Page 91 of The Summer We Mended
Back at the table, she opened her Google Drive and pulled up the business file she had been updating, an ever-growing document filled with her service descriptions, pricing tiers, templates for proposals, branding guides, and case studies from successful campaigns.She made a small adjustment to the FAQ section, adding a new bullet:
Q: Your rates are high—why?
A: I price according to the time, strategy, and expertise required.I don’t offer cookie-cutter solutions.I build campaigns based on your unique needs and goals.It’s an investment in visibility, brand awareness, and community connection.
She stared at it for a minute, then nodded and saved.
Jess knew she couldn’t afford to take every job that came her way, but she also knew that what she had to offer was good.Better than good.She had helped fill a harbor with people for the solstice.She had turned tradition into buzz, a local party into a destination-worthy event.And eventually, people would see that what she brought to the table was worth it.
Even if it took time and meant she stayed in her old twin bed for a while longer.She was working to build a legacy, again for her and Maisie.She wouldn’t make the same mistakes she’d made with her first business.
Clark hadn’t even asked about Maisie.He hadn’t asked to speak to her or even how she was.
The thought hit Jess quickly, and she shook her head.Just another reason as to why she was right in telling him no and standing up to him.The divorce had been finalized for months, and he hadn’t followed through with any of his visitation or even talked to her on the phone since then.
She closed her laptop and headed inside the house, where Maisie was already dancing around with Claudia in the kitchen, telling her how many likes their “lantern behind-the-scenes” reel had gotten on Jess’s page.
“Your mother is going to be famous by the end of summer,” Claudia said with a grin.
Jess ruffled her daughter’s curls, kissed her forehead, and smiled, knowing that even if everything wasn’t perfect, she was finally on the right path.
And she wasn’t going to lower her worth to be more palatable.
Not anymore.
ChapterThirty-Five
Anna
On Saturday morning, Anna had taken a walk while her mom and the kids were at the studio.They were prepping for the class that her mother was hosting in a few hours.As she approached the house, the familiar creak of the wooden steps beneath her feet brought a sense of comfort.She heard Max barking excitedly, so she poked her head around the corner to where June and Max were engrossed in a game of chase.June’s laughter rang out.For a minute, Anna thought maybe her mom and the kids were back from the studio.
She smiled at the sight of June enjoying herself and started back up the steps.Tom was nearby, trimming the overgrown bushes that lined the fence.He looked up, wiping sweat from his brow, and offered a wave.
“Hey, Anna,” he called out, setting his shears aside and walking over.“Any news about Luke?”
Anna shook her head, wrapping her arms around herself.“No, nothing yet.”
Tom’s eyes softened with empathy.“I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before he’s back.”
She managed a small smile.“Thanks for saying that.”
A sudden bark from Max and a burst of giggles from June drew their attention.Tom watched them for a moment, a shadow of concern passing over his face, an expression Anna recognized all too well.
“How’s June settling in?”she asked gently.
Tom sighed, his gaze still on his daughter.“She’s doing well, considering.Seems to be getting more comfortable here each day.”
“I’m glad.The Vineyard has a way of easing someone’s heart when necessary.”
“Yeah, I guess it does.”
“I don’t want to pry, but I did notice that you seemed surprised she was here when she showed up.Are you two close?”
He turned to Anna, his expression contemplative.“We used to be.I was a great girl dad, until she became a teenager, and the sound of my voice made her scream and roll her eyes.”
“Ah, teenage hormones,” Anna laughed.“When you don’t know how to handle anything.”
“It didn’t help that I didn’t really know how to be a father when I lost Blair, either.She was the bridge between us.Things were rough.I’d call June, even tried texting her, but she doesn’t really respond.When we do talk on the phone, there’s a lot of silence.I’m glad June’s here, but every day feels like I’m navigating a minefield, unsure of what to say or do.”
