by Amber Crewes
Rebecca rolled her eyes. “Don’t do a pity party,” she said dismissively to Meghan. “Why don’t you just pack up your things and move home to Texas? I can help you open a bakery there, and I can hire a stylist for you. You’ll be the talk of the town, Meghan! You could blow every little cafe and bakery out of the water. Your father and I could help you turn Truly Sweet into a franchise!”
Meghan balled her hands into fists. “I don’t want to go home to Texas,” she declared as Jackie walked away to browse a rack of sweaters on the other side of the store. “Mama, I’ve told you repeatedly that I am happy here. Why isn’t that enough for you?”
Rebecca sighed. “Someday you will understand,” she said as Meghan stared at her. “When you have a daughter, you will only want the best for her.”
“The best for her is Sandy Bay, you silly goose.”
Meghan and Rebecca turned to find Sally Sheridan hobbling toward them, her cane scraping the trendy chestnut-colored wooden floor of the boutique as she wandered closer. “Meghan belongs in Sandy Bay. She lives here. She loves it here. We love her here. She turned that bakery of hers into a success, she’s dating the best boy in town, and she makes everyone here happy with her big smile and good spirits.”
Tears welled in Meghan’s eyes. She and Mrs. Sheridan had grown closer over the last few months, but she never dreamed that Mrs. Sheridan would have such lovely things to say about her. She wiped a tear from her cheeks and walked to Mrs. Sheridan with outstretched arms, eager to embrace the old woman.
“What are you doing?” Mrs. Sheridan asked in alarm as Meghan drew closer. She waved her cane at Meghan’s head. “Back up, missy.”
“I just want to give you a little hug,” she laughed as Mrs. Sheridan stared at her. “Your words touched my heart, and I wanted to give you a squeeze to thank you.”
Mrs. Sheridan shook her head. “No, no, no,” she said, firmly planting her cane in front of her. “I’m not in a sappy mood today. I’m just telling the truth. The truth is that you belong here, and your mother needs to get off of her high horse and let you be about it. You hear me?”
Rebecca looked startled to be addressed in such a brusque manner, but before she could respond, Mrs. Sheridan began to hobble away. Before she walked outside, she turned back around to shout, “even though Meghan’s treats gave me diarrhea once, they are still the best in the Pacific Northwest.”
Meghan’s face burned with shame; she knew that her treats had never made anyone sick, and she was embarrassed that Mrs. Sheridan had shouted that across the fashionable boutique. Meghan watched as Mrs. Sheridan exited the store, and then leaned down to settle into an overstuffed purple armchair. “That was a lot,” she sighed to her mother. “I’m sorry she was a bit rude.”
Rebecca looked down at her high heels and then looked back at Meghan, a look of shame on her face. “I’m sorry,” she whispered to Meghan. “You and I have always been so different, and I have always pushed you too hard. I’m sorry I’ve been pushing for you to come home. To be honest, Meghan, your Daddy and I miss you. We would like you to be nearby. You’re missing so much, Meghan; your brothers and sisters are getting older, and we just want you to be a bigger part of our lives.”
Meghan pursed her lips. “I have to live my own life, Mama,” she said softly as a black tear of mascara raced down Rebecca’s cheek.
“I know,” Rebecca replied. “And it seems like you live a good life here. Everyone has such lovely things to say about you. You’ve really made an impression here.”
Meghan smiled. “I love it here.”
“I can see why,” she said. “The people are kind, the shops and restaurants are adorable, and the sight of the ocean nearby is just good for the soul.”
Meghan sighed. “I wish you and Daddy could just live here part of the time,” she lamented.
Rebecca stared into her eyes. “What if we could?”
Meghan raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean? Texas is so far away.”
Rebecca laughed. “In this age, nothing is far away; we have endless airline miles from Daddy’s business, and we have been thinking about investing in some property. What if we added a place in Sandy Bay to our list?”
Meghan jumped up and down in excitement. “Really? That would be wonderful. I love you two so much and would love to see more of you. I know just the person who could help you out! My friend, Kayley, is the best real estate agent around. If you are serious about a place here, she will go all out to help.”
Rebecca leaned forward and kissed her daughter on the forehead, leaving a smudge of pale pink lipstick on Meghan’s skin. “I am serious,” she whispered as she hugged her daughter. “I am serious about moving to Sandy Bay.”
8
“This is a cute office,” Rebecca gushed as Meghan led her inside of the local real estate company. “I just love that waterfall in the corner; the aesthetics here are fantastic.”
“Thank you, I designed the place myself,” said Kayley Kane, one of Sandy Bay’s best agents.
She effortlessly strutted across the room, her tall high heels making her legs look like skyscrapers. Kayley and Meghan were friendly; they had been thrown together for various events in town, and today, as Meghan imagined her mother and father buying a second house in Sandy Bay, Meghan was elated to see her real estate agent friend.
“Kayley, good to see you,” Meghan said as she gestured her mother to sit beside her in the expensive chairs facing Kayley’s desk. “This is my mother, Rebecca Truman. Mama and my Daddy are looking to maybe find a second home in Sandy Bay.”
Meghan watched as Kayley’s eyes scanned Rebecca’s outfit and purse; Kayley was known for having expensive taste, and Meghan was sure she would recognize Rebecca’s designer sweater and matching handbag. Kayley leaned forward in her chair and clasped her red-finger nailed hands in front of her nose. “I would be honored to help Mr. and Mrs. Truman in their search. Mrs. Truman, what exactly is your budget for a second home in Sandy Bay?”
Rebecca laughed. “Surely it isn’t proper to first discuss finances,” she lightheartedly chastised Kayley. “Let’s just say Meghan’s Daddy and I have enough to be comfortable here.”
Kayley’s eyes widened. “Of course,” she said, twirling a strand of freshly-dyed auburn hair around her finger. “Forgive me. Let’s talk about your lifestyle. How will you and your family be using a new property?”
Rebecca pursed her lips. “Well, Meghan’s Daddy won’t be around often; his work keeps him very busy. It would mostly be me here. I would like to have things to do while I am in town; I love throwing charity events and parties, but I wouldn’t mind having a shop to duck into, either.”
Kayley’s eyes sparkled. “We have a lot of properties that offer space for hosting events,” she told Rebecca. “And we even have some commercial properties for purchase. You could easily scoop up one of the buildings or lots downtown and run a little shop. What about a flower shop? You could open a flower shop and check in on it while you are here.”
Rebecca smiled warmly. “That’s a sweet little idea,” she said. “I’m not sure how I feel about getting my hands dirty, though. Let’s just talk about residential options.”
Kayley nodded and rose from her seat behind the desk. “Of course. Excuse me for one moment, and I will go find some pamphlets detailing your options.”
As Kayley marched away, Meghan glanced over her shoulder to see a crowd of people sitting angrily in the lobby. “What’s going on out there?” Meghan asked as she fidgeted in her seat.
“Ugh, that dead man just ruined so many of our deals,” Kayley chirped as she walked back into her office. “I was just about to sell the property next to Luciano’s, but because that guy dropped dead there, no one wants it. All of those people out there are trying to cancel deals and property purchases we had signed on. It’s madness.”
Meghan’s eyes widened. “All of those people want to give up on their property deals because that fellow died?”
Kayley rolled her eye
s. “I know, it’s ridiculous. I’m going to lose out on so much money because of this. I wish that man would have had the courtesy to drop dead elsewhere. My son’s tuition bill is coming up soon, and I need the cash to pay for the private school. My ex-husband isn’t helping with anything anymore, so this whole debacle makes my life more difficult.”
Meghan tried to empathize, but she was disheartened by Kayley’s disdain for Roger Williams.
“Kayley,” she said softly. “I’m sorry it’s stressful, but what about public school? I hear the schools here are great. Couldn’t your son go to one of the public schools? You could save so much money.”
Kayley narrowed her eyes at Meghan and gestured at a framed photograph of her son. “My little boy deserves the best,” she hissed. “Maybe you’ll understand when you are a mother someday.”
Rebecca uncrossed her legs and picked up her leather handbag. She rose to her feet and beckoned to Meghan to follow suit. “I think it’s time we go,” she said to Kayley as she tucked her blonde hair behind her ears. “Ms. Kane, we can schedule a showing for next week. It seems best if we get out of your hair; this place looks crowded, and we don’t want to take up too much of your time.”
Kayley’s face was panicked as Rebecca and Meghan walked to the door. “Wait!” she exclaimed. “I apologize for my outburst; I just care deeply about my son, and I don’t want to miss an opportunity to help you find your dream home in Sandy Bay, Mrs. Truman.”
Rebecca nodded politely. “We’ll surely find time to work together later in the week,” she told Kayley. “For now, we’ll leave you be. Have a nice day, Ms. Kane.”
As Meghan and Rebecca left the office, Rebecca sighed. “That woman was impossibly rude,” she huffed to Meghan. “Didn’t you say you are friendly with her? Really, Meghan, you need to surround yourself with good company if you want to become your best self.”
Meghan shrugged. “Kayley and I are friendly, but she isn’t my best friend, Mama,” she explained. “Besides, she’s the best agent in town; she’ll do a great job helping you and Daddy find a place. Just give her a chance.”
Meghan and Rebecca rounded the corner and found Angela Luciano outside walking a small Italian greyhound. “Angela, so good to see you,” Meghan exclaimed. “Is that your dog? He is so cute. We should get together for a doggie playdate sometime.”
Angela flashed her bright smile at Meghan and Rebecca before bending down to stroke the mottled gray greyhound behind the ears. “Yes,” she breathed in her thick Italian accent. “This is Sarzana. He’s my precious bambino. He loves other dogs, and I’m sure he would love your little loves.”
Rebecca beamed at Angela. “It’s so nice to see you out and about,” she gushed as Angela stood beside her dog. “Meghan and I were just out visiting Kayley Kane. I’m looking for a second home here.”
“That’s wonderful,” Angela cooed. “Sandy Bay is a darling town. When my family moved here from Italy when I was a teenager, we were welcomed with open arms. You will make many happy memories in Sandy Bay.”
Rebecca tossed her hair behind her shoulder. “I’m just hoping to find the perfect house and the perfect set of activities,” she explained to Angela. “It’s very important to get connected with the right people and events, and I hope to contribute to Sandy Bay since my daughter loves it so much.”
Angela’s face brightened. “Are you interested in charities? Our restaurant is connected with many of the local organizations. I could give you some contacts if you are interested.”
“I would adore that,” Rebecca gushed. “You are just so beautiful and lovely, Angela. Thank you so much.”
“Of course,” she replied. “In fact, tomorrow, our restaurant is partnering with a charity that gives meals to the homeless. I joke with my father that we give the homeless enough meals, as they dig through our dumpster each night. But all jokes aside, this charity is a good one, and we are pleased to partake. Would you two like to join us tomorrow? Give back this holiday season?”
Meghan shook her head. “Sorry, Angela,” she said as Rebecca glared at her. “I have a busy schedule tomorrow, and I put off some of my baking to go out with my mother today. Maybe next time?”
Rebecca gave Meghan a stern look. “That is not in the spirit, Meghan,” she whispered to her daughter. “If you want me to be part of this town so badly, then we are going to go volunteer with beautiful Angela. Understood?”
Meghan bit her lip, upset that her mother had spoken to her like a child. “Understood,” she muttered as Rebecca’s frown turned into a glamorous smile. “Understood, Mama.”
9
That evening, Meghan invited Pamela and Trudy to the bakery to meet her mother. Concerned by Kayley’s rudeness, Rebecca had insisted meeting some of Meghan’s other Sandy Bay friends.
“I want to make sure that my daughter is spending time with the right people,” she told her daughter as they prepared for the girls’ night at Truly Sweet. “This will be fun, Meghan. I’m going to teach you all one of my favorite recipes. They will all love it, and we can spend even more time together.”
“That’s just what we need,” Meghan groaned as Rebecca fastened an apron around her neck to protect her vintage Chanel sweater. “More time together.”
Rebecca turned to smile at her daughter. “What did you say?”
Meghan shook her head. “Nothing, Mama. Oh, look. Trudy and Pamela are here.”
Rebecca smiled graciously as Meghan’s two employees walked into the bakery. “Hello! I am Meghan’s mother, Rebecca. It’s a pleasure to meet you ladies.”
Pamela, Meghan’s high school-aged employee, was brimming with excitement. “Nice to meet you. Meghan didn’t tell us you were so glamorous!”
Rebecca waved a hand to dismiss Pamela’s compliment, but Meghan knew her mother was pleased by the teenager’s words. “And Mom, this is Trudy,” Meghan said as she introduced her middle-aged employee to her mother. Trudy looked frumpy compared to Rebecca; both women were approximately the same age, but with her lumpy holiday sweater, frizzy hair, and knee-length wool skirt, Trudy looked ages older than the refined Rebecca.
“Let’s get started with our baking,” Rebecca instructed the group as she gestured to the ingredients and utensils she had laid out. “I’ve done a little prep, and I’m excited to teach you girls.”
“Girls?” Trudy murmured. “I’m fifty-five years old, and I’ve been in the kitchen before.”
“I’m just being silly,” Rebecca laughed. “Come on, Trudy, get in the spirit!”
The four women got to work. Meghan turned on a holiday radio station, and the sounds of classical Christmas music filled the room. Everyone was in a pleasant mood, and Trudy lit one of the peppermint candles in the kitchen, giving the space a warm, festive glow and smell.
After nearly two hours of holiday fun, out of nowhere, the atmosphere shifted. “No, no, no!” Rebecca screeched as Pamela twisted a thick piece of yellow dough. “That is not the correct shape.”
Meghan’s dark eyes widened as she looked at the dough. Pamela had spun the pieces into an intricate braid, and Meghan was impressed with the shape and texture of the dough. “Mama,” Meghan protested. “Pamela’s braid is so pretty. What is the matter?”
“It’s not the right size,” Rebecca argued. “She made it too thick; it needs to be thinner on the side for it to look right.”
Meghan cocked her head to the side. “I disagree,” she said to her mother. Meghan saw Pamela’s upset face, and she put a shoulder around the girl. “Pamela, you are doing a great job. Keep it up.”
Rebecca frowned. “No, Pamela,” she insisted. “You aren’t doing it correctly.”
Meghan stepped in front of her mother and shook her head. “That’s enough, Mama,” she told Rebecca. “We may be doing your recipe, but this is my bakery. We do things a certain way here, and if I say Pamela’s braid looks nice, then that’s the way it is.”
Rebecca’s jaw dropped, but she quickly regained composure and straightened her p
osture. “Fine,” she huffed to Meghan. “I’ll just be quiet and go work on the icing.”
After awhile, Rebecca’s mood softened, and she and Trudy chatted about their favorite treats to bake. “My favorite holiday treats are egg-nog eclairs,” Trudy told Rebecca. “They have such a unique, festive flavor.”
“Those sound delightful,” Rebecca affirmed as she dropped four drops of red food coloring into the bowl of frothy icing. “My favorite treat to bake is a coconut custard tart topped with roasted pineapple.”
Meghan gasped. “That sounds incredible, Mama,” she gushed as Rebecca’s eyes sparkled.