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“Maybe. But only to make me suffer,” Lisa said, pouting.
Emma chuckled again. “I’m not lying to you. I went over to his house and picked up Riley... that part I already told you. He asked me a few things about the house and I told him, and then I left. Then I happened to see him the next day on the beach, and we had lunch together... As friends. And he held the door open for me because most guys do that!”
Lisa narrowed her eyes as if she still wasn’t convinced. “So, are you gonna run into him again anytime soon?”
Emma raised her shoulders in a slight shrug. “Probably. It’s a small town, Lisa. But just because we may bump into each other occasionally doesn’t mean I’m seeing him. Luke and I just met.”
“But what if there could be something between you?” Lisa insisted. “He could at least be a good rebound. I could see it now, y’all would have the cutest couple name, ‘Lemma.’ I’m Team Lemma already.”
Emma let out a long sigh, growing a bit frustrated with Lisa’s persistent line of questioning. “I’m happy on my own. I have Riley and my business, and that’s all I need right now. I’m not looking for love after what Chad did to me.”
Lisa recoiled at the mention of Chad’s name. “Emma, someone like him shouldn’t prevent you from finding love again with someone special. You are amazing, funny, smart, and kind-hearted. Not to mention you are drop dead gorgeous too! I hate that Chad ever made you think otherwise. Anyone in their right mind would be more than lucky to be with you.” She reached out and placed a hand on Emma’s arm. “You can’t shut yourself out from finding love, Emma. Do you really want to give up now and spend the rest of your life alone?”
Emma pulled away slightly, her expression conflicting “Lisa, it’s not as easy as that—”
“But it is, Em.” Lisa leaned forward, her eyes intense. “You may think love is this big, scary thing, but it isn’t. Chad was terrible to you, and you didn’t deserve that. But it’s time to move past that, and him, or else you’re going to miss out on something real and genuine."
Emma looked down at her half-eaten pancakes. They were delicious, and just like her grandmother’s old recipe. But now she didn’t even feel like finishing them. She slid the plate aside and picked up her coffee to take a sip.
“It looks like it’s going to be a nice one out there today.” Emma squinted into the sunlight gleaming through the window. “I should probably take Riley out for a walk soon.”
Lisa took the hint that Emma was trying to change the subject. “I can go with you if ya want. Do you want any more pancakes?”
“Oh no, I think I’m full. But thank you. I haven’t had any this good since Grandma used to make them,” Emma said, patting her stomach.
“I’m glad you enjoyed them. I finally had some time to myself after launching my new products, so I decided to make pancakes this morning.”
Emma’s eyes lit up as she smiled warmly at Lisa. “That’s right! How’s that going? What’s your latest offering?”
Lisa sipped her coffee. “Well, you know how I started off with the t-shirts? The one with Hadley Cove Beach printed on them? I’m now selling monogrammed mugs, tote bags, hats, magnets, and even bumper stickers. I’ve set up a display in the supermarket and have been selling a lot to tourists. It’s going really well.”
Emma was thrilled to see her friend thriving, especially after all Lisa had been through years ago with her ex-husband, Gavin. “That’s fantastic news! You should have told me earlier. I’ll definitely check it out. It seems like your business is really taking off.”
Lisa’s face lit up with excitement. “I can’t believe how well it’s going! This is definitely the longest venture I’ve ever had, and I’m just so grateful for all the support I’ve been getting. Of course, I know it’s mainly because of the tourist season, but I’m optimistic I can keep this momentum going even after summer ends!”
After they finished breakfast and cleaned up, they took Riley out for a leisurely stroll on the soft, sandy beach. The gentle waves lapped at their feet as they walked, and the salty sea air filled their lungs. The morning sun was warm on their faces, and the seagulls soared overhead, squawking and screeching.
As they walked back to Emma’s house, they chatted and laughed, reminiscing about old times and caught up on each other’s lives. Lisa hugged Emma goodbye before heading back to her own place. Emma watched her friend’s car drive off and took a deep breath, feeling grateful for Lisa’s friendship.
As she watched her drive away, she thought about what Lisa had said about her and Luke. Was everyone in town really saying that they were together? She couldn’t believe it was true.
After heading back inside, she jumped in the shower. She quickly dried off and rummaged through her closet for something comfortable to wear. Opting for a simple t-shirt and shorts combo, she felt ready to tackle the day ahead. Before leaving, she made sure to tend to Riley. She filled his water and food bowls, making sure he had everything he needed for the day. As she made her way to the back door, she paused to take one last look around the house. She triple-checked to ensure that the door was properly secured.
Today was her favorite day of the week. Saturday held a special place in her heart as it was reserved for volunteering at Second Chance Rescue, something she cherished deeply since adopting Riley from there. She had been counting down the days, eagerly anticipating the chance to spend it with her grandfather, who shared the same passion for supporting animals in need.
She got in the car and drove over to her grandfather’s waterfront house to pick him up. He was waiting on a rocking chair on the porch as she drove up.
“Good morning, Emma.” Liam leaned over and planted a gentle kiss on her cheek before settling into the car. “You’re looking lovely today.”
“Grandpa, you say that every time,” Emma replied, rolling her eyes playfully.
“Well, it’s true every time,” Liam chuckled, giving her arm a playful pinch as she started the car and headed towards town.
“So, how was your week?” Emma inquired, eager to catch up with her beloved grandfather.
“Pretty good,” Liam replied, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Although I did hear a few juicy tidbits about you through the grapevine.”
Emma groaned, bracing herself for whatever playful teasing her grandfather had in store for her.
