Page 6 of Only You

“You know what, Luis? I’m good.”

“That’s my girl.” He grinned, breaking our embrace and gripping my shoulders. “Do me a favor and tell Adalyn I’ll see her later. She’s busy, and I have something to do.”

“Will do, darling.”

I walked out of the shop and continued walking down the street. Reality set in about quitting my job.

“Shit,” I softly voiced.

I crossed the street and went to the park, staring at the mothers who sat on the benches, watching their small children play. Sitting under a large oak tree, I sipped my coffee on the grass. A small town really wasn’t my scene. I’d grown up in the city of New York my entire life, but I understood why my sister moved here. This small town was filled with charm, nice people, and a serenity New York couldn’t give. The hustle and bustle of life in the city was draining. I never thought that until I came to Harbor Falls to visit Adalyn. The few times I was here, it felt good.

A red ball rolled over to me. I picked it up and handed it to the child who stood before me.

“Thank you, miss.” He smiled.

“You’re welcome.”

He took his ball and ran back to the playground. Getting up from the grass, I left the park and walked down the street. When I reached the corner, an empty shop caught my attention with a For Lease sign—white exterior, arched windows, and clear glass French doors. My mind started spinning as I stared through the shop window. I couldn’t. I could. Pulling my phone from my purse, I called the number on the sign.

“Harbor Falls Reality. This is Gloria. How may I help you?”

“Hi, Gloria. My name is Hannah, and I’m inquiring about a shop I saw for lease.”

“Hello, Hannah. Which shop are you referring to?”

“The one on the corner of Magnolia and Main.”

“Ah, yes. It's a cute little shop, isn’t it? Would you like to see it?”

“Yes. I’m standing in front of it now.”

“I can be there in fifteen minutes,” she said.

“Thank you. I’ll be waiting.”

A cute white bench stood before the shop, so I sat and waited until a black car pulled along the curb and a professionally dressed woman climbed out.

“You must be Hannah.” She smiled, extending her hand.

“And you must be Gloria.” I placed my hand in hers.

She unlocked the door to the shop. Stepping inside, I looked around at the empty space.

“This was once a flower shop.”

“Seriously?” I glanced at her. “Why did it close down?”

“After Mrs. Philbert passed, her son, a lawyer from Los Angeles, flew in and closed it down. It was a great loss to Harbor Falls. What type of business were you thinking of putting in here?”

“A flower shop.” I walked around, studying the space.

“Oh, my goodness. That would be wonderful.” Gloria beamed with excitement. “Are you new in town?”

“Yes. My sister lives here. I’m sure you know her. Adalyn Richards.”

“Ah, yes. Adalyn Richards. I remember when she came to town. Not only did I lease her the shop, but I also helped her find a home. She’s such a sweet woman.”

“Yeah. She’s the best.” I smiled.

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