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“Hey y’all! I’m Ada Harrison, your new neighbor.”
Luke shook her hand. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Harrison. I’m Luke Grayson, and this is my son, Jeremiah—we’re new here.”
“Oh, call me Ada. I already knew you weren’t from around here.”
Luke arched his brow. “You did?”
“Everyone knows everyone here in Hadley Cove. Other than the tourists that come every summer to the beach, we don’t get too many new residents around here, especially in this house. Where y’all from?”
“Chicago,” Luke said.
Ada eyed their Range Rover. “We don’t get many cars like that around here either.”
Luke smiled, trying to be polite. “Well, we’d better get inside. It was a long drive down and I know Jeremiah is probably ready for dinner.”
“I guess that’s my signal to get out of your hair for now. Anyway, I’ve got to go and remind my husband, Frank, to take his meds. I’ll let you boys settle in and rest.”
“Thanks, Ada. I’m sure we’ll run into each other again.”
Jeremiah spoke up as she walked away. “She’s so annoying. Why does she have to be our neighbor?”
Luke shook his head and laughed. “Jer, be nice.”
As Luke walked over to grab their bags out of the trunk, he thanked the movers, who had already finished unloading all the boxes and furniture. He watched the truck roll away before he and Jeremiah made their way to the front door along the paved walkway. Entering the foyer, Luke scanned the surroundings, taking in the details of the almost eighty-year-old house. Despite its age, the interior radiated a warm and inviting atmosphere, without a hint of mustiness.
He looked to his son. “So, what do you think?”
Jeremiah shrugged, sparing only a glance at the house as he slumped his shoulders and trudged along behind Luke. “It’s whatever, I guess.”
“I know things haven’t been easy lately, but I was hoping this new house would be a fresh start for us. Can’t you try to be a little more positive?”
“Why does it even matter? It’s not like it would change anything. Can I go to my room and unpack now?”
“Sure, go ahead.”
Luke set down his bags, trying to push away his frustration. Releasing a long exhale, he surveyed the area and began exploring the house. He moved through the open space letting his fingers trail along the intricate designs carved into the panels and molding, admiring the craftmanship. In the dining room, he paused to examine the stained-glass window, marveling at how the colors shifted in the sunlight.
As he made his way upstairs, he felt awestruck by the house’s beauty. The curved banister and carved newel post were stunning, and the muted floral wallpaper lining the hallway reminded him of his grandmother’s home.
A wave of emotions swept over Luke as he entered the master bedroom. Although the movers had dutifully placed his bed, dresser, and nightstand in their respective spots, the room felt both familiar and alien. The weight of grief pressed against his chest as the memories of Kate flooded back. Her absence seemed to echo in the room, and he missed her more than ever. Somehow, some way, he would have to begin life again without her in this new place.
Luke dropped his bags onto the hardwood floor and collapsed onto the sheetless mattress. Staring at the ceiling, he let his mind carry him in a different direction. He wondered why anyone would ever give up such a beautiful home. Still, he was grateful to be the one to carry on its legacy.
Sitting up, he ventured into the hallway, leaving behind the contemplative thoughts in his bedroom. As he approached Jeremiah’s room, he noticed the door was cracked. He gently pushed it open and peeked inside. His son was unpacking his belongings.
“I’m going to order a pizza for dinner.” He leaned against the doorframe. “Want anything special on it?”
“Mushrooms,” Jeremiah called back, without looking up.
Luke bit his bottom lip. He hated mushrooms, and Jeremiah knew it. “Okay, maybe I’ll get two then.”
He continued down the stairs, taking in the house’s details as he went. In the kitchen, he rifled through the packet the realtor had left him, searching for the brochure of local restaurants. The kitchen was spacious and modern, with gleaming stainless-steel appliances and granite countertops. With a wonderful kitchen at his disposal, he promised himself he’d cook another time.
Tonight was meant for pizza and relaxation.
Luke was grateful to find a menu for Gino’s Pizza. He dialed the number, placed an order for delivery, and then turned his attention to unpacking the mountain of boxes in the living room.
Rummaging through them, a touch of nostalgia tugged at Luke’s heart when he unearthed a framed picture of a beaming five-year-old Jeremiah. As he stood there, cradling the precious memento, he smiled at the memory of the happier times and only hoped they could create more someday. The fireplace mantel seemed to call out to him as the perfect place to display it.
