She gives my hand a little squeeze, and I thank her for helping again.
“Why don’t you head out and start designing a sign? The sooner we can get it printed and up, the better off we’ll be.”
“Sounds great, boss,” she says.
“I’m hoping to at least change the name by tomorrow. You think we should do Second Tide Coffee?”
“Yeah, I mean, it’s announcing that we sell coffee, and it’s like your second chance at business, right?”
I’m not sure if she’s referring to it being my second career, or a rebrand on this short stint in business, but I kind of like it.
Letting out a slow breath, I say, “Let’s do it.”
“Of course,” Sarah says, pulling me into a hug. “And I’m one hundred percent behind you doing the test-run weekend. I think it’ll endear you to the rest of the townspeople.”
Something about her words stops me. “Am I not already endearing enough?” I try to make it sound like it’s a joke, but I need insider information. Everything I’ve been told up to this point has been from Max, who isn’t even inside the actual circle—or whatever it is here in Penrose Beach. Sarah has lived here long enough to know most of the people and how things work.
To be honest, if I had been better at using my deductive skills learned from all the law stuff I’d gone through, I would probably know things better as well.
But juggling the coffee shop and Lila, along with overcoming insecurities stemming from Curt, it just seemed like too much at once.
“I think many people don’t quite know you yet,” Sarah says, but then puts out a hand and continues. “And I think that’s a good thing, because there’s so much to get to know about you that is great, and you’re so helpful and amazing at the customer service part of the coffee shop. But I do agree that any marketing will be better than what we’ve been doing lately.”
I want to be offended, but I know it’s the truth. “I figured coffee would be an easy sell, and I wouldn’t have to do it on my own. Obviously, that was a big oversight on my part, and I’m willing to admit when I’m wrong.”
Sarah gives me a reassuring smile. “There’s nothing wrong with that. Let me know what else I can do.”
“For now, the best option is for you to help me with a logo. Second Tide Coffee. I like that one the most.”
“Perfect. I’ll get started on a few sketches now.” Sarah heads out the front door.
My phone rings, and I see Lila’s name on it, which is strange. I don’t usually get the calls when Cora is home.
“Hey, sis, what’s going on?” I ask.
“Can Ashley come over later?”
“What did your mom say?” I ask.
“She’s folding laundry and packing to leave again. I figured I’d ask you.”
“I’m good with it,” I say. At least she’s found someone aside from Kylie. “What would you guys like to do?”
“We’ve been listening to a lot of the same music, and it would be fun to just hang out, you know.”
I smile even though she can’t see me.
“I absolutely get that.”
It’s one thing for me to not have any close friends, but I don’t want Lila to suffer the same thing.
“How long do you want her to stay, and do I need to pick up anything at the store?”
“Could she maybe have dinner with us?” Lila asks.
“Of course. Do you have any requests?”
“Any kind of pasta will do, and maybe some garlic bread. That sounds super good right now.”
