Epilogue
The night of the special election, Addy stayed up late with Sheila and the girls. The mood was jovial and full of bickering. Mackenzie was the most tense, though Addy could tell Sheila was on edge, too.
The results for Initiative Measure 81823 trickled in through the night. 87% of Washingtonians voted NO , and the news called it just before midnight.
Eliza and Mackenzie jumped, hugging and screaming. Addy caught Sheila’s eye. She let out a breath, the color returning to her face.
The next morning, Addy slept in and woke to an email from her old boss at the university. Though she’d been laid off, he’d been hopeful he could advocate for a different position for her.
“It doesn’t seem like it’s in the cards this year,” he said. “I am so sorry, Adelaide. Losing you is devastating to our community.”
He was never an expressive man in person, and his words made her blush. She put her phone away until after breakfast, when one of Patty’s omelets steadied her stomach enough to face it again.
He’d ended the email with a final offer. “A friend of mine was looking for a professional Italian translator for some short stories. I recommended you without hesitation. I expect he’ll be reaching out shortly.”
Addy read the line again and again, a smile spreading across her face. She’d always wanted to do more translation work, but there had never been time among her other responsibilities. Could she really be so lucky?
She made the short walk to the tea shop, the ocean sparkling in the morning sun. The air was getting cooler, and she paused to savor the crispness in the air.
When she pushed open the door to the tea shop, Mackenzie’s voice boomed. She was on the phone, yelling at someone.
Addy slipped into a seat across from Sheila. “She’s back on her warpath, eh?”
“Seems so.” Sheila smiled. “I’m so proud of her.”
“I am too.”
Sheila pushed a plate of chocolate chip cookies across the table. “I have to go back to Belgium this week. Come with me. We’ll have so much fun.”
Addy picked up a cookie and took a bite. “I thought about it, but I’ve got another plan.”
“Oh?” Sheila raised her eyebrows. “What’s that?”
“I’m going to stay here for a bit. Spend time with the girls. And Patty.”
A smile lit her face. “I was hoping you might say that.”
“I might have some work coming in for translations and…” Addy sighed. “You were right. There is a magic in this place.”
“The nerve of these people!” Mackenzie said, slamming her phone down.
Sheila and Addy turned to her.
“Sorry,” Mackenzie muttered. “I’m going to have to go to the mainland. Mrs. Smitt is trying to slow down Lottie’s release. Not this time, Smitt!”
Sheila broke first, erupting into laughter. Addy wasn’t far behind.
“I have to talk to Liam,” Mackenzie said, ignoring them as she breezed out the door.
“Adelaide, you’ll have to keep an eye on Mackenzie for me,” Sheila said.”
Addy grinned. “No problem.”
Eliza emerged from the kitchen, a pot of tea on her hands. Addy sat back. Maybe she’d get to spend some time with Patty today. They could take a trip to the farmer’s market. Or, maybe, she’d go into town and visit the shops on her own.
She wasn’t afraid of being alone anymore.
“Look smart, ladies!” Patty said, busting through the front door.
Her boyfriend Reggie followed behind, a basket of flowers in his arms.
“We’re making bouquets for the senior living home. Clear a spot. Come on now,” Patty barked, pushing her way in.
Not that there was such a thing as alone in this place.
Addy stood, a smile on her face. She leaned in and breathed in the fresh flowers. What a magnificent day.