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“Apple fishing,” Hailey said with a smile.
“It’s fun, isn’t it?” I leaned my elbows on the counter.
“It’s different. Can’t say I’ve done anything like it before.”
“Stick around. We’re a lot of fun.”
I straightened as she moved around the counter and into my arms.
Her arms tightened around me as she said softly, “I want to.”
I lowered my head until my cheek rested against her sleek strands. “Me too.”
There were a few seconds when I knew we were thinking about the same thing. The uncertainty.
I pulled back slightly so I could see her face. “Forget about everything else. Let’s enjoy today.”
“I’d like that.” I felt her relax into my body, and I enjoyed the quiet of having her in my arms and Corey outside.
When her stomach rumbled, I let her go to make subs while she cut up the apples we caught for lunch.
Afterward, we headed to Corey’s afternoon game. In the truck, Corey asked Hailey about what was going to happen with the apartment when he was done.
She turned to face him. “I think Nana’s going to sell the building and the store.”
That must mean she’d made her decision. “What are you going to do?”
I glanced over at her, seeing a mix of uncertainty and excitement on her face.
“I registered for a writing class, and I’m thinking about an idea for a novel.”
“You’re going to write a book?” Corey asked.
She winced. “I have no idea what I’m doing. I’m just writing down ideas for the characters and the fictional world.”
“What kind of book is it?” Corey leaned forward to hear her.
“Fantasy.”
“Do you have to find a publisher or an agent?” I only had a general idea of how those things worked.
“Apparently, you don’t need a publisher anymore. Brooke mentioned publishing independently, and I did some research yesterday. I’d need to hire an editor, a cover designer, format the book, and upload it to retailers all on my own.”
“Is that better than using a publisher?”
“This way, I’d have control over everything: what I wanted to write, the cover design, and deadlines.”
“Sounds like owning a business.”
“Yeah, I guess so.”
I reached over to squeeze her hand briefly. It was something friends did. Corey didn’t know we were anything more—yet. “I love that for you.”
Her expression was soft as her gaze met mine. “Me too.”
Corey peppered her with questions about her story.
When he ran out of questions, Hailey asked, “Do you like to read fantasy?”
