Chapter 29
Morning sunlight spills through my kitchen window, casting a warm glow over the breakfast nook where I’m sipping my second cup of coffee. The peaceful moment shatters as my phone buzzes violently against the wooden table, jolting me back to reality. I glance at the screen, recognizing the number of my realtor, and my stomach knots with anticipation.
“Hello?” I answer, trying to keep my voice even.
“Hello, Gracie, it’s Ellen,” the realtor’s cheerful voice comes through, sounding even more upbeat than usual. “I have some fantastic news about the bookstore!”
I grip the phone tighter, anticipation coiling in my stomach as I start pacing. “Oh? What’s the news?”
“Well, we received an offer on the shop,” Ellen begins, and I can almost hear the smile in her voice. “And not just any offer. The buyer wants to pay twenty percent above the asking price!”
I nearly trip over my own feet, catching myself on the back of the sofa. “Wait, twenty percent more?” I echo, my voice pitching high in disbelief.
“Yes, exactly,” Ellen confirms. “They seem very keen to close the deal quickly. They love the location and the charm of the place. They even mentioned keeping the bookstore’s original charm intact.”
A burst of joy explodes within me, so potent it nearly drowns out Ellen’s next words. “That’s... that’s amazing, Ellen! Yes, let’s go ahead with that offer. Definitely!”
“Fantastic! I’ll get the paperwork started and we can move towards closing. Congratulations, Gracie!”
“Thank you so much!” I hang up, a squeal escaping me, bouncing around my empty living room. The bookstore selling for more than I hoped feels like a sign, a definitive nod from the universe that I’m moving in the right direction.
Without wasting a second, I dial Connor’s number, needing to share this burst of good fortune. He picks up on the second ring.
“Hey, Tink, what’s up?”
“Connor, you’re not going to believe this. The shop sold! And for more than we asked!”
“No fucking way, are you kidding me?” His voice is filled with genuine happiness for me. “That’s amazing, Gracie!”
“I know! I’m over the moon. So, you know what this means, right?” I tease, already plotting how to celebrate.
“What’s that?”
“Lake BBQ this weekend. You, me, Sophie, and Ty. We have to celebrate, and I’m not taking no for an answer!”
Connor laughs, the sound rich and full. “You don’t have to twist my arm. I’m there. What about Soph? Did you manage to convince her yet?”
I sigh at this. For the past three weeks, Sophie has been avoiding catching up with everyone and making excuses not to come to a BBQ by Connor’s lake. I know it has something to do with Ty, but since she’s avoiding me and my calls, I can’t corner her.
“Not yet, but I’m about to call her. She’s not getting out of this one,” I reply, my determination flaring.
“Good luck,” he chuckles. “You’ll need it.”
With a fond roll of my eyes, I end the call with Connor and immediately dial Sophie. I need her by my side and want her to know that she has me as well.
“Sophie, guess what?” I burst out as soon as she answers, not giving her a chance to fend me off with excuses.
“Gracie? What’s the excitement?” Sophie’s voice is wary, but amused.
“I sold the bookstore. And not just sold, sold it for more than the asking price!”
Sophie gasps, her usual cool demeanor cracking with surprise. “Oh my God, Gracie! That’s incredible!”
“It is! So, you’re coming to the lake BBQ this weekend. No excuses. We’re celebrating.”
There’s a pause, and I know she must be thinking about a thousand excuses right now…but then she sighs, the sound mixed with laughter. “Okay, okay, you’ve twisted my arm. How can I say no to that? I’ll be there.”
“Perfect! Bring your famous potato salad. You know, the one everyone loves.”
“You got it, boss. And Gracie?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m really happy for you. You deserve this.”
Warmth floods through me, and I find myself smiling. “Thanks, Soph. It’s going to be great. Can’t wait to see you there.”
We hang up, and I’m left feeling a buzz of excitement. The weekend plans are set, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I’m not worried about the future. I’m just excited to live it.
As the day winds down, I step out onto my small balcony, looking out over the neighborhood with a contented sigh. Everything seems more vibrant today—the sky a deeper shade of blue, the trees swaying gently in the breeze like they’re dancing. I lean on the railing, thinking about the BBQ, about seeing my friends, about all the possibilities now open to me.
The bookstore chapter of my life has closed, but the next one is just beginning. And if today is any indication, it’s going to be a beautiful journey.