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After a quick breakfast of yogurt and granola, I applied my makeup to accentuate my eyes and smile without going overboard. With each brush stroke, I grinned at myself in the mirror; excitement about the publishing house job sparked in my eyes. Slipping on my favorite gold hoop earrings, I embraced the wide smile staring back at me, ready for the day ahead.
Throughout my years in the city, I always had a nagging self-consciousness about my fuller figure, but I was determined not to let that thought ruin my first day. A final outfit check in the full-length mirror confirmed my choice: a blazer cinching at the waist, a cream blouse, and tailored trousers that made me feelcomfortable and chic. I slipped into low heels, grabbed my bag, and entered the peaceful morning streets.
The coastal air was still, only a light breeze playing with my hair. I reveled in the deserted Main Street, enjoying the tranquility before Pebble Point stirred to life. The town held a unique beauty in this hushed early light that spoke of potential and renewal.
I pushed open the door to Pebble’s Brew; the charming cafe’s entrance chimes, announcing my arrival. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped me, a welcoming comfort on this important morning.
“Morning!” the barista behind the counter chirped. “What can I get started for you?”
“Just a medium coffee, please. Black,” I replied. As she rang up my order, I glanced around the cozy space. Mismatched chairs and tables, walls decorated with local art, bookshelves filled to the brim - it felt like home.
“I don’t think I’ve seen you around before,” the barista said, handing me my coffee. “Did you just move to town or just passing through?”
“I’m Etta, Etta Harwood. I grew up here, but I’ve been away for the last five years. I just moved back.”
Recognition flashed across her face. “Little Etta?” She laughed. “I’m Zoe Daniels, Jamie’s sister.”
Zoe and I chatted about how much Pebble Point had changed. I told her about my new job at the publishing house and my nerves on the first day.
“Well, good luck today! We’re happy to have you back,” Zoe said warmly. As I turned to leave, I overheard whispers from two women at a corner table.
“...can’t believe she’s back after all these years...I guess she didn’t fit in with the San Francisco life...” one woman murmured.
I bristled, the whispers cutting through my lighthearted mood. How quickly gossip spread in this small town.
“Didn’t she have a thing with the Professor? Wonder if she’ll reconnect with him...” the other woman replied.
Their words sent my mind drifting to memories of my father’s study. I pictured Alexander’s gentle smile as he discussed books with me and my father, the passion in his voice as he brought stories to life for us. His wisdom and kindness had always drawn me in, even back then. But I was an adult now and wondered if remnants of that old connection still lingered.
I stifled a laugh, shaking the memories away, and quickly headed out. Some things never changed around here, that’s for sure. Caffeine coursing through me, I walked towards the publishing house with nostalgia and optimism.
***
Stepping through the carved wooden doors, I was greeted by the familiar scent of coffee and old books. Clara Simmons, Alexander’s no-nonsense assistant, looked up from her desk.
“Well, if it isn’t our new marketing gal, here for day one,” Clara said, arching a brow. “I see you opted for a less...distressed look today.”
“What can I say? Ripped skirts were so last season,” I joked back, eliciting the faintest smirk from Clara. We might get along after all.
Just then, Henry Dalton emerged from the back office. “Etta! Wonderful to see you. Let me give you the grand tour.”
I followed Henry past the lobby with its cozy seating area, perfect for curling up with a new release. He led me down a long hallway lined with framed book covers, remnants from the publishing house’s long history in Pebble Point.
“We’ve been in this building since the 60s,” Henry explained as we walked. “It’s a little quirky, but full of character, much like our work here.”
Our first stop was the break room, with a coffee machine I knew would become my new best friend. Next was the editing department, an open workspace dotted with desks and overflowing bookshelves.
“We’re a small but mighty team here,” Henry said. “Everyone pulls their weight, so things stay busy, but we manage to have some fun too.”
Finally, we reached my new office space. It was small and windowless, but I instantly admired the old wood’s warm, earthy scent. Running my fingers over the smooth mahogany desk, I smiled at the sound of my heels clicking against the hardwood floors. The space felt cozy yet professional, with its framed vintage book covers and plush velvet chair tucked into the corner. I noted the slight chill in the air - I’d have to remember to bring a sweater. But the character of the little room already felt inspiring.
“It’s perfect, Henry, thank you,” I said, meaning it. This little room represented my fresh start.
“We’re thrilled to have you, Etta. I’ll let you get settled, then we can discuss the Miller proposal.” With an encouraging pat on my shoulder, he headed back down the hall.
A gentle knock made me look up as I organized my sparse desktop. Lucia Mendez, the senior editor, leaned against my doorframe.
“How’s the new girl’s first day going so far?” she asked, eyes scanning my primarily empty office.
