Bayside Promises

by Stacy Claflin

Haley walked to the kitchen, barely feeling the ground beneath her. It had been the most wonderful weekend. The only thing that would have made it better would be if Logan had shown any real interest in Sky. He’d been friendly enough, but it was clear he wasn’t interested.

  Sullivan, though, had been perfect. He kept holding Haley’s gaze and hand—it was the real look of love. The same one Haley was sure was written all over her face, too. He’d even invited her and Jensyn to the beach, and he’d set up an elaborate picnic lunch in the shade for them. As much as Haley would’ve liked some time alone with him, it made her heart soar all the higher that he wanted to include her sister.

  It was Monday now, and she needed to bring herself back to the ground. A potentially big client wanted to meet with her that morning, and she really needed it since things had stalled with the property back home. Her rent was due and her savings would only cover her this one month. She hadn’t taken the advice of common knowledge and saved for six months of bills.

  Jensyn came in and grabbed a box of cereal.

  “Good morning,” Haley said.

  “Morning,” Jensyn mumbled.

  “Do you need me to take you in to get that cast off?”

  “They said I’m supposed to just have my regular doctor look at it.” Jensyn yawned.

  “So, you’ve got it taken care of?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Okay. Why are you up so early?”

  Jensyn poured milk over the cereal. “Since I had the weekend off, I get cleanup duty and paperwork all day today.”

  “Gotcha. Well, I have some work today, too. If you need me, just call my cell.”

  She sat and dug into her food. “’Kay.”

  Haley finished her toast. “You want a smoothie? I’m going to make one for me.”

  “Sure.” Jensyn yawned again.

  “Maybe you should go to bed earlier.” Haley grabbed what she needed from the fridge.

  “They got all the free coffee I want. I’m good.”

  “Just a thought.” Haley dumped everything into the blender, added some almond milk, and started it. She poured two glasses and handed one to Jensyn. “This’ll give you an energy boost, too.”

  “Thanks.” She sipped it and her eyes lit up. “This is really good. What’s in it?”

  Haley laughed. “Aside from oranges and bananas, you probably don’t want to know.”

  “As long as it tastes this good, I don’t care.”

  “It has kale and—”

  “You’re right. Don’t ruin it for me.”

  Haley held back a laugh and washed out the blender. She gave her sister a quick hug before heading out the door and entering the address into her GPS. It was a big lot near the edge of town in an industrial area.

  When she pulled onto the lot, two single-story brick buildings with broken windows greeted her. In between them sat a parking lot. Beyond the buildings was just concrete. It would certainly be a challenge to write up an exciting listing for this place.

  A white pickup truck pulled next to her and screeched to a stop. A guy in his early fifties with graying hair and overalls got out and waved to her.

  She got out of her car and shook his hand. “I’m Haley Faraway.”

  “Hank. So, you really think you can sell this place?”

  “To the right buyer, sure. Want to show me around?”

  He led her through both buildings—both were unlocked already. The first looked like it had been used as an office building and the other as storage. She took notes and pictures as they went.

  Hank scratched his head. “To be honest, I was going to go with the Hunter’s realty business. They’re established, you know, but my wife said she heard people trust lady realtors more, so…” He shrugged. “Is it true?”

  Haley forced a smile. “I haven’t heard that one before, but people seem to like me.”

  “Okay. What now?”

  “I’ll email you the paperwork. Print it out, sign where indicated, and get it back to me. Then we’ll get this place on the market.”

  “The wife handles all the computer stuff. I’ll let her know. Thanks, Miss Haley.”

  She smiled and shook his hand. “Thank you, Hank.”

  He drove off, and she wandered around again, taking more notes and pictures. Selling a property as big as this would help out a lot—just like the one back home being held up by red tape.

  Haley headed back home and set up her laptop on her old desk in her room. It was so strange using her childhood desk for work, but there was no way she was going into Dad’s office no matter how sprawling the desk was in there.

  By the time she had the listing set up, her stomach was growling. She warmed up some leftovers and relaxed on the couch, watching an old episode of Friends. She laughed as Rachel talked Ross’s girlfriend into shaving her head.

  After a couple episodes, it was time to get back to work. She really needed to sell something—whether it was in Enchanted Bay or Portland. In her room, the little light on her phone blinked, alerting her to new texts and emails. Most of them had to do with her Portland listings.

  Wait. There was already an inquiry about the new listing.

  She read the email subject line again. It was true. Haley opened the email. It was from a lady moving from Florida wanting to open a doggy daycare and boarding house. She seemed to think the layout of the two buildings would be perfect for keeping the two aspects of her business separate but close.

  Could it really be true? Were things really starting to come together? She was getting clients—actual, interested clients—in Enchantment Bay. Not only that, but things were going so well with Sullivan and Jensyn.

  Smiling, Haley called her number.

  “Cassidy Jones speaking.”

  “Hi, Cassidy. My name is Haley Faraway, and—”

  “You’re already calling me back? This is either good news or bad news.”

  Haley’s smile widened. “Well, you’re the first one to inquire about that particular property.”

  “I am?” she exclaimed. “Sounds like good news to me. I’m flying in as soon as I can to look around for boarding facilities and homes.”

  “More good news. I can help you with houses, too.”

  “That would be wonderful. I’ll be staying with my brother for a few days. I can give you a call when I’m ready.”

  “Why don’t you tell me what you’re looking for in a home? That way I can look around ahead of time.”

  “I can email you the details.”

  “Perfect. Just let me know if you need anything.”

  “Really? Wow, when he said the bay is a friendly little place, I didn’t realize how right he was. Thanks, Haley.”

  “My pleasure. I’ll speak with you tomorrow.”

  Haley’s smile was even wider after the call ended. Her fingers flew across the keyboard at lightning speed.

  After a while, her phone rang. It was Sullivan.

  Maybe this would be the perfect day.

  “Hi, Sullivan,” she answered.

  “How’s the most beautiful woman in Enchantment Bay?”

  Her heart fluttered. “I’m great. How are you?”

  “Good. My brother-in-law is showing me his new Harley.”

  “Oh, nice.”

  “It sure is. So, what makes your day so wonderful?”

  “There’s a large industrial lot. I haven’t even finished the paperwork for it, and I already have someone from across the country who wants to buy it—and she needs a home, too!” Haley beamed, waiting for Sullivan’s reply.

  The line was silent.

  Had it gone dead, or had she said something wrong? Was he still upset, thinking they were in competition?

  Her stomach tightened. “Sullivan?”

  Nothing.

  Haley’s mouth went dry. “Are you there?”

  “Yeah, I’m sorry. We’re near the woods, and the reception is spotty. Congratulations, Haley. Wow, what a great day!” He actually did sound happy for her.
>
  “Thanks.” She relaxed and then silently chastised herself for doubting him when he’d been nothing but supportive and sweet.

  “Hey, do you want to meet for lunch tomorrow?” he asked. “I don’t think I can wait to see you until Thursday.”

  Haley’s grin returned. “I’d love to.”

  Eighteen

  Sullivan closed his laptop and stretched. It had been a long, tedious morning, but now it was time for lunch with Haley. He couldn’t wait to sit across from her and gaze into her gorgeous eyes. To lace his fingers between hers and forget about everything else.

  He rose and reached for his jacket. Just before grabbing it, his phone rang. He would’ve ignored it, but what if it was Haley?

  It was Logan.

  “What’s up?” Sullivan asked.

  “Brayden wasn’t able to get as much fish as he thought. Can you round up some meat for cooking over the campfire?”

  “I’m already—”

  “I know you’re busy,” Logan said. “But Shale just got off a long shift and can’t stay awake. I have court in five minutes—and it’s going to take all day.”

  “None of our cousins can do this?” Sullivan asked. “I’m heading out the door right now.”

  “Make some calls if you want, but I have to talk to my client.”

  Sullivan groaned. “Fine. I’ll make sure we have enough meat.”

  “Thanks. I knew I could count on you.”

  “You owe me.”

  Logan chuckled. “Actually, I think Brayden owes you.”

  “Somebody does.”

  “See you Thursday.” The call ended.

  Sullivan stuffed his phone into his pocket. He would think about the camping trip with the guys after his lunch date. The next hour or so was all about Haley. He swung his jacket over his shoulder, waved goodbye to Nancy, who was on the phone, and headed out to his car. He stopped at a florist and picked out the most colorful and sweetest smelling bouquet they had. They weren’t as beautiful as she was, but he imagined the smile on her face when she saw them.

  He pulled into the parking lot at the Mexican grill just as Haley was pulling into a parking spot. He hurriedly parked a few spaces away, leapt out of his car and practically ran over to her with the flowers.

  Her entire face lit up and she threw her arms around him. He squeezed her, careful not to crush the flowers. She stepped back and beamed. “You really didn’t have to.”

  “I wanted to make you smile, and it worked.” He brushed his lips across hers. “I hope you’re hungry.”

  “Famished.”

  Sullivan handed her the flowers and opened the door for her.

  “Hola, amigos.” Lucy, the hostess, smiled. “How are you today?”

  “Great.” Sullivan held Haley’s hand. “And you? How’s that tri-level treating you?”

  Lucy clasped her hands together. “It’s even better than we hoped.”

  “I’m so happy to hear that. I don’t suppose you have any tables open with a view of the water?”

  She grabbed a couple menus. “Well, since you called ahead, we do have one.”

  Haley squeezed his hand, and they followed Lucy to a table in the back near a large picture window. Sullivan held Haley’s chair for her and then sat across the table. The tinted window gave them the perfect view of the bay without the glare of the bright summer sun.

  “Your server will be right with you.” Lucy smiled again and walked away.

  Sullivan watched as Haley looked over the menu. His breath caught. She was beautiful even doing something as simple as that. After a few moments, she glanced up at him. A slow, shy smile spread across her face.

  “You’re gorgeous, you know that?”

  Pink colored her cheeks.

  “Why do you get embarrassed when I compliment you?”

  She looked out the window and shrugged. “I’m not used to it, I suppose.”

  He reached across the table and took her hand in his. “You should own it. You’re attractive and smart—do you know how many women would love to be you?”

  Haley turned to him, her face now fully flushed. “You think so?”

  “I know so. And what do you mean you’re not used to it? People don’t tell you?”

  “Not really.”

  “Well, they’re idiots.” He rubbed her palm with his thumb. “Either that, or you leave them dumbstruck because you’re so pretty.”

  She shook her head.

  How could she deny it? Sullivan leaned over the table and kissed each fingertip. “It’s the truth.”

  Someone cleared his throat.

  They both turned to see their server, a friendly-looking Hispanic guy in his mid-thirties. He smiled. “Hola. I’m Tomás, and I’ll be your server. Are you ready to order?” He placed chips and salsa in the middle of the table.

  Sullivan and Haley told him what they wanted, and he hurried to another table.

  Haley’s phone rang, but she didn’t answer.

  “Do you need to get that?” he asked.

  “No. I don’t take calls when I’m on a date with a handsome man.” She smiled shyly.

  He squeezed her hand and returned the grin. “You’re just saying that.”

  She laughed. “Are you kidding?”

  “Why would I be?” He was curious to hear her reply.

  Haley shook her head, still laughing. “You’re Sullivan Hunter.”

  “And you’re Haley Faraway. Now we have the introductions out of the way.”

  “No, seriously. Every girl in school wanted to date you.”

  He scowled. “I can think of a few who didn’t—and they let me know all about it, too.”

  “I mean it.”

  “So do I. There were several who didn’t like me one bit.” He scooped some salsa onto a chip and put the whole thing into his mouth.

  “Name one.”

  “Clarissa McAdams.”

  Haley’s eyes widened. “You dumped her for Amanda Riley.”

  “You remember that?”

  Pink colored her face again. “I remember everything you ever said to me.”

  He arched a brow. “Really?”

  She nodded.

  “Do you happen to recall me telling you that you were pretty?”

  “Not in high school.”

  “Then you don’t remember all I said to you. You were worried about Jackson being paired with that redhead for his senior project. What was her name?”

  “Beth Reynolds.”

  “Oh, yeah. I told you there was nothing to worry about. That you were in a completely different league from her. Remember?”

  “You didn’t say I was pretty.”

  “It was what I meant.”

  Tomás brought them their meals. “Enjoy, amigos.” He rushed to another table.

  He studied her. How could she not know how attractive she was? The only thing that had kept him from considering dating her was that she and Jackson had been together. Out of respect for his friend, Sullivan had kept everything completely platonic with Haley. Everyone was sure she and Jackson would marry and live happily ever after.

  “What are you thinking?” she asked.

  “That if you and Jackson hadn’t been attached at the hip, I’m sure I would have asked you out in a heartbeat.”

  Her eyes widened. “You would have?”

  “Are you crazy? Of course, but I was certain you and Jackson would get married and have two-point-five kids.”

  She laughed. “Two-point-five?”

  “Yeah, you know. The typical American family has a white picket fence and two-point-five children.”

  Haley shook her head. “I’m glad that never happened.”

  “I can’t say I’m particularly disappointed either.” He grinned at her.

  Her cheeks darkened again, and she looked down and worked on her lunch. Sullivan took that as his cue to eat also. He dug into his burrito, and a heap of chicken fell to the plate. It reminded him that it was now his responsibility to get extra
meat for the week-long campout—when his to-do list was already bursting at the seams. Just because he wasn’t a firefighter like Shale, an attorney like Logan, or a doctor like Brayden didn’t mean his time was less valuable.

  Annoyance festered, starting at the pit of his stomach. Sullivan would have to talk with Logan and let him know that in the future, he needed to ask if Sullivan could do something. Just putting it on him wasn’t cool.

  He pushed the food around, his irritation quickly escalating to anger. He hated it when people just assumed he would do whatever they told him. He continued pushing his food around, fuming.

  “Sullivan?” Haley’s voice broke through his thoughts.

  He had forgotten he was at the restaurant with her. “What?”

  Her expression clouded over and she looked out the window.

  Sullivan took a deep breath. He wanted to chew out Logan for throwing this at him when he was already so busy with work and wanted to spend as much time with Haley as possible. He counted to ten to calm himself and then reached for Haley’s hand. “What did you say?”

  Nineteen

  “It was nothing.” Haley forced a smile and went back to her ensalada. Maybe she shouldn’t have said anything to Sullivan about him being so popular in school. What if it made her sound like a groupie? Or if he realized what a geek she’d been? Even if he had thought she was pretty back then, it wasn’t because he’d have ever dated her.

  Why had she said anything at all? Everything had been going so well, and then she had to go and say something stupid about how every girl drooled over him.

  Stop.

  These thoughts were from the old Haley. The one who believed the lies told to her by Dad and some of the other jerks she’d dated.

  Sullivan wasn’t like that. He was kind and caring—all the sweet things he’d just said about her proved that much.

  She went back to her food and thought about the nice things he’d just told her. Her cheeks warmed again. She glanced over at him. He was moving his food back and forth on his plate.

  All she’d done was give him reason to have doubts. Clearly, he could do much better, and that was probably what was going on in his head.

  Or maybe she was completely overreacting. It was a bad habit of hers that she’d had since childhood. Her counselor had helped her see that when she thought the worst about the situation, her instincts were actually reacting to the way her dad had always blown up over nothing. Haley was still learning what was normal and what wasn’t.