She pointed toward Cole.
"Thanks, Mom."
I walked over to say hello. It was the first time we'd spoken since our little awkward exchange.
"The store looks great."
"Thanks. Unfortunately, I can't make any money without the customers."
"Don't worry. I saw a few people pulling up in the parking lot. You'll be just fine."
I didn't know what to say. I don't know why I always struggled to embrace the next level with Cole. It's not like I didn't love him. Fear had become one of the side effects leftover from my previous marriage.
"I hope it's okay that I stopped by. I didn't want to miss your first day."
"It's more than okay. I'd be sad if you weren't here. Cole, you know I always let my nerves get the best of me. I didn't mean any harm the other day…"
He placed his finger on my lips.
"I know. I love you, Payton. We have plenty of time to continue that conversation. But, today is your special day, and I just came by to wish you good luck."
He always knew what to say to put my mind at ease.
"Alright, you two. From the looks of things, you have some customers heading this way. We're going to get out of your hair, but before we do Cole, we wanted to extend an invitation to you and Emmie. We're all having a family day at the beach on Sunday. We'd love it if you could join us."
Mom was so excited to invite Cole but forgot to fill me in.
"Hey, what about me? The store will be closed on Sunday."
"Yes, Payton, that goes without saying. You've been so busy this week I almost forgot to tell you."
"Gee, thanks."
Cole laughed. "Helen, I wouldn't miss it. Emmie's going to be thrilled."
"Excellent!"
Mom clapped her hands and gathered up the troops. "Alright, Matthews clan. We better get out of here and make way for Payton's paying customers."
"You guys can't leave without getting a quick family photo out front."
"Okay. Let's hurry up. Rebecca, Abby, kids, family photo out front. And where's Will?" Mom said.
"I'm right here. I was just paying my water bill, that's all." Dad answered.
"Yikes, Grandpa. Did you have to tell everyone in the whole store?"
Maggie was sure to call somebody out for saying something embarrassing. Her younger brother Aidan, was more of the quiet type and just smirked at his Grandpa.
After a quick family photo that included Cole, everyone left, except Abby. She agreed to help me out until I was able to secure part-time help.
My first customer was Mrs. Delaney, who requested a family photo shoot on the beach.
"I think we're going to go with a traditional theme. Everyone wearing white tops and either tan or blue bottoms. What do you think?"
"Go with the tan. Maybe the guys can wear shorts and the ladies skirts or shorts. It will give the pictures that clean, crisp beach look that you're going for."
"Perfect. Let's secure a date for that, and then I want to talk to you about picking out the photo albums. We'll need multiples made for myself, my sisters, and my parents. It's a gift from Steve and me to the family."
"I have a large selection of albums to choose from. I can bring out some for you to look through, but I really think you'll be inspired once the pictures are ready."
"That makes sense. How about we start with the appointment for the photo shoot and go from there?"
"Great, I'll meet you next Thursday at 3:00. I'll call the day before to confirm the exact location on the beach. Here's my business card in case you know of anyone else who needs my services."
"Perfect!"
Abby was taking care of a customer who wanted to purchase a few frames. For now, the bulk of my business would heavily rely on jobs outside of the store, like weddings, photoshoots, and private parties. However, it was nice to finally have a place where my clients could come and work on the finishing touches.
The bells on the front door rang, and Mrs. Donovan walked in. If I had known she was coming, I would've put up the 'closed' sign. Look what the cat dragged in, I thought to myself, but wouldn't dare say it out loud.
"There she is. Payton Matthews… what a cute little place you have here."
Even Abby could tell this woman was not a welcomed guest.
"Mrs. Donovan, how are you?"
"I'm well. I came to see what all the fuss was about. A little birdy told me today was your grand opening."
"Yes, it is."
She looked around while dangling her purse on her forearm.
"Surely, a grand opening should be overflowing with more customers."
"We just had a few customers. I'm sure there will be more. How can I help you today?"
"I don't really need anything. I just figured I'd come and show my support for your opening day. I have to get back to the house soon. Cole is finishing up, and I asked Lexi to take care of him."
Abby rolled her eyes and went back to helping the other customer. I had just about enough of the Donovans and decided to defend myself once and for all.
"Did you drive all the way over here to congratulate me or to rub it in my face that Lexi is alone with Cole right now?"
"Well, perhaps a little of both."
The audacity of this woman. I don't think in all my years I've ever come across someone so brazen.
Abby's eyes bulged wide open. I lowered my voice and walked from behind the counter.
"Mrs. Donovan, thank you, but I can assure you that I don't need your well wishes. Since today is Cole's last, I can tell you what I've really been thinking. I'm not intimidated by you or Lexi as you so desperately try to lure Cole in for his affection. In case you hadn't figured it out, we actually keep an open line of communication. There's no amount of clothing you could send to Emmie, no amount of begging for him to pencil you in his schedule, and no amount of pleas for him to participate in your fundraisers that could entice Cole to date Lexi."
I might have said more than I should've, but what was she going to do? Run back to the house and tell Cole? I don't think so.
I returned to my usual tone.
"It was so nice of you to stop by. Let me escort you to the door."
"I can see my way out, thank you."
She turned beet red and grunted as she left the store. If I had known it was going to be that easy, I would've talked to her a long time ago.
My other customer was leaving. "You have a lovely store. I have a friend who just recently got engaged. I'll pass your card along to her."
"Aww, thank you!"
"Have a great day,” she said.
"You too."
When I turned around, Abby was holding up her hand to give a high five.
"I'm so proud of you for putting her in her place. What a slithering snake."
"Was it that bad?"
"No, it was that good!"
"Abby, you're crazy."
"I honestly didn't know you had it in you. That seems like something I would do, not you. After everything you've told me about those two, she had it coming."
"I think I felt more empowered after talking to Alice the other day. Even she was turned off by Lexi's bold ways."
Abby was right. The Donovans had been wreaking havoc for a long time. Hopefully, today's conversation nipped things in the bud once and for all.
We had several customers stop by, and at least ten more photo shoots lined up. It was a good start for the first day, and I was looking forward to many more good days to come.
Payton
Family beach day had finally arrived. The first few days of the store’s opening was a hit. Some family time on the beach was very much needed, and I couldn't wait to work on my tan. My niece and nephew were digging around in the sand with Emmie. The women were perched under their umbrellas with their guys by their side, except for Rebecca.
Abby's husband, Wyatt, began teasing Rebecca about a sensitive subject.
"Rebecca, how come you didn't invite the prom king to the beach today?"
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All ears were listening for a response...
"Wyatt, now you're asking for trouble,” Mom said.
Rebecca sat up in her beach chair, looking like she was ready to put her boxing gloves on.
"What did you hear?" she said.
"I didn't hear anything. I've just seen him around the courthouse lately, so I assumed he's back in town. You forget I was already dating Abby when you two were an item in high school. I remember your prom night like it was yesterday."
"That's right. Wyatt was at the house the night of your prom," Abby said.
I slid my beach hat over my head. I had this funny feeling the conversation was about to head south real quick.
"Good ole Ethan. Wasn't he supposed to help us with cutting the grass?" Dad said.
I think Dad was getting Rebecca's former boyfriends mixed up. Even though who could blame him. She definitely had her fair share to choose from over the years.
"That's the wrong guy, Will. We're talking about Rebecca's prom date from Pelican High." Mom helped Dad to follow along.
"Go ahead, Rebecca. Tell them how the two of you have reconnected recently,” Mom said.
"We haven't reconnected. We're just working on the same case together, that's all.”
"Now that is funny. Out of all the lawyers to work with, the two of you get assigned to the same case?" Cole said.
I tried to silently warn him that he didn't want to get involved. Rebecca was liable to chop all their heads off for finding any humor in the matter.
"Wyatt… Mom… and Cole… I'm glad you all find this funny, but there's nothing more to it other than the case. That's it."
"So there's no chance the two of you, who both happen to be single, were assigned to the same case for a reason? Maybe it's fate,” Mom said.
"Fate my foot. We know absolutely nothing about each other. We've both changed, and that was a long time ago."
"Well, on that note, I'm heading down to the water. Who's with me?" I said.
Cole kicked off his shoes and volunteered to join me.
"Emmie, I'm going to take a walk with Payton. I'll be back."
"Okay, Dad."
We walked hand in hand down to the ocean. Cole was glistening from his suntan lotion. But more than his amazing looks, I was proud of the way he got along with the family.
He playfully flickered some water at me.
"Cole Miller, you better stop before I toss you into the ocean."
"Impossible. We both know who will go down first." He teased.
Knowing that I wouldn't stand a chance at dunking him in, I surrendered.
We continued walking along playfully like two teenagers in love.
"I think we might've hit a sore spot with Rebecca,” he said.
"We're good. It would've been worse if we stayed there and continued to participate."
Cole laughed.
"Do you think she still likes him?"
"He's having some sort of effect, but it's hard to tell with her."
Cole picked up a seashell and began writing in the sand. The message read 'Cole loves Payton.'"
"I know someone by the name of Payton Matthews, who's having an effect on me."
I loved how transparent he was with me.
"I'm sorry I made you uncomfortable the other night. I was just trying to express my feelings toward you. Perhaps I should've kept it simple like the message in the sand."
"No. You did exactly what you were supposed to do. And if you ever stopped being that transparent with me, it would break my heart. I wanted to kick myself later on that night. I realized that I was choosing to let fear get in the way of my biggest blessing, which is you."
"Really?"
"Really! I love you, Cole. I've never had a love like this before. Sometimes I freak out when I’m about to embark upon something new. But that's all it is… just a brief moment where I feel like I'm losing control. When the moment passes, and I let go of trying to be in control, my heart always returns back to where it needs to be.”
"Which is where?"
"It's with you,” I said.
He picked me up and twirled me around.
"So, does this mean you're actually okay with the conversation we were having the other day?"
"About the ceremony? Yes. I'm more than okay with the conversation. I think we should explore the topic wholeheartedly."
"Whoooooohooooo,” he yelled.
"You would've thought I just said I do, Cole."
"It feels like you just said I do in my heart. Of course, I want to do this the right way. We can talk about it more later on. Just know, in my heart, I have every plan to give you the kind of life you deserve."
I couldn't hold back the tears any longer. For years I felt like I was pretending to be the wife of somebody who didn't love me anymore. I was doing the right thing, trying to keep my vows, even though love had left our home long before the divorce. And now look… it's amazing how all of that was changing right before my very eyes.
"Don't cry. Your family is going to think I said something to upset you."
"Oh, they're all the way over there. They don't know what's going on. Besides, these are happy tears."
"I'll take happy tears any day." He rested his arm around my shoulders.
"Come on, let's go check on the kids."
The kids designed a beautiful sandcastle. Beside it, I caught a glimpse of Aidan's head sticking out of the sand.
"Aunt Payton, come rescue me. They buried me in the sand."
"Oh, boy. Looks like they're playing a game of two against one,” Cole said.
"I wouldn't fall for it. He might be the youngest, but somehow, I think he was a willing participant."
"Good point."
Later that afternoon, Cole headed back home with Emmie, and the rest of us went to my parents' house to eat. Wyatt introduced us to his new barbecue recipe, while Mom made whipped cream from scratch for the strawberry shortcake. It felt like old times sitting around and enjoying each other's company.
"When are we going to get back to our weekly tradition? We can't keep making excuses about how busy we are. If Saturday mornings don't work anymore, how about Sunday afternoon? Everyone is here now without a problem,” Abby said.
Mom gave Abby the thumbs up. "I agree. Having time with my girls is nice, but having everyone over has been a real treat as well. Plus, I think it's good for your father. He needs to be more active and less worried and distracted."
Rebecca gave Mom a squeeze and then sampled the whipped cream. "That applies to you as well, Mom. It's good for both of you not to worry so much."
"Worry is my middle name,” Mom said.
It was obvious where I inherited my habits from.
"Girls, while I have you all here, there's something I've been meaning to share with you."
Mom walked over to the kitchen drawer and pulled out a piece of paper.
"I started to share this with Rebecca the other day because it's rare that we're all together at the same time. However, this pertains to all of you, and I'd like for you to look it over."
"Is this the legal document you were talking about?" Rebecca said.
"Yes. It was years ago that you all had a chance to meet your great uncle on your father's side of the family."
I remember we had a great uncle, but I don't recall us being very close.
"Well, turns out after he passed away, he left his property in Savannah, Georgia to his daughters."
"What does that have to do with us?" I said.
"Hold on. I'm getting to that part. His daughters, unfortunately, couldn’t care less about the property, and don't want to have anything to do with it. From what I understand, it's overgrown and is in dire need of TLC. They want to honor their father's wishes not to sell it and to keep it in the family. At least one of his daughters has continued to pay the taxes so they wouldn't fall behind, but she's ready to pass the place onto someone else."
"Again, I'm confused as to what this has to do with us?
" I leaned back on the kitchen counter, feeling a little anxious about the whole thing.
"Payton, you know I don't like to leave out details. Give me a minute. I'm getting to that part now."
Mom held up a document that said quitclaim deed at the top.
“The daughter, who's been keeping the taxes current, recalls that your great uncle was very fond of your father. He used to talk about Will and his three daughters all the time. I'll admit there was some truth to their bond because your father would always make time to talk to Uncle Samuel. And on occasion, he would go out to visit him whenever he could get away from the Inn. Anyway, the daughter remembered their bond and wants to turn the property over to you if you're willing to accept. All of the paperwork, plus a detailed letter explaining everything, is right here. Both sisters are ready to sign off on the property."
"What? No way. Who does that?" I said.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Most people that I know would sell the property for a profit and call it a day.
Rebecca started looking through the papers to verify what Mom was saying.
"Well, I'll be. There may be some truth to this, after all,” she said.
"The property has to be a piece of junk if both of them are willing to give it up so easily. Think about it. Why else wouldn't they have sold it by now or bought the other one out?" Abby rolled her eyes.
I didn't think it was a good idea at all.
"I'm not sure what's going on with the property, but I wouldn't be so quick to sign those papers. The last thing I need is something else major to think about when I have a new store to run,” I said.
"Well, you're not the only one who has to think about it, Payton. All three of our names are on this document. I think it's worth looking into." Rebecca tried to make a case, but I wasn't buying it.
"You can count me out as well. I'm not interested in taking on someone's fixer-upper several miles away,” Abby said.
"Hold on. Don't be so quick to jump the gun on this, Abby. Why don't we start by looking up the property address online? I'm sure one of the realtor websites will have a little information about the potential value. It's not one hundred percent reliable, but it's a start."
Sunsets At Pelican Beach (Pelican Beach Book 2) Page 5
