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“I’ve never been to a gallery opening. This is so exciting.” Molly climbed out of the passenger seat of Hadley’s car and was greeted by a blast of warm, humid air. She’d been here just over a month now, and while she wasn’t sure there’d ever be a point when she was totally used to the heavy humidity of the Florida beach town, she didn’t find it as oppressive as when she’d first arrived. In fact, she’d even be willing to go so far as to say she now found it endearing, like the charming quirk of a best friend.
Hadley clicked the lock button on her key fob and tossed her keys in her purse. “One advantage of living in a tourist town is you get all the benefits of small-town living with a few big-city type attractions thrown in.” She shot Molly a mischievous grin as they walked through the parking lot to the sidewalk that led around to the store fronts. “It also doesn’t hurt when the gallery owner is your best friend.”
“It certainly has its perks,” Molly admitted. While she would’ve helped Ellyn with any project, she’d thoroughly enjoyed her early peek at the show last night when she and Hadley had come to set up. The artist on display was a photographer and sculptor with a coastal theme, and she found his work inspiring. She couldn’t wait for a second chance to admire the art tonight.
“And one of those perks is getting to go to the party early. We’re there to mix and mingle before the party starts to make it look like the hottest ticket in town, but we also get first dibs at the best appetizers. A word to the wise, go for the mini crab cakes.”
Molly’s mouth watered. Crab cakes had always been one of her favorite foods. “Good tip.”
They reached the front of Emerald Gallery, and despite the “closed” sign that hung in the window, Molly could see several people already walking around inside. Hadley lightly knocked on the door, and Ellyn hurried over to open it for them.
“Y’all are here!” She hugged each of them as she ushered them into the gallery.
“We wouldn’t miss it,” Molly said.
Hadley glanced around the room, beaming with pride. “And I have to say, everything looks perfect.”
Ellyn was glowing. “I’m really pleased with how it turned out. Let’s hope the general public is as impressed with Landon’s work as I am.”
“I have a feeling it’s going to be a complete success,” Hadley said. “We’ll get out of your way so you can do what you do best. But if you need anything tonight, we’re here for you.”
“I second that,” Molly agreed.
Ellyn beamed. Then her animated expression changed to the wide-eyed surprise of someone who’d just discovered a hidden treasure. “Oh, I almost forgot. Guess what I heard today?” Before either of them could respond, she glanced over at Hadley with a knowing look. “The contract on the empty store next to mine fell through. That space is available again, and the owner of the building is offering a nice little signing bonus to use toward the buildout.”
Molly didn’t know why Ellyn needed to share that news, but based on the way she looked at Hadley—almost like she was daring her to do something, with a hefty dose of friendly encouragement behind the dare—Molly guessed there was more to this story.
Hadley, on the other hand, rolled her eyes. “I’ll pass that tip along if I hear of anyone interested.”
Ellyn shrugged, looking awfully proud of herself. “Just saying.” The artist motioned to Ellyn from the other side of the room. She started off in his direction, tossing them an apologetic glance over her shoulder. “Sorry, ladies. Excuse me?”
They both watched Ellyn for a second before Molly broached the new rental subject. “An empty store? What was that all about?”
Hadley shrugged as if it wasn’t important. “Ellyn has this idea that I should open my own coffee shop there.” Her tone might’ve been dismissive, but Molly wasn’t dismissing it.
“What about you? Do you want to open a coffee shop?”
Hadley waited a beat before answering. “It’s something I’ve considered on a dreaming kind of day. A little coffee-slash-book shop by the beach with the quaint and charming feel that’s the perfect antidote to those rough workdays.”
“It sounds amazing,” Molly agreed.
Hadley’s enthusiasm grew. “Right? Maybe comfy conversation areas for gathering with friends, and cozy spots for those who need to escape from everything. And of course, there would be some tables outside with brightly colored umbrellas and plenty of sea breezes.”
Molly raised an eyebrow. “It sounds like you’ve considered this more than once.”
“Maybe I’ve thought about it a few times.” Hadley flicked her wrist as if erasing the whole idea. “But it’s just a romantic dream. The reality is, quitting what I know to start a business I know nothing about is far too big of a leap to make sense.”
Molly shrugged. “Maybe. But as someone who’s opened herself up to taking more risks lately, I’m here to tell you, you can’t let the fear of the leap stand in your way. Pretty great things can come from those giant leaps.”
Hadley paused, as if the comment struck a nerve. Molly could see the fear lurking just under the surface, something she was all too acquainted with.
She reached over and gave Hadley’s hand a gentle squeeze. “All I’m saying is, don’t let the size of the leap keep you from considering something you really want.”
“Valid point. I promise I’ll think about it.” She drew in a deep breath that seemed to chase some of the fear away. “But for now, what do you say we consider finding those crab cakes?”
“I’d say that’s a leap worth taking, for sure.” They both giggled and managed to grab a couple of the delicioushors d’oeuvresfrom a passing waiter.
A few minutes later, the doors officially opened. It didn’t take long before the entire gallery was filled with residents and guests of Emerald Cove. Molly was amazed at how many of the guests she knew, even though she’d only been here a month.
