Page 7 of A Whisper in the Bay

Alissa knocked and waited, hoping she wasn’t disturbing anyone. But the door opened moments later, revealing a smiling woman in an outfit so stylish that she looked like she’d walked off a magazine cover.

“Good morning!” the woman said, pushing her oversized, yet stylish glasses up on her nose. “Are you checking in today?”

“Good morning! Yes, that’s me. Sorry for coming early if check-in isn’t until noon.”

The woman waved her hand and chuckled. “No worries at all. We’re much more relaxed than big hotels. You’re welcome to come right in and enjoy the atmosphere for as long as you’d like. I’m Monica Watson, the owner.”

“Nice to meet you.”

Monica stepped back and held the door open for Alissa. The comforting scent of books hit Alissa first and she took a deep inhale through her nose. It was bright and airy, with plenty of plush, comfortable seating and side tables for cups of coffee or tea to enjoy while reading. To their right was a picturesque winding staircase, a chandelier with what appeared to be intricately folded paper dangling in its center.

“Let me show you up to your room, then I can give you an official tour,” Monica said.

Monica led Alissa upstairs. The second floor was lined with several doors, each one with a number and a small portrait of an author underneath. They stopped at the door at the end of the hall, which had a stellar view of the ocean beyond the trees.

“Here we are!” Monica unlocked the door and pushed it open. “This is the Jane Austen room.”

Alissa couldn’t stop her smile from growing. It was perfect. Since it was a corner room, there were two walls with windows, letting in plenty of natural light. There was even a bench along the sea-side window so she could curl up there and read or watch the sunset.

“It’s gorgeous. I love it,” Alissa said, tucking her rolling suitcase next to the desk.

“I’m sure you’ll love the rest of the house too.”

Monica led them out of the room, her honey blonde ponytail swinging. They went downstairs, then to the other side of the house. Monica showed off the backyard, which had a few picnic tables for warmer months, a gathering room, the kitchen where all the meals were served, and more.

“Do people live in this room?” Alissa asked as she gaped at the final room, the library. “Because I might.”

It was a library out of a dream—big, floor-to-ceiling bookcases with a rolling ladder to reach the higher shelves, a big fireplace in front of several arm chairs, and a bar with a coffee machine, kettle, and mugs on the opposite side.

“It’s our most popular room,” Monica said. “And my personal favorite, but don’t tell that to the library in town. I’m the librarian there.”

“Your secret is safe with me.” Alissa laughed. “I’ll have to visit the library in town, though.”

“It’s worth a visit! I’d be happy to show you around there too.” Monica straightened up a bust of one of the Bronte sisters that was sitting on a lower shelf. “It’s a great library, but I wanted this to feel like a home too.”

Monica’s smile was warm and infectious.

“You’ve done a great job with the place.” Alissa gazed up at the bookshelf again. “It’s a book lover’s dream. How long have you owned it?”

“Just a few months,” Monica said. “I wish I had done it sooner, though. I was waiting around for something to happen, but one day I just went for it. Everything in my life changed, and I haven’t looked back.”

“Wow.” Alissa found Monica’s words comforting. She hoped she’d find her direction on this trip.

“Are you here to get away from the city for a while?” Monica asked.

“Pretty much. I just needed a break to figure things out since I got let go from my job and this seemed like the perfect spot. I’m a writer and love books.” Alissa shrugged. “I need a change of scenery.”

“Ah, I understand.” Monica suddenly perked up. “You know what? This guy from New York City just started up a publication over in Blueberry Bay. It’s not far from here.”

“I was just there this morning.” Alissa smiled. “It was lovely.”

“Isn’t it? You should talk to him about open positions on his writing staff. I think it’s calledThe Outlet.”

“Oh, I don’t know. I’m just visiting to sort myself out and figure out what’s next.” Alissa let out a nervous laugh.

“Of course.” Monica nodded in understanding, right as the phone rang. “Oh, excuse me. I should get that. Just let me know if you need anything else to settle in!”

“Thanks!”

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