Did a woman’s past have to follow her around for the rest of her life? The only thing Dorothy Marshall knew about Grace was her seventeen and eighteen-year-old life. People grew up. Her twenties may have been pretty wild as well, but she needed to find herself. It was the time in her life when she could have a good time. No responsibilities. No pressure. No commitments.
Freedom.
Until it came crashing down on her.
There was nowhere else to go so Grace would have to suck it up. The town gossip in Crystal Cove wasn’t as harsh as gossip in Paris, but it was more personal. There she was just a name and maybe a face. Here, she was a person. She had a perfect sister and parents whom everyone loved and admired.
Knowing she couldn’t solve anything tonight, she fished her car keys from her bag and plodded down the steps to the dirt driveway. Her ankles gave way when her shoes hit a rock, but she caught herself, singing a string of curses the rest of the way to her car.
No one had a paved driveway in this redneck town. Who the hell would buy maxi skirts and off the shoulder blouses? Maybe Mrs. Marshall was right. She should open an L.L. Bean type of shop instead.
Needing a dose of perk-me-up, she turned left out of the driveway and headed up to see her brother-in-law. He was the one to blame for planting this hair-brained idea in her head, and he was the fancy marketing exec from San Francisco. So far his advice had brought tourism and money to the town.
Was he on to something about her store, or was he just trying to appease his sister-in-law?
The downstairs lights were on in their kitchen otherwise Grace would have turned back home. Not that she had a home. Yet.
Her headlights must have warned Alexis of her arrival for she was at the front door before Grace had a chance to knock.
“Sophie just went to bed, so I didn’t want your knock waking her.”
“She can hear the front door?” Grace stepped inside her sister’s kitchen and closed the door behind her. It closed much easier than Mrs. Marshall’s. Granted, the house was less than a year old so everything looked and operated perfectly.
“No. I didn’t want Hemmy to bark though.”
Hearing his name, the great Bernese Mountain Dog rounded the corner. Grace squatted and rubbed his ears. “Hey, Hemsworth. Did you miss your auntie?”
She never would’ve considered herself a dog lover before, not unless it was a tiny lap dog, or one that fit in her Valentino bag, until she met Hemmy. He may be the size of a small pony, but the dog was as gentle as a baby.
“What brings you by at nine at night?”
“I thought you guys would be in bed already. Early to bed, early to rise and stuff.” Her sister had always been an early riser. Before the sun, or with it in the summer months.
“Then why did you come by?”
“I was hoping Ben was up. I have some... business stuff to talk to him about.”
Alexis leaned against the kitchen wall and lifted an eyebrow. Skeptical was an understatement. Her sister was annoyed. On the verge of pissed.
“You have quite the infatuation with my husband.”
“What?” If Alexis seriously thought—
“Hey, Grace. I thought I heard your voice.” Ben stepped in between the sisters and stooped to give Grace a hug. “Glad you stopped by. Want a glass of wine? I was just about to make myself a midnight snack.”
“I thought you were working,” Alexis grumbled.
“I am.” Ben kissed his wife with a smile and led her to the long country-style table in the open kitchen. “I’m taking a break and pouring you a glass as well.”
He took a bottle from the fridge and poured three glasses. Grace didn’t want to talk business in front of Alexis. She’d already expressed her opinions about the boutique, and Grace didn’t feel like listening to her eye rolls—which were totally loud—or disapproving snorts.
And she really didn’t want to admit her doubt in her ability to pull off a successful business in front of her sister either.
“Hungry?” Ben set a box of Wheat Thins on the table and took out a block of cheese from the fridge.
“Sure.” Eating and sipping wine would help her stall and give her time to figure out how to bring up her insecurities without her sister giving her the I told you so smirk.
Alexis picked up her wine glass and snagged a handful of crackers from the box. “I’m assuming you’re here to talk shop—pun intended—so I’ll get out of your way.”
“You’re more than welcome to stay.” Ben ran a hand up and down Alexis’ leg in a sweet gesture Grace could only daydream about.
No man caressed her for the sake of caressing. It was always about getting something or somewhere.
Sex.
“No offense, but talking numbers and clothes is not my thing. I’ll go play in the dirt.” Ben patted her on the back of the leg before she walked away.
And this is what Mrs. Marshall was talking about. A woman who was one with the earth instead of searching for dollar signs.
Not that Grace cared one bit what Mrs. Marshall thought.
“You must be excited to open next week.”
“I am.”
“And nervous, I bet too.”
“Definitely. It does seem silly to open a business during a time when most are closing up for the winter around here.”
“It’s actually perfect. We went over this already. The bulk of your sales will most likely be online. You’ll establish yourself as a reputable seller, and slowly garner interest in your storefront. Your inventory is limited right now until you start bringing in income. Working online is the perfect way to get your feet wet.”
“But having a storefront is attractive to repeat buyers. I know. You told me this already.”
“So what’s the problem?”
“I don’t fit in with the Crystal Cove way.”
“Which is?”
“Farming. Fishing. Lobstering.”
“Do you think there are other people in the area who feel the same? If all we offer is more of the same, you’re not unique. You won’t stand out. You won’t know anything until you try.”
“I know.” Grace crunched on a cracker and washed it down with a healthy gulp of wine.
“Rent is cheap, and your lease is only for six months. Worst-case scenario, you sell solely online. There’s a huge market for that.”
“I know,” she said again.
“And your store idea is original and fresh. There are other women in central Maine looking for fashionable merchandise.”
“But they don’t live around here.”
“Maybe not. But they’ll come visit.” Ben pushed his glass away and leaned in closer. “I’m pretty sure there are women in the cove who wouldn’t mind getting dressed up every now and then. And husbands who would like their wives to wear something pretty to go out somewhere special.”
Grace snorted. “Good luck getting Alexis to doll herself up.”
“I wouldn’t change a thing about your sister, but if she ever wanted to dress up, your shop wouldn’t be too far away.”
“I feel like this is some sort of challenge.”
“Not at all. No pressure on you and none on my wife. I prefer her naked anyway.”
“Gross. You didn’t need to go there.” Grace finished her wine and pushed back her chair. “Thanks for the pep talk. Keep your shoulders handy. I’ll need them to cry on when this thing busts.”
Ben hugged her tight and pushed her slightly away, keeping his hands on her shoulders. “You’ve got this, kid. And if you need advice, help, a place to vent, and when you celebrate, Alexis and I are here for you.”
Alexis probably not; Ben would be though.
“Thanks. Tell Alexis I said goodnight.” Hemmy lifted his head from the dog bed in the corner and trotted over as if knowing she was leaving. “Bye, buddy.” She gave him a quick pat and headed out the door.
This time next week she’d have her own apartment and her own shop. One step closer to freedom.
&n
bsp; And to starting over.
CHAPTER FIVE
THE DAYS TURNED INTO nights as Grace moved her storage bins from Alexis’ old room in their parents’ home to The Closet. While she unpacked and steam ironed the clothes, Ty and his crew were finishing up the outside staircase to her new apartment.
She couldn’t believe she’d be opening her store and moving into her apartment in the same week. In the whirlwind of packing, unpacking, organizing, and planning, she’d managed to squeeze in a few meetings with Carter to finish up the website.
He’d found a graphic designer to make her logo; it was perfect. A purse and clothes hanger all in one with The Closet written underneath. She’d research storefront awnings during the winter months. There was no rush in hanging one now with winter around the corner. In the meantime, her website and store had a brand.
It would be a few days before her shopping bags would arrive. The adorable black and white purse hanger stamped on the front of light gray bags. Simple and classy. Grace thought about going pink, but the community was not a pink one. There was nothing frilly and feminine about a coastal town in central Maine. Rugged, yes.
So she painted the walls a deep burgundy and kept her logo to a simple black and white color scheme. She could always add a new color accent with the new stores she hoped to open in other cities.
Close to five, Ty knocked on her front door and let himself in.
“We’ve lost the sun so we’re packing up for the day. As long as the rain holds off tomorrow, we should be able to finish the railings. If you’re not in a rush and can wait two more days, Cameron, Ben, and I can help you move in on Saturday.”
“Actually.” Grace hung up an asymmetrical navy dress on the rack and turned off the steamer. “I’m totally impatient. I’m thirty-one and have been living with my parents for over a year. It’s time I move out.”
“We’re all working tomorrow though.”
“That’s okay. I don’t have anything heavy to move. Just my suitcases. Maybe a small dresser from my bedroom.”
He leaned his hip against the counter and squinted at her. “What about furniture?”
“I don’t have a couch or much of anything, really. I highly doubt I’ll be entertaining many people for a while. Is the bed still there?” Grace really didn’t want to bring her thirty-year-old twin mattress from home.
“Yeah. Lily didn’t need to move it into my—our house. I already had a decent one. Her couch is in the basement right now though. I can bring it over this weekend until you find something you like.”
Why were all the sweet, hot men taken? “I should have moved back a few months earlier. Before Lily stole you.”
Ty blushed and looked away, obviously uncomfortable with her compliment. “You sure you don’t have a twin somewhere? Maybe Mia got mixed up at birth and you really have a long lost brother?”
“Not likely.” Ty laughed.
“Damn. Guess I’ll stick with fashion then.”
“Better you than me. All I know is jeans and work boots. Lily’s excited for you to open though. I have a feeling she’ll be your best customer.”
Even though Lily shopped at stores like Target and TJ Maxx, she always looked like she stepped out of a fashion magazine. With model long legs and stunning facial features, Grace was more than thrilled to dress her new friend.
“Works for me.”
“Lily told me to give you the keys.” He dug in his pocket and held out his hand. “The gold key opens the front door to the spa. She says to make sure you lock it behind you before going up to the apartment. The silver key is to the apartment doors, both the inside and the new outside one. You’ll have access to it by dinner time tomorrow.”
“Perfect.” Grace folded her fingers over the cold metal. Her final step to total freedom. To starting over. Giddy with happiness, she tapped her toes and bit her lip, peering around Ty’s tall frame to peek out the window.
“She said you’d want to get in as soon as possible. I won’t keep you.” He opened the front door and paused, turning back. “Don’t forget to give us a call if you need a hand.”
“Will do.”
As soon as the door closed behind him, Grace ran around making sure everything was off, the back door locked, and the place didn’t look like a complete shambles from the front window. Deeming it passable, she pushed the front door open and jogged the fourteen steps to the Sea Salt Spa.
Using the gold key, she let herself in and locked the door behind her. Grace was halfway up the first set of stairs when she remembered she forgot to lock up The Closet.
A few minutes later, both businesses were locked up and she finally reached the second set of stairs that led to the apartment. Having to walk through the spa every day to get to her apartment would have been a pain. It was awesome that the Bergerons had agreed to let Ty build her an outside staircase.
It obviously wasn’t an issue when Lily lived up here. It was her spa. However, living where you worked probably had its downside. Grace took out the key and opened the door to her new home.
The living room was small and empty, except for a floor lamp in the corner. The windows looked out to her building, and beyond was the rest of Seaview Drive and then the ocean.
Grace peeked into the bedroom. It looked the same as it had last month when Lily showed her the place. She’d visited Lily a handful of times here over the months. They weren’t best of friends, but slowly were becoming close. Especially with their somewhat connected pasts.
A cold chill crept up Grace’s spine, and she shivered it away. No need to go down that road. This was about starting over. She followed the short hall to the kitchen and opened and closed the cabinets. Lily had said she would leave odds and ends for her. There were four plates and glasses. Plenty for her.
Underneath the silverware drawer, she found two pots and a strainer. Living on a tight budget would mean spaghetti and jarred sauce five nights a week. Maybe a frozen dinner on the other two nights.
She’d make it work.
With the fridge and food cabinets bare, a quick stop to the grocery store was in order. Boon’s Variety wasn’t very big, but it had the essentials. After locking up the spa, Grace hopped in her car and drove with a smile on her face.
She stopped at her parents’ place first to grab her already packed suitcases, gave her parents a hug and a kiss, and skipped back to her car. The drive to Boons was short. The bigger grocery stores were a few towns over, but Boons served well in a pinch. Besides, she was supporting local businesses this way.
The lot was practically empty for seven o’clock on a Thursday night. Not that she knew when prime grocery shopping was. She tossed her keys in her purse and marched into Boon’s excited to make her first meal in her new apartment.
While she wasn’t the greatest cook, she could follow a recipe just fine. Not wanting to take the time to make anything too elaborate tonight, she opted for an omelet loaded with veggies.
The produce was scarce, but she found a decent red pepper and some mushrooms and added them to her basket. She tossed in a box of Special K for breakfast and some coffee grounds and headed to the dairy section.
She set the basket on the ground and reached in for a half gallon of milk and a dozen eggs. Remembering to check them, she opened the container and deemed the eggs satisfactory.
“Don’t tell me you eat store-bought eggs,” a deep voice scoffed behind her.
“Geesh!” Startled, she juggled the carton and one egg crashed to the floor.
Brady reached out and grabbed ahold of the carton, his large hands covering hers in the process.
“Just because store bought eggs are crap doesn’t mean you should scramble them on Boon’s floor.”
“Funny. You shouldn’t sneak up on people.”
“That wasn’t my intent.” Brady walked off with the carton of eggs leaving Grace alone and confused. A moment later he returned with a roll of paper towels.
She moved her basket out of the way as he wiped up the flo
or, cleaning up her mess. Although if it wasn’t for him startling her she wouldn’t have dropped the egg.
He walked off with the wad of dirty paper towels, muttering under his breath. Assuming he left the eleven eggs at the counter, Grace weaved her way through the five aisles and set her basket by the register. Wanting to quickly pay for her groceries and leave before Brady came out from wherever he was hiding, she flipped through her wallet and pulled out a twenty.
“You only got eleven eggs here, Grace. Wanna pick a new carton?”
“I dropped one. Brady Marshall was here a minute ago and cleaned it up.” She didn’t want to look around for him and forced her eyes to stay focused on Albert Boon.
“That he did. Don’t sell many eggs here when Dorothy sets her fresh ones out for folks to buy. To tell you the truth”—Boon leaned over the counter, at least as much as his protruding belly would allow, and scratched his bald head—“I don’t eat them eggs either.” He waved the carton in front of her. “Marshall eggs are the way to go.”
“That’s what I was trying to tell her.”
Grace jumped. Again. “Good lord. What’s it with you and sneaking up on people?” She turned her back to him and handed Boon her twenty.
“Your pa says you movin’ into Lily Novak’s apartment. Didn’t take long for Ty to get his girl to move in with him, eh?” Boon said with a wink.
“I’m very happy for them. Ty’s wonderful.” Grace could’ve sworn she heard Brady grunt from behind her. Boon handed her the change, and she stuffed it in her wallet.
“I have a pound of butter. You can put it on my tab.” Brady swept up her bag and brushed past her to the front door.
“Sure thing,” Boon called from behind them.
She had to jog to keep up with him, even though the store wasn’t that big and she’d parked close to the front door. When she got outside, Brady had her bag of groceries sitting on the hood of her car, and he was rifling through it.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
Here With You Page 5