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“He’ll at least be a good rebound. I can see it now,” Lisa said, with a mischievous glimmer in her eyes. “Y’all would have the cutest couple’s name: ‘Lemma.’ I’m Team Lemma already.”
Emma’s gaze shifted to the old photograph on the wall, taken at the town fair last year. It reminded her of simpler times. “I’m happy on my own. I have Riley and my business, and that’s all I need right now.” Her voice carried the weight of her past and the strength of her present. “I’m not looking for anything serious after what Chad did to me.”
Lisa recoiled at the mention of Chad’s name. “I get it. But someone like him shouldn’t prevent you from finding love again with someone special. You’re amazing, funny, smart. And not to mention, drop dead gorgeous. I hate that loser ever made you think otherwise. Anyone in their right mind would be more than lucky to be with you.”
Memories of broken promises surged through Emma. The hurt, the deceit—she closed her eyes briefly and folded her arms. “It’s not that simple—”
“For sure. I get it. We all know I’ve had my fair share of disaster relationships.” Lisa leaned forward. “Chad was terrible to you, and you didn’t deserve that. I just don’t want you missing out on something real, whether that’s with Luke or someone else. That’s all.”
A silent understanding passed between them as Emma recognized the sincerity and love behind her friend’s words. But as much as she understood where Lisa was coming from, she wanted lighter conversation.
Looking down at her half-eaten pancakes, she slid the plate aside and reached for her coffee. “Looks like it’s going to be a nice one out there today.” She squinted into the sunlight gleaming through the window. “I should probably take Riley out soon. You can join us if you have time.”
“Yeah, let’s go! Want any more pancakes before we head out?”
“No more pancakes.” Emma patted her stomach. “I’m stuffed. But thank you.”
Lisa smirked. “Glad you liked them. Making them this morning gave me a break from everything going on. Speaking of which, having some downtime from my mom’s bed-and-breakfast has really helped. It’s allowed me to focus on launching my new products.”
Emma’s eyes lit up as she smiled at Lisa. “That’s right! How’s that coming along?”
“Well, you know those t-shirts I started off with, the ones with Hadley Cove Beach printed on them? Now I’m selling monogrammed mugs, tote bags, and hats too. I’ve even got a display at the surf shop. So I’d say it’s going pretty well.”
“From t-shirts to a display at the surf shop? That’s big! How’d you pull that off?”
Lisa sipped her coffee. “Let’s just say it helps to have friends in the right places.”
Emma was thrilled to see Lisa thriving, especially after all she had been through years ago with her ex. “That’s fantastic news! You should’ve told me earlier. I’ll definitely check it out. It seems like your business is taking off.”
“Yeah, it is! Of course, I know it’s mainly because of the tourist season, but I hope I can keep the momentum going even after summer ends.”
Emma nodded thoughtfully. “You’ve always had that entrepreneurial spirit, Lisa. It’s amazing to see it in full swing. Just remember, you can hook me up with that ‘best friend’ discount whenever I come shopping,” she added with a wink.
The two shared a laugh and stood, clearing the breakfast table and rinsing the dishes. Afterward, they took Riley out for a leisurely stroll on the soft, sandy beach. They reminisced about old times and caught up on each other’s lives with the sun’s warmth on their faces.
Eventually, they circled back to Emma’s cottage and stepped inside, hugging goodbye before Lisa went home. Pulling back the curtain, she watched Lisa’s car grow smaller in the distance, her mind lingering on their earlier conversation.
Was everyone really saying they were together?
She sighed deeply, a mixture of exasperation and amusement. The peaceful sound of birds chirping in the background and the sight of Riley tracking a squirrel from behind the slightly opened window made her momentarily forget the town’s whispers.
Glancing at the clock, Emma realized that time had slipped away. She had to get ready.
After taking a quick shower and drying off, she rummaged through her closet, opting for a simple T-shirt and shorts combo. Emma had anticipated this day all week, and now it had arrived.
It was Saturday.
Saturdays were reserved for volunteering at Second Chance Rescue with her grandfather, who shared the same passion for supporting animals. It had become a weekend ritual for them since she had adopted Riley from there. For Emma, it was her way of giving back to a place that had changed her life, and an opportunity to spend time with her aging grandfather.
Before leaving to pick him up, she took one last look around the house.
Phone? Check.
Riley’s food and water bowls filled? Check.
Back door properly secured? Check.
With everything in order, she grabbed her keys and headed out.
