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I’m walking downtown, past the makeshift studio that Noah had used. It’s been cleaned out and there’s a for rent sign in the window. Just the sight of it makes my stomach lurch, but I keep my chin up and keep walking.
My family was surprised and disappointed when I confessed to them why I’d had to walk out of the wedding. Although they were skeptical about our relationship, they all said they’d seen the love between us as the weeks went on.
Nikki’s exact words were, “He put up with baby Noah being a brat to him, so I thought he was a keeper.”
Chevelle’s, “I saw it, Mandi. The man loves you.”
And maybe that’s true, but it wasn’t meant to be.
Last I heard, he moved all his stuff to his parents’ place, since his house in Greywall is currently being rented, and flew out to California for that surf contest photo shoot.
I pick up a coffee at The Grind and walk over to the inn. With the changes Noah and I made, I’ve been changing up the clientele I’m focusing on and offering special packages paired with different businesses in town. I’m marketing the inn as the perfect romantic getaway for anyone looking to escape their ordinary lives, and it seems to be working.
Theo and I have a package where they stay and learn glass blowing and pottery at his store.
I have one with Truth or Dare Brewery, where guests get a meal and a flight of beer included.
Two Brothers and an Egg suggested a picnic lunch at the bay with their stay.
In the short time I’ve been promoting the packages, they’ve been successful. Seems lots of people are looking for a place to come and relax and remember why they fell in love with each other.
The arbor from our wedding, although painful to look at, remains on the balcony for any couples to use if they want to use the inn as a place to get married, although I haven’t booked any weddings yet.
Trina is behind the desk when I arrive, and I give her a smile as I make my way over to reception.
“Thanks for opening up.”
“You’re welcome,” she says and grabs her bag. “Francois is having another fit about the dinner.”
“Okay, I’ll go check it out.” I put my overnight bag behind the desk, not wanting to go upstairs to the room right away.
Trina’s hand runs down my arm. “You’re looking good.”
I laugh. “You mean not as depressed as I have been?”
She tilts her head and gives me a sad smile. “I just meant you look good. You’re too good for him.”
“Well, I’m not sure about that. Relationships fail all the time. Sometimes it’s not really anyone’s fault.”
I don’t blame Noah. Not at all. He was who he was when I met him, and that’s the man I fell for. I just wish he could have loved me enough to give an inch on his lifestyle. I wish he desired me as much as he desires a life full of adventure and travel. But he doesn’t, so it is what it is.
“Amanda!” Francois calls from the dining room.
“Have a great night.” I put the bell on the counter and head into the kitchen. “Can we not shout in front of the guests please?”
He has the fridge open and is staring inside. “You people cannot keep eating all the ingredients and not telling me. I have no ice cream.”
I bite my lip because that was me. “Sorry, I’ll get you some more.”
“You tell the guest.” He throws his hands in the air.
“Fine, I will.” I roll my eyes and turn to leave.
“And Amanda?”
I stop and turn around.
“You’re looking better.”
