I laugh. “I can do that. I have to do a rideshare drop off at the airport now, then I’ll head to the store on the way back. If you think of anything else, let me know.”
“Perfect. Thank you, Aunt Avery.”
I open my messaging app and text Cora.
Pasta good for dinner?
It doesn’t take long for a response to come.
Cora
I need to head to the airport, so I’ll miss dinner.
Do you need a ride?
Cora
No, thanks though. I’ve got to turn my rental in.
I’d nearly forgotten about the rental car she had. We probably should’ve taken it back earlier. It seems frivolous to waste money on a car she wasn’t even driving the past couple of days.
I was planning on dinner for four. But maybe now I’ll invite Max to take Cora’s place.
25
MAX
As much as life slowed down once I got to Penrose Beach, I’ve adequately filled it with a purpose.
Aiden messaged me again about contacting my family, but I’ve been able to persuade him to give me a couple more days.
I had to turn down Avery’s offer of dinner last night to attend the town council. I don’t think I’ve ever been somewhere that does it on a Friday night.
Apparently, the large building I own south of the coffee shop is part of a parking dispute. One of the members of the town council notified me that the permit for renovation couldn’t be issued until a plan to fix the situation is determined.
On my way to the meeting, I’d knocked on Avery’s door to give a small bouquet of flowers since I couldn’t attend dinner, and Lila answered with a friend right behind her. Their eyes had been wide with delight when they saw the flowers. I’d wanted to see Avery, but she’d been at the store.
I got an email this morning that the parking situation is still being reviewed, which is another hiccup, but something I think we’ll be able to resolve.
A couple of days have passed, and I’m surprised at how quickly Talia and I worked on the apartment. We got everything painted, and a crew has been working on the flooring for the last day and a half, so we’re just waiting on that, plus the cabinets and appliances.
I contacted a local designer that Gina recommended since she was busy this weekend, one of her good friends who lives in a beach town north of here called Cressida. After several questions and a lengthy form to fill out with varying vibes and types of styles, furniture has been ordered and should be delivered soon.
I forgot the satisfaction that comes with tangible progress.
I keep missing Avery and am curious about what she’s been up to. From the look of the coffee shop, it seems like she’s been just as busy as I have. There are a lot more pictures hung on the walls, and she’s covered up the sign above her shop with a new vinyl one for now.
Second Tide Coffee.
It’s very fitting. Kind of like a second chance but in coffee form. I’m sure it’s difficult to get a full sign within two days, but this one looks great and actually shows what they’re selling inside. She’s even got an easel set outside, detailing some of the daily specials in swoopy writing.
I walk over to the beach, breathing in the deep, salty air. I’ve never lived by the ocean, but I’m starting to understand the appeal.
My phone rings, and I see Aiden’s name. “Hey, Aiden,” I say.
“Where are you right now?” he asks.
“I’m over by the beach, across from my building. Why? Are you here?”
