Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
“I’m only kidding.” She reaches for my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. “If it’ll make you feel better, then you should tag along.”
I pull out my cell. “Cool, let me put it on my calendar.”
Once I take a seat on the couch, Mom studies me. “You doing okay? You seem distracted lately.”
“Yeah, just tired.”
“Not surprising, given the traveling. At least you took some needed time off.”
“I did.” I settle against the cushions, my fingers finding a stray thread in the throw pillow. She could at least do with an upgrade, and maybe I’ll suggest some shopping at the new housewares store that just opened around the corner. I think of Aqua Vista for the hundredth time and wonder if I missed any shops that feature home decor. If not, that would be a good addition. There I go again, picturing the place—and myself in it.
“I almost forgot that I got you a gift. From Aqua Vista.” Maybe she could use something to give her a boost too.
Her eyes light up. “How nice.”
I stand and dig the small package out of my pocket. “It’s from a shop called Spellbound.”
“Sounds…ethereal.”
“Yeah, you could say that.” It’s better than saying it sounds cursed.
I watch as she opens the box and lifts the delicate bracelet with the hanging crystals.
“The woman who owns the shop—Beth—said those are healing crystals.”
“How lovely! I bet her business is an interesting place.”
“It is.” My mind wanders again. “Would you ever consider living in a small town?”
Her eyebrows knit together. “Why would I do that?”
I sigh. “Just something I’ve been thinking about lately.”
“Because of Aqua Vista?”
“Yeah.” I pull the pillow on my lap to give my hands something to do. “I went there with one idea in mind and ended up with something else.”
“I enjoyed your photos. Tell me the rest.”
I think back a couple of months to when my car almost broke down. And then how surprised Jack seemed upon my return. “I started off thinking of acquiring Jack’s business but ended up finding a friend.”
A few of them, actually.
She smiles. “Tell me about him.”
“He inherited the service station from his late parents, but he’s also a talented photographer. The town has this sleepy, coastal vibe but with a quirky side. And I saw an eagle’s nest and turtles hatching and came to appreciate its understated beauty.”
“Are you referring to the town or the man?”
I chuckle. “Both, I guess. He was a real grump when we met.”
“Can’t blame him. Especially toward someone trying to buy his business.”
“Some people want to sell and are easily convinced,” I reply defensively. “But not him.”
“Probably too much history there.”
“Exactly, and that felt nice. Not that we don’t have history in San Jose and in our own family.” I stare off into the distance. “There’s just something different about small-town life.”
“Sounds nice. Especially to be on the ocean and also closer to the mountains.”
“The fresh air was great.” I want to say more about her needing a change, but I hold back. I’m not here for the hard sell, and also…who am I trying to convince—Mom or me? “Anyway, I got to know him, which sounds crazy since I wasn’t there for very long.”
“Things can happen fast.” She huffs out a breath. “Sometimes you just feel like you know a person.”
“Like you and Dad?”
“I knew he’d be in my life. And I learned from that experience, so yes.” She lifts her chin as if in defiance, which is always the case when we discuss Dad.
“Okay, I get that…but since him?”
“I haven’t come across any handsome men running service stations if that’s what you mean,” she teases.
I chuckle. “Maybe we should plan a trip to a small town so you can find your own. With the doctor’s approval, of course. I just think the mountain air would do you good.”
“It just might. Where are you taking me?” She winks. “Are you planning on returning to Aqua Vista?”
I wave my hand. “It was only a passing thought.”
“Seems like more than a passing thought,” she says with a knowing look. “I’ll support you any way I can. I’ll even be your travel buddy. All in the name of fresh mountain air. Or is it salty sea air?”
“A mix of both. And that part is true. I’m going to ask your doc about it.” I stand to head to the kitchen. “Now, how about some lunch?”
Mom tries to help me make the sandwiches, but I tell her I’m good. Instead, she sets the table. When she removes her oxygen, I can see how breathless she becomes if she talks too much, and I wish there was something more to be done to slow the chronic condition.
Once the plates are cleared and placed in the dishwasher, I wipe my hands on a towel. “When’s the last time someone opened Dad’s workshop?”