Pharis leaned back, his amusement evident. ‘Alright, alright. No need to get all riled up. Let’s pack up then.’
Tammy hurriedly began packing up the remains of their lunch, movements sharp with frustration. As her irritation began to ebb, a twinge of guilt replaced it. She realised that her outburst had been directed at the wrong person. Pharis had only been trying to offer a moment of respite. ‘Look...I appreciate the thought,’ Tammy replied, softening slightly. ‘But I really must get back. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon!’
As they parted ways and Tammy stormed off the beach, her frustration dissipated into the salty breeze. Perhaps she had overreacted, but Declan’s cold shoulder had hurt. She thought they were becoming friends. With a sigh, she resolved to clear the air with him soon. She knew she had to make things right with Pharis as well. She wasn’t looking forward to being in both of their company tomorrow, and the feelings of awkwardness their meeting would bring.
Taking a deep breath, she headed back to the tearoom with a renewed determination to mend her relationships and ensure that her grand opening day went off without a hitch. For now, she had work to do—with the afternoon half gone, there was no time for distractions if she wanted to be ready for tomorrow’s big reveal.
The next several hours flew by in a flurry of activity. Display jars were filled with whimsical cookie assortments. Sea turtle sugar cookies, octopus ginger snaps, and more. The chalkboard menu items were carefully written in Tammy’s best cursive script, and test batches of scones and miniature fruit tarts were baked to perfection.
By the time Tammy placed a ‘Reserved’ sign on a quaint table set for two by the front window for her uncle tomorrow, the summer sun was setting. She stood back and let out a long breath, gazing around her dream tearoom. It was really finished. Everything shined, sparkled, and dazzled—a charming seaside retreat.
Weary but thoroughly satisfied, Tammy locked up and wandered down to the beach as the setting sun cast rippling pink and orange light across the water’s surface. She sank into the soft sand, listening to the rhythm of the waves, letting them calm her whirring mind.
Despite the day’s stresses, she was filled with eager anticipation for tomorrow’s opening. This charming tearoom represented a fresh start, and soon locals and tourists alike would be enjoying this special spot. She said a silent prayer of thanks for the twist of fate that had brought her here.
As dusk faded to twilight, Tammy lingered until the first stars dotted the violet sky. Ambling back home, she passed by the darkened windows of the pub and caught a glimpse of Declan sitting at the bar talking to Oliver. Though still stung by his morning brush-off and his odd hostility, she resolved to be the bigger person and clear the air tomorrow. This was her new beginning—her fresh start—and she refused to let anything dampen her optimism.
Back at her cosy cottage—her new shared home with her beloved uncle, Tammy enjoyed a late supper with him, recounting the day’s accomplishments. Once in bed and snuggled under the quilt, her eyelids dropping, she imagined her customers’ happy chatter and the tinkling of teacups filling her tearoom. Letting the soothing vision carry her to sleep, she dozed off with a blissful smile, ready to embark on this bright new adventure.
