Page 7 of Only You

“Well, Harbor Falls misses having a flower shop in town. Mrs. Philbert's passing was such a loss to us. I can give you the lease information.” She pulled a file folder from her bag and handed it to me. “Look it over and let me know what you decide.”

“Thank you, Gloria. I will.”

We walked out of the shop and shook hands.

“It was nice to meet you, Hannah. I hope we can do business together.”

“I’ll be in touch, Gloria.”

CHAPTER 3

Hannah

Excitement flowed through me. Could I do it? I believed I could. Walking back to Adalyn’s gallery, I stepped through the door.

“You’re back.” Adalyn smiled. “Sorry about earlier.”

“That’s okay. You’re a busy woman.” I hugged her. “I’m cooking dinner tonight. Luis, you and Alfred are invited.”

“Thank you, darling. We’ll be there.” Luis grinned.

“Why are you cooking?” Adalyn asked.

“Why not?” I shrugged. “I want to do something special since I’m staying with you.”

Adalyn stood, narrowing her eyes at me.

“What is really going on, sis?” she asked. “This morning, you were depressed and told me you weren’t leaving the house when I suggested you find something to do.”

“That was then. This is now. I took your advice, ventured out, and did a lot of thinking about things. I’ll tell you more over dinner. Make sure Colin is home.” I smiled and walked out of the gallery.

After stopping at the market, I went home, put the groceries away, sat on the deck, and started writing my business plan. It needed to be perfect to obtain a business loan from the bank. Glancing at my watch, it was time to start dinner. Fettucine alfredo, tossed salad, fresh bread from the market, and homemade pineapple upside-down cake would complete tonight’s meal.

It was six o’clock when the door opened, and Colin walked in.

“Hey, you.” He smiled, walked over, and kissed my cheek. “Adalyn said you were cooking tonight. It smells great.”

“Thanks, Colin. It’s the least I could do.”

“You’re making my favorite.” Adalyn grinned when she walked into the kitchen. “It smells good in here.”

“Thanks, sis.”

“Is that a pineapple upside-down cake?”

“Yep. I know how much you love it.” I smiled.

“I’m sorry, Hannah, but what the hell has gotten into you? You are a totally different person today.”

“Like I said, I’ll tell you everything over dinner. Where are Luis and Alfred? Dinner is ready.”

“We’re here, darling.” Luis walked over and kissed my cheek.

“Hi, Hannah.” Alfred smiled. “It’s good to see you.”

“It’s good to see you too, Alfred. Everyone sit down. Dinner is ready.”

Adalyn grabbed the salad and set it on the table with the bread as I placed the bowl of fettuccine in the center.

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