by Fiona Rivers
“Annie, what’s wrong?”
“Just that time of the month again. Anyway, here.” She handed Adalyn a small square tin. “I’ve been testing out some homemade chocolates filled with peanut butter and I wanted your opinion. I thought maybe we could arrange a plate of them with the rest of the desserts at the gallery.”
Adalyn opened the tin and took out a round shaped piece of chocolate and bit into it.
“Oh my goodness, Annie. This is so good.” Adalyn’s eyes widened.
“Thanks. It’s an old recipe of my grandmother’s and I just tweaked it a bit,” her sad voice spoke.
“Come sit down, I’ll make you some tea and we’ll talk for a bit.”
“I know you’re busy and I don’t want to bother you.”
“I’m never too busy for a friend.”
Adalyn made herself and Annie a cup of tea and set it on the table. She felt for her friend and she hated seeing her so upset.
“Listen, Annie, have you ever thought of opening up your own bakery/sweet shop? Call it Annie’s Sweets or Annie’s Treats, or whatever you want. You have such a talent for baking, and everyone knows it. I think Harbor Falls could use a little of Annie’s sweets in their life.” She lightly smiled at her.
“Oh, I couldn’t do that. I’m just a housewife and we’re trying to have a baby.”
“And?” Adalyn’s brow raised. “Do you think you can’t be all those things and a business owner?”
“Well, I don’t know. I guess I never really thought about it.”
“The shop across the street from the gallery is vacant. You should talk to Jerry and ask him to put together a business plan for you. He’s in finance and he can help. Your passion lies in baking. You might as well make a load of money while doing it. Right?” The corners of Adalyn’s mouth curved upward.
“Annie’s Sweet Shop.” She held up her hands as Adalyn saw a spark in her eye. “Or maybe, Annie’s Sweet Treats. Or, Annie’s Sweet Shack.” Her face lit up. “I have to go.” She got up from her seat. “I need to make all of Jerry’s favorite foods for dinner and while we’re eating and he’s in his happy place, I’m going to talk to him about it.”
“That a girl!” Adalyn grinned as she stood up.
“Thank you, Addy. You’re such a good friend, and I’m so thankful you moved next door. It’s almost like it was meant to be.” Annie hugged her.
“You’re welcome, Annie. Cheer up. Things will get better for you.”
Adalyn let out a sigh as she closed the door and went back into the kitchen. She sat down at the table and wrapped her hands around her mug with the green tea in it. She thought about her life and how it had changed so much since she arrived in Harbor Falls. She thought about the amazing people she’d met, her house, the gallery, Colin, and how Luis and Alfred would be just down the beach in a matter of a few weeks. Her mom and Hannah would be arriving in a few days and she couldn’t wait to see them again. She missed them dearly, even though they facetimed just about every day. While she was sitting and reflecting, her phone dinged with a text message. A smile graced her face when she saw Colin’s name appear on her screen.
“Hey. I just drove by your gallery and saw you weren’t there. Great sign. When did they get it up?”
She sat there in confusion as she read his message. If he was referring to the gallery sign, it wasn’t supposed to be put up until tomorrow.
“Hi there. Are you referring to the gallery sign? Because that wasn’t supposed to be put up until tomorrow.”
“Then I guess surprise! It’s up and it looks great.”
“I’m on my way now.”
“Okay. I’ll wait for you.”
When she pulled up to the curb, she saw Colin standing there with his hands tucked into his jean pockets waiting for her. She threw her jeep in park and quickly climbed out. She stood in front of the gallery and admired the sign attached to the building that read: Everlasting Art. Her eyes started to tear because seeing the sign made it even more real.
“Well?” Colin asked. “What do you think?”
“I think it’s perfect.” She smiled at him. “I can’t believe this is really happening.” She clasped her hands together and brought them up to her face.
“Congratulations.” A smile formed on Colin’s lips as he hooked his arm around her and gave her a tight squeeze. “If anyone deserves this, it’s you.”
“Thanks.” She glanced at him.
As much as he wanted to keep his arm around her, he quickly removed it for he didn’t want to overstep.
“Do you have any plans right now?” Adalyn asked.
“No. Why?”
“I think we should celebrate back at my house with a pizza and some beer.”
“Sounds like my kind of night. The Seaside makes an awesome pizza. I’ll call Marcus right now and have him make one up and I’ll stop by the bar and pick it up. What do you like on it?”
“Anything but anchovies.”
“Ham, green pepper and mushrooms?” he asked.
“Sounds delicious.”
“Okay. I’ll meet you back at your place.”
“I’m just going to take some pictures of the sign before heading home so I can show my mom, sister, Luis and Alfred.”
“Alright. I’ll see you soon.”
Colin climbed in his truck, called Marcus at the bar and ordered one large pizza to go. Seeing Adalyn so overjoyed about her sign, made him happy. And now, he had to call Katherine and cancel his plans with her and Scott because he’d rather spend the evening with Adalyn. He felt bad, but Katherine understood, and she was happy that he’d finally met someone he wanted to spend time with. It had been far too long, and she was worried he’d never have the courage to meet someone again.
Adalyn arrived back home and sent the pictures she took of the gallery sign to her family and friends. They were equally excited for her and couldn’t wait for the opening. She reached up into the cabinet and pulled down two plates and set the table for when Colin arrived with the pizza. She sent him a text message and told him there was no need to knock and to just walk in. A few moments later, the door opened, and the heavenly smell of pizza infiltrated the air. Colin walked into the kitchen and set the box on the counter while Adalyn grabbed two bottles of beer from the refrigerator.
“That pizza smells so good.” She smiled as she handed him a bottle.
“We have the best pizza in the state.” He gave her a playful smirk.
“I bet you do.” She lightly tapped his arm.
After grabbing some pizza, they sat down and there was a knock on the door.
“I wonder who that could be.” Adalyn frowned.
“You sit. I’ll go see who it is. Hey, Jerry,” Colin spoke as he opened the door.
“Hey, Colin. Is Adalyn home? I need to speak with her for a moment.”
“Yeah. She’s in the kitchen. We’re just about to eat. There’s plenty of pizza if you’d like a piece.”
“Thanks, but Annie made me a great dinner and I’m stuffed,” he spoke as he walked into the kitchen.
“Hey, Jerry,” Adalyn said.
“Hey, Addy. I’m sorry to interrupt your dinner but I just wanted to come over and thank you while Annie was in the shower.”
“For what?”
“For what you said to her earlier. She told me everything and I think it’s a wonderful idea. I haven’t seen her this happy and excited in a very long time. It’s like I have my old Annie back.”
“Aw, Jerry. That’s great. I’m happy you’re on board with the idea.”
“I’m spending the rest of the night working out the financials, and we’re going to make it work. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you. I’ll let you get back to your dinner.”
“You’re welcome, Jerry. If you or Annie need any help, let me know.”
“Thanks, Addy. I’ll see you later.”
He walked out of the house and Colin asked, “What was that all about?”
“Annie found out she isn’t pr
egnant again and she came over earlier to have me try some chocolates she made. Wait until you taste them. Anyway, I could tell she had been crying and she was visibly upset, so I sat her down and I told her she should open up a sweets shop in town and showcase all her amazing desserts. I know it will help her get her mind off the pregnancy troubles.”
“Wow. You are an amazing woman, Adalyn Richards.” The corners of Colin’s mouth curved up into a sweet smile.
“I wouldn’t go that far. I just told her she needed to put her talent to use and what better way than to provide the residents of Harbor Falls and tourists her baked goods.”
“I agree, and I’ll be her first customer.” He winked.
“You need to try this chocolate she made. It has peanut butter in the center.”
Adalyn walked over to the counter, grabbed the tin and opened it in front of Colin. Reaching in, he took out a piece of chocolate and put it in his mouth. Instantly, his eyes widened.
“She made this from scratch?” he asked.
“She said it was an old recipe of her grandmother’s and she tweaked it.”
“This is like heaven in your mouth.” Colin closed his eyes for a moment and savored the taste.
“Right? That’s exactly what I thought.”
“Do you mind if I have another one?” Colin asked.
“Not at all. Have as many as you like.” Adalyn set the container on the table.
Adalyn took the plates off the table and put them in the dishwasher while Colin put the lid back on the tin and then set it on the counter.
“I should probably get going,” Colin said as he tucked his hands into his pants pockets.
“Yeah. Sure. Okay. Thanks for bringing the pizza. It was delicious.”
“It was my pleasure. Thanks for wanting to have dinner with me,” Colin spoke as he lightly grabbed Adalyn’s hand and held it for a moment.
She gave him a bashful smile as the trembling of her skin startled her. Discreetly pulling her hand away, she opened the door and told him goodbye as she watched him walk to his truck. She closed the door and held her hand on it for a moment, still feeling the softness of his skin against hers. As much as she didn’t want to admit it, Adalyn found herself feeling more than just typical friendship feelings and it frightened her. Her wound was still open and nowhere near healing. The nightmares that plagued her nightly about Darren’s lies stayed with her for hours even after she woke. As much as she kept herself busy, it wasn’t enough to erase the memories of the last year and a half.
Adalyn climbed into bed and opened her kindle. She had recently downloaded a self-help book but hadn’t had the chance to read it. She opened to the first page and got through the first chapter until her eyes closed, and she fell asleep.
18
Adalyn put the finishing touches on the guestrooms before her family and friends arrived. She placed a vase of fresh flowers on each dresser, making the room cozier than it already was. Her mother and sister would arrive first in the early afternoon, and Luis and Alfred would arrive in the evening.
It was nine o’clock in the morning when she stepped into Rooster’s, a cozy coffeehouse just down the street from the art gallery. The blend of coffee they offered was probably the best she’d ever had. Delilah’s husband, who passed away a couple of years ago, created the blend himself. A blend he spent five years perfecting.
“Morning, Addy.” Delilah smiled from behind the counter. “Your usual?”
“Morning, Delilah. “Yes. You know how much I love it.” She grinned.
“Tomorrow night is the big night. Are you nervous, excited, or a little of both?”
“A little of both. I can’t believe it’s finally happening.”
“It’ll do great. Trust me. Not only do we folks here love art, but the tourists do as well. In fact, a few tourists were in here yesterday and I overheard them talking about it. One woman said she was looking through the window and saw a painting she wants to buy and take back home with her.”
“That’s so good to hear.” Adalyn smiled. “Fingers crossed more people want to buy.”
“They will. One Almond milk Honey Flat White,” Delilah spoke as she set the cup on the counter.
Adalyn pulled out some cash, handed it to her and grabbed her coffee.
“Thanks, Delilah. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“See you tomorrow, Addy.”
Delilah Strom was a delightful woman in her fifties with sandy blonde hair she wore up in a bun on most days. She and her husband, Rob, first opened Rooster’s twenty-five years ago. Sadly, a heart attack took Rob’s life a couple years ago, leaving behind his wife and two children. He’d always wanted to have the best coffee around, so he worked hard on creating the perfect blend, which he succeeded in doing. Once word got out of his passing, many major corporations came knocking on Delilah’s door, offering to buy her and the blend recipe out. But she wasn’t interested. Rooster’s was a huge part of her and Rob’s life, and he wouldn’t have wanted her to sell. Plus, it was the only part of Rob she had left.
As Adalyn unlocked the door to the gallery and stepped inside, her phone dinged. Pulling it from her purse, she saw she had a text message from Colin.
“Good morning. If you need any help with anything today, let me know and I’ll be there in a flash.”
A smile crossed her lips. Just like it did every morning and every night when she received a message from him.
“Good morning. Thank you. I will definitely call you if something comes up. Have a good day.”
“You too.”
Colin stood on the deck of his boat with his phone in his hand and a smile on his face. It was the little things that jumpstarted his day. One thing being the messages he and Adalyn exchanged. He knew Adalyn’s family and friends were flying in today and he wanted to welcome them to Harbor Falls in a proper way, so he called his Aunt Rosie.
“Good morning, Colin,” she answered.
“Good morning, Aunt Rosie. You know that Adalyn’s family and friends are flying in today, right?”
“Yes.”
“I was thinking maybe we could welcome them to Harbor Falls with one of your delicious home cooked meals. I could bring some things from the bar.”
“That is a wonderful idea. I’m angry at myself for not thinking about it sooner. We’ll have a welcoming and celebration dinner around seven o’clock. You don’t need to worry about bringing anything. Just make sure Katherine and Scott can come and I’ll call Adalyn myself.”
“Thanks, Aunt Rosie. I’ll see you tonight.”
“See you tonight, sweetheart.”
“Are you just going to stand there on the deck all day or are you going to do some work?” Katherine smirked as she stopped by the boat.
Colin let out a laugh. “I’m working, sis. Hey, listen. Aunt Rosie is having a welcome dinner for Adalyn’s family and friends tonight. Can you and Scott make it? Aunt Rosie told me to make sure you’re there.”
“Of course. We’ll be there. I’m excited to meet her mom and sister.”
“Me too.” Colin smiled. “Although I’m a little nervous.”
“Nervous about what?” Her brows knitted.
“What if they don’t like me or something.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re the most liked person in town. Everyone loves you.” She lightly slapped his chest. “Ah, wait a minute. You’re worried her mom won’t think you’re good enough for her daughter.”
“The thought did cross my mind even though there’s nothing going on between us.” He shrugged.
“Not yet, anyway.” She smiled. “I think once the gallery is open and things settle down for her, there will be more opportunity for the two of you.”
“That’s what I’m hoping. And as soon as it does, I’m asking her on a proper date.”
While Adalyn was walking around the gallery making sure everything was in its place, her phone rang, and Rosie’s name appeared across her screen.
“Hello.”
“Adalyn, it’s Rosie. Listen, sweetheart, I want to have a special welcome dinner for your family and friends tonight at the bed and breakfast. Say around seven o’clock?”
“Rosie, that’s so sweet of you. You really don’t have to go through all that trouble.”
“It’s no trouble at all. You know I love putting on dinners. Plus, I can’t wait to meet your mom and your sister. And I’m excited to see those charming men again.”
“That sounds wonderful. We will all be there.”
“Your response is music to my ears. I’ve also invited Colin, Katherine and Scott.”
“Great. We’ll see you at seven. Is there anything I can bring?”
“Just you and your family.”
“Okay. Thanks, Rosie. This means a lot.”
“You’re welcome, dear. See you later.”
Adalyn smiled as she set her phone on the counter. She couldn’t wait to introduce her family to all the amazing people she’d met and who welcomed her with open arms since she’d been here.
Glancing at the clock on the wall, it was now noon, so Adalyn locked up the gallery and headed to the fruit market to pick up something for lunch for when her family arrived around one o’clock. When she stepped into the market, she saw Scott looking over a product display.
“Hey, Scott.” She smiled.
“Oh hey, Adalyn. Good to see you. Doing some shopping today?”
“I am. My mom and my sister are flying in this afternoon and I stopped in to pick up something for lunch.”
“I just might have the perfect item for you. Follow me.”
He walked Adalyn over to the counter where they kept all the freshly prepared food. Different kinds of salads, prepared meats, a variety of vegetables and different types of potatoes filled the display.
“We just made these today.” He pointed to the chicken salad nestled inside the half of a pineapple shell. “We haven’t had them in a while and people have been asking.”
“Those looks delicious. I’ll take three of them.”
