Page 27 of Since the Day We Wished

"That’s a huge leap from just t-shirts! And a display at the surf shop? That's prime real estate. How’d you manage that?"

Lisa sipped her coffee. "Let's just say it helps to have friends in the right places.”

Emma was thrilled to see Lisa thriving, especially after all she had been through years ago with her ex-husband. “That’s fantastic news! You should’ve told me earlier. I’ll definitely check it out. It seems like your business is taking off.”

“Yeah, it is! Of course, I know it’s mainly because of the tourist season, but I hope I can keep the momentum going even after summer ends.”

Emma nodded thoughtfully. “You've always had that entrepreneurial spirit, Lisa. It's amazing to see it in full swing. Just remember, you can hook me up with that ‘best friend’ discount whenever I come shopping!” she added with a wink.

The two shared a laugh and stood, clearing the breakfast table and rinsing the dishes. Afterward, they took Riley out for a leisurely stroll on the soft, sandy beach—reminiscing about old times, and catching up on each other’s lives with the sun’s warmth on their faces.

They eventually circled back to Emma's cottage and hugged goodbye before Lisa went home. As she watched Lisa’s car grow smaller in the distance, she thought about what she had said earlier.

Was everyone in town really saying they were together?

She sighed deeply, a mixture of exasperation and amusement. The peaceful sound of birds chirping in the background and the sight of Riley tracking a squirrel from behind the window made her momentarily forget the town's whispers.

After stepping back inside, she took a quick shower and dried off, then rummaged through her closet, opting for a simple t-shirt and shorts combo. Emma had eagerly anticipated this day all week, and now it had arrived.

It was Saturday.

Saturdays were reserved for volunteering at Second Chance Rescue with her grandfather, who shared the same passion for supporting animals in need. It had become a weekend ritual for them since she had adopted Riley from there. For Emma, it was her way of giving back to a place that had changed her life and an opportunity to spend time with her ageing grandfather.

Before leaving to pick him up, she tended to Riley, filling his water and food bowls, making sure he had everything he needed. She took one last look around the house, triple-checking that the back door was properly secured. Once everything was in order, she grabbed her keys and headed out.

When Emma pulled into her grandfather’s driveway, she spotted him waiting on the porch, comfortably settled in his rocking chair. As she parked, Liam stood up and made his way to the car.

“Good morning, Em.” Liam leaned over and planted a gentle kiss on her cheek after getting into the passenger seat. “You’re looking lovely today.”

“Grandpa, you say that every time,” she said, flipping her hair dramatically with a hand.

“Well, it’s true every time,” Liam chuckled, giving her arm a playful pinch as she started the car and headed toward town.

“So, how was your week?” Emma asked.

“Pretty good. Although I did hear a few tidbits about you.”

She groaned, bracing herself for whatever teasing he had in store for her. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Grandpa.”

“Whatever you say, my dear.” Liam flashed a grin and steered the conversation in a new direction. “Want to grab some ice cream later after we’re finished?”

“Sure, that sounds great.”

Liam nodded. “But nothing will ever top that ice cream you made with Grandma. That was the best I’ve ever had. It was her recipe.”

Emma's gaze softened as she glanced over at him, then back to the road. Growing up without her father, Liam had been her rock, and over the years, he had taught her life lessons that she carried into adulthood. He'd shown her the intricacies of maintaining a home, the compassion to care for animals, and the strength to stand up for herself. She was grateful for him beyond words.

“So, Grandpa, how do you even have time to keep up with all this gossip?”

“Oh, I make time. Especially for something involvingyou,” he said with a wink.

Emma shook her head as she turned onto Main Street. “Well, whatever you think you’ve heard, you probably got it all wrong. You should get your hearing checked soon.”

Liam chuckled. “My ears are as sharp as a hawk’s. Now, how about you tell me about this newcomer in our town? I hear he’s quite the sought-after gentleman.”

“He’s no one, Grandpa. I only met Luke because he was the one who found Riley. And then we had lunch together as friends. It was nothing, really.”

“Ah, I see,” Liam mused.

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