Page 28 of Somewhere You Belong

Natalie is my VP of marketing, and she was one of the best employees I hired when I started my agency. She started at the bottom and worked her way up, holding as much pride in the company as I do.

“I know, and it’s not like I won’t be involved still. It’s just hard…”

“To give up control?” Katrina finishes for me as I roll my eyes. She flashes me a reassuring smile. “I know, but you deserve this. You’ve never taken a vacation.”

“That’s not true. I took some time for both of Shauna’s weddings,” I counter.

“That was like four days total and you were still glued to your phone the entire time. This time, I swear, I’m only going to contact you if it’s absolutely necessary.” She holds her hand up like she’s making a pledge to me.

My skin nearly breaks out in hives. But my assistant is right. If I’m going to do this, I need to take advantage of the trip. Relaxing is going to be difficult, but I will make an effort to let my mind rest.

Easier said than done, obviously.

My shoulders finally drop a bit. “I appreciate you. I hope you know that.”

Katrina smiles. “I know you do. And when you’re back, I’m going to takemyhard-earned vacation.”

Chuckling, I say, “You’ve got it.”

With one final hug, I leave my office and make the rounds through the building, making sure to speak to each one of my employees before I leave. One thing I pride myself on is the culture I’ve created with my staff. I make it a point that they know I’m not just their boss, but their mentor, the person behind the name on the door and the onewho is invested the most in our success—success that doesn’t happen without their hard work.

When I finally exit the building, I settle into my car and start the drive back to Carrington Cove, my brimming suitcases situated in the back of my Tesla, along with my patience, as I sit in Friday traffic for hours.

But as soon as the lights of Carrington Cove fill my windshield, I roll down the window and breathe in the salty sea air from the driver’s seat.

Just one inhale has my shoulders relaxing and my lungs expanding in comfort, a detail that I choose not to acknowledge, or I’ll freak myself out again. Earlier this week as I made arrangements with my company for my extended absence and let my apartment building supervisor know I’d be gone for a few months, anxiety bloomed in my body when I realized that a part of me was apprehensive to return to the beach house.

Not just because the sooner I did, the sooner the work could be completed.

No.

It was the idea that the sunrise and sunsets over the ocean were waiting for me on the balcony of the master bedroom.

It was the idea that I could fulfill my craving for blueberry muffins from the Sunshine Bakery and coffee from Keely’s.

And it was this new feeling, wondering about what would happen at the end of this trip, that had me itching to drive back on Friday evening, feeling completely different upon my return than I did the first time I came down here a week ago.

***

Walking into Catch & Release, I inhale the smell of fried food and burgers. I figured I might as well start this trip off with another martini, even if the bartender was far from welcoming. At least he could pour one hell of a drink.

The same stool I sat on last week is free, so I sashay over in my heels and navy A-line dress, taking a seat as a familiar face flies past me.

“Hey! I know you.” Astrid points a finger at me as she hurries by.

A smile instantly graces my lips. “And I knowyou.”

“What are you doing here? I thought you were only in town for a few days last week.” She drops a serving tray on the counter and stands before me a second later, brushing her hair from her face.

Sighing, I say, “Well, it seems I have to stick around for just a little while longer.”

Her head tilts to the side. “How come?”

“Hey, Willow.” Penn slides up behind Astrid, reaching underneath the bar for a few glasses before I can answer her.

“You know Willow?” Astrid turns to him, a pinch in her brow.

Penn nods. “She owns the Bayshore House now. I’m helping her with the renovations.”

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