Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 76000 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 380(@200wpm)___ 304(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76000 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 380(@200wpm)___ 304(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
“Exactly.” She whirls around and pins me with the same stare that’s put fear in me since I can remember. “You’re never here. You’ve decided that new chapel project and whoever it is that you’re sleeping with are more important than being here.”
“I’m not—”
“Oh, don’t even try to deny it. I may be headed for elderly status, but I’m not stupid. You haven’t slept in that bed upstairs in I don’t know how long.”
It’s going on a week since we all stayed at the inn for the weekend. I’ve been at Apollo’s place every night this week because we just can’t keep our hands off each other. I hadn’t realized my absence bothered her, but clearly, it has.
“I miss you, too. If you’ll give me ten minutes to straighten out a couple of things,” I continue, “I want to take you somewhere.”
“But the crew will be here soon.”
“And they’ve worked with you for decades, so I’m sure they already have their marching orders. A couple of hours won’t hurt anything. Go get ready to leave.”
Instead of arguing, she smiles and hurries down the hall to the coat closet to grab her things, and I pull out my phone and call Rob.
“Hey, Boss,” he says.
“Hey, Rob, I need a favor. I can’t make it to the chapel to oversee the window installation, and I was hoping you’d be able to swing over there. I might be able to make it toward the end, but I have something I need to do, and—”
“No problem,” he says, cutting me off. “What time do I need to be there?”
“Around two. I can forward you the email with the work order in case you need it.”
“Send it over and take care of what you need to. I’ve got this handled.”
“You’re the best, Rob. Thank you.”
“No worries.”
I end the call and then shoot Cullen a quick text before joining Grandma at the door.
“Where are we going?” she asks.
“Somewhere we haven’t been in a long time. Too long, if you ask me. Should we take your car or my truck?”
“Your truck is so high off the ground,” she says. “You can drive my car.”
“Deal.”
As I drive, Grandma watches the scenery go by, her hands clasped in her lap. Annabelle Snow is infamous and well-liked in Huckleberry Bay. She’s quirky, with bright outfits and thick, red glasses that look so glossy against her white hair. She’s outspoken and loves to gossip about anyone and everyone in town.
And she knows everything.
I’m proud to be her granddaughter.
“Things sure are changing,” she says, still looking out the passenger window. “Just look at all the new houses popping up. I remember when all of this was countryside.”
“Huckleberry Bay is becoming a tourist town, Grandma.”
“I know it, and I also know that it’s good for you young people who have to make a living. But I would be lying if I said that I didn’t miss the days of my youth here in this little seaside village. It was a beautiful place to grow up.”
“It still is. Just wait until you see Luna’s inn. It’s incredible.”
“Thanks to you.” I glace over and see her smiling at me with so much pride, she might burst with it. “You’re a talented woman, June.”
“Thank you.” I don’t know if she’s ever told me that before. I know that she loves me and is proud of me, but Grandma isn’t the mushy type. “I hope you’re hungry.”
“I worked up an appetite this morning.”
“Good.” I pull her car into a parking spot in front of Gordy’s Diner and cut the engine. “I’m in the mood for a cheeseburger.”
“Now, that sounds like a treat.”
When we walk inside, I wave at Sunny, who has worked here as a waitress for more than thirty years, and then find a booth for me and Grandma. As we’re taking our seats, Cullen walks through the door, and I flag him down.
“Are you telling me that I get to have lunch with two of my favorite people today?” Grandma says with an excited smile.
“That’s right,” Cullen replies and kisses her cheek before sliding into the booth next to her.
I sit across from them and wiggle out of my jacket as Cullen helps Grandma out of hers.
“She was being a tyrant this morning, so I sprung us both from Halloween duty and decided we needed sustenance,” I inform my brother.
“The work has to get done,” Grandma says defensively. “Everyone in Huckleberry Bay expects something special from my parties, and I’ll be damned if we don’t give it to them.”
“We have a week,” Cullen reminds her, but Grandma shakes her head.
“Every second of this week will be busy, but it’s always worth it in the end.”
“Well, Miss Annabelle,” Sunny says with a smile as she comes to a stop by our booth. “You look fantastic today.”
“Oh, I’ve been working and didn’t have a chance to freshen up.” She fusses over her hair but looks pleased by the compliment. “My grandkids are treating me to lunch.”