect place for the bed and breakfast,” Poppy said, as if sensing that Evie wanted to change the subject. “Sweetbriar Cove is a big tourist destination, and not just in the summertime. We have festivals all year round, and the Christmas holidays are always a big draw. Brooke says they book up a full year in advance—she’s a manager at a hotel nearby.” Poppy brightened. “Ooh, I should introduce you. I bet she’ll have a ton of tips and advice when you’re ready for guests.”
“That would be amazing,” Evie said, grateful. “Although I’m not sure when we’ll be open to the public. With the amount of time it’s taking me to choose light fixtures, it’ll be next year, at least!”
Poppy laughed. “Don’t be so sure. I have a good feeling about that house. It’s managed to weather every storm before now. It’s perfect for making new memories.”
Evie smiled back. “I’ll toast to that.”
They clinked their teacups together as Poppy looked longingly at the pastry counter again. “Now, how about we try the cake?”
After consuming her body weight in baked goods—and then some—Evie headed out in search of bathroom faucets. The building supply warehouse Cooper had told her about was an hour outside of town, and it was a perfect day for a drive. Evie turned the radio up and rolled the windows down, soaking in the rich green of the forests lining the highway, and the view of the ocean glittering blue, just beyond the trees.
She’d only visited the Cape once before, tagging along with her father on a work trip when she was barely ten years old, but she still remembered the details vividly: lobster rolls at a roadside stand, lemony mayonnaise dripping down her fingers; the salty tang of the sea breeze; clouds of pale hydrangeas billowing by every door. It was one of her favorite memories, and she loved the idea that she could give her guests moments like that at the inn, so they could take a little piece of summer with them wherever they would go.
Her phone rang just as she pulled into the warehouse parking lot. “Mom,” she said, bracing herself. “I can’t talk right now—”
“But I’ve been trying to reach you all week.”
“And I’ve been busy, with the inn,” Evie reminded her gently.
Her mom gave an audible sigh. “Are you sure you want to be taking on that kind of stress? It’s not too late to come home. I ran into Martin, from your work,” she added. “He was going on and on about how much they miss you, how your replacement can’t hold a candle to you. I’m sure he’d love to have you back—maybe even give you a promotion.”
“And did you tell him I’ve moved to Cape Cod and I’m not coming back any time soon?” Evie countered.
“Well, I know you said that, but you can always change your mind.”
Evie winced. To say her mom wasn’t a fan of the Beachcomber Inn project was an understatement. She’d freaked out when Evie first told her about buying it, and she’d been sending “helpful” articles ever since about how many small inns and hotels failed miserably, leaving their poor owners penniless and full of regret. Evie knew her mom was just worried about her taking on too much after Glen’s death, but she was starting to become a broken record. “Look, Mom, I’m kind of in the middle of something,” she interrupted before her mom could really get the guilt-trip going. “Let’s talk later. OK? Great!”
Evie hung up before her mom could protest, then shoved the phone deep into her bag. She had enough of her own doubts about this adventure still whispering in her mind, she definitely didn’t need an extra helping of anyone else’s..
Besides, she had more important things to do—like pick out seven brass bathroom sets that wouldn’t break the bank.
Evie headed inside and found a massive warehouse the size of a football field, the aisles stacked