She was genuinely an inspiration.
Piece by piece, Maude built the pages and put the site together, forming the bones that would later on get populated with content. Headshots for press use. Event inquiries form. A dedicated tab for memoir updates once the deal Maude knew was going to happen came through.
A new checklist formed in her mind: Add a media kit page. Write a tagline for speaking events. Compile photos from Blaise’s glory days. Add the new photos she and Blaise would soon take.
As it took shape, Maude nodded at what she was creating. This was a bridge to possibility.
Maude took another sip of cooling coffee and felt that familiar spark of purpose — but warmer this time, tinged with pride in her friend.
Outside, the Colony’s palm trees rustled in a gentle breeze.
Inside, Maude added a new line to Blaise’s bio:She’s ready to share her story.
And as she worked, Maude hoped Blaise believed that just as much as she did.
Chapter Twenty-One
The Gulf breeze ruffled Paige’s hair as she and Randi walked Barkley along the beach, the sand already warming. Morning sun shimmered across the gentle waves, slow and lazy as they washed onto shore, gulls calling overhead like they had news to share.
It was a good day made even better by the presence of her daughter. If only Randi didn’t have to head home today, but Paige was grateful for the time they’d spent together this weekend.
Randi held her flipflops in her hand and dug her toes into the sand as they walked. “We should do this more,” she said. “The world turns a little slower here and I can’t tell you how much I love that. I still miss Liam and Sean, but after being here, I feel like I’ve had a total reset.”
Paige smiled. “The Gulf’s good for that. Something about time on the beach just gives you perspective.”
Barkley trotted along, stopping to sniff the occasional shell. They walked in silence for a bit, the waves sweeping up to flirt with their ankles. Barkley nipped at the foam, making them laugh.
Paige waited, knowing that when Randi was quiet, something was brewing behind those observant eyes.
Finally, her daughter nudged Paige with her elbow. “So…dinner last night.”
Paige tried for casual but was already preparing for anything. “What about it?”
“You and Graham,” Randi said, a mischievous lilt in her voice. “He’s nice. And funny. And when he looks at you, it’s easy to see that he’s already smitten.”
Heat crept up Paige’s neck. “Randi, I don’t think?—”
“No, it’s okay,” Randi said, halting to face her. Barkley sat by Randi’s feet. “I think he’s good for you, Mom. I think he might be just what you need. Maybe what you’ve always needed.”
Paige wasn’t used to that kind of support coming so bluntly. “I’m…glad you think so.”
Randi rolled her eyes. “Mom, come on. I know you. You’re cautious and right to be, especially after everything with Dad. I know how much that hurt you. It hurt both of us. But you’ve got to be lonely, even if you pretend you’re not. Who wouldn’t be? We’re not meant to be alone. I don’t think so anyway. And try as you might to show the world how strong and independent you are, sometimes it seems like…like you’re hiding some serious pain.”
The words stung only because they were true.
“What I’m saying is I think Graham might be the antidote for that pain.”
“Maybe.” Paige dropped her gaze to the shore, watching a tiny sandpiper race after a receding wave. “I just don’t want to make a fool of myself,” she said quietly.
“Sure, I get that.” Randi’s voice softened. “But why would it be foolish to pursue happiness?”
Paige blinked, surprised by the wisdom wrapped inside her daughter’s sincerity. How had she gained that much insight into life?
“You deserve someone who smiles at you the way he does,” Randi continued. “Someone who sees more than the perfect social media version you put out there. Someone who sees you. The real you. Who doesn’t care if you come with a little baggage. He’s got baggage of his own, right?”
Paige’s chest tightened in a mix of gratitude, fear, and hope all tangled together. “I’m sure he does. We all do.”
“My point exactly. Look, I like Graham,” Randi said. “Which is saying something, considering he used to be a spy and could probably kill someone with a butter knife.”
