Chapter 9
CHAPTER 9
L ucy wiped the countertops in her kitchen and then stopped when her phone rang. She glanced over, expecting another spam call or a text from Rachel about Everly’s antics, or from Hannah about her latest drama. Instead, the name Evelyn Stanhope flashed on the screen.
She hadn’t thought about Evelyn Stanhope in a while, but hearing her warm, familiar voice on the other end of the phone brought a wave of nostalgia. Evelyn wasn’t just anyone—she was Ethan’s grandmother, a woman who had taken Lucy under her wing during the time she and Ethan had dated. Evelyn had been like family, offering Lucy wisdom over tea and telling colorful stories about her life growing up in Boston. Even after Lucy and Ethan parted ways, Evelyn had remained a comforting presence in her life.
Ethan, Evelyn’s grandson, had swept Lucy off her feet almost two years ago. A talented chef with an infectious passion for food, Ethan was everything Lucy hadn’t realized she was looking for. For a year, they’d been inseparable, sharing long nights in the kitchen experimenting with recipes and stealing quiet moments by the shore. They enjoyed time out on his sailboat, and he teased her when she panicked that the boat would capsize and they’d die in the Atlantic.
But their relationship hadn’t been built to withstand the weight of Ethan’s ambition. When he’d announced plans to open two new restaurants—one in Paris, the other in Milan—Lucy had known what it meant. Long distance wasn’t an option for either of them so she’d let him go, hoping it was the right thing to do.
He didn’t fight her, instead giving in almost too quickly. It was then that she decided she’d made the right decision about Ethan Stanhope.
Still, Evelyn had stayed in touch, refusing to let their connection fade. Lucy had always appreciated that about her—how fiercely Evelyn loved and how determined she was to keep her family close. That’s why, when Evelyn called asking if Lucy could come visit, she’d agreed without hesitation.
Now, as Lucy parked her car outside Ocean’s Edge, the assisted living community Evelyn had moved to several years ago, she felt a pang of guilt for not visiting sooner. Life had gotten in the way—work, family, and her own lingering heartache. But seeing Evelyn again felt like coming home, a reminder of a simpler time when love had finally found Lucy and she was ready for it.
Inside, the building was warm and inviting, with soft lighting and cheerful décor. Lucy signed in at the front desk before heading to Evelyn’s apartment. When the door opened, Evelyn’s radiant smile made Lucy’s heart squeeze.
“Lucy, my dear!” Evelyn exclaimed, reaching out to pull her into a warm hug. “It’s so good to see you.”
“You too, Evelyn,” Lucy said, hugging her tightly. “I’ve missed you. How have you been?”
“Oh, you know how it goes, a little ache here and there. I’m just grateful to still be here. I’m so glad you’re here,” Evelyn said, leading Lucy into the cozy living room. The space was filled with Evelyn’s signature touches—floral curtains, family photos on every surface, and a faint hint of Chanel No. 5 in the air.
“Sit down, sit down. I’ve made us some tea.”
Lucy settled into a plush armchair as Evelyn bustled around the small kitchen, carrying over a tray with delicate china cups and a plate of shortbread cookies.
“So,” Evelyn began, pouring the tea with practiced elegance. “How have you been, Lucy? Still writing, I assume? What’s new in your life?”
Lucy hesitated, stirring her tea thoughtfully. “Same old, same old. Work’s been busy, but good. I’m working around the clock on my latest book. I’ve got to get it to my editor at the end of the month. I’ve been spending a lot of time with my sisters lately. You know how we get when life gets chaotic—we lean on each other.”
Evelyn smiled knowingly. “Ah, the Adams sisters, also known as the Sea Glass Girls, isn’t that right? Always thick as thieves. And what about your personal life? Anyone special?”
Lucy’s cheeks warmed, and she shook her head. “No one worth mentioning. Things have been…quiet on that front.”
Evelyn’s eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. “I see. Well, you’ve always been one to take your time. No need to rush into anything.”
Lucy laughed softly. “You make it sound like I’m a late bloomer.”
“Not at all,” Evelyn said, patting her hand. “You have a good head on your shoulders, Lucy. You’ll know when the time is right.”
They sipped their tea in comfortable silence for a moment before Evelyn set her cup down and reached for a small stack of letters on the side table.
“Actually, speaking of personal matters, I have something I’d like to share with you.”
Lucy raised an eyebrow as Evelyn pulled an envelope from the pile and handed it to her. The handwriting on the front was unmistakable—Ethan’s bold, slanted script.
“Ethan wrote to me last week,” Evelyn said gently. “He finally gave up trying to get me to use a computer, so he sends me letters often. He always keeps in touch, talking about his life in Paris and now Italy, but this letter was…different. I think you’ll want to read it.”
Evelyn handed Lucy the envelope. Lucy’s heart raced as she unfolded the letter, her eyes scanning the familiar handwriting. It began with a warm inquiry about Evelyn’s health and updates on his new restaurant in Milan—a project Lucy had heard about before their breakup. But as she read further, the words shifted, taking on a more personal tone.
Dear Grandma,
I hope this letter finds you well and thriving in your game nights. I miss hearing about how you always manage to charm your opponents into letting you win! Tell me more about that, it always makes me laugh.
Things in Milan have been both exciting and exhausting. The restaurant opened last month, and we’ve been busier than I ever imagined. It’s a dream come true, really. But you know me—always restless, always wondering what comes next.
Speaking of wondering…I’ve been thinking about Lucy. A lot. I know I should probably let it go, but it’s easier said than done. What do you think Grandma, did I blow it? Was leaving her behind the worst mistake I’ve ever made?
You always have a way of putting things into perspective. So tell me—should I reach out to her? Has she asked about me? Is she happy?
I don’t even know if I’d have the right words if I tried to talk to her. But I miss her. I miss us. And I can’t shake the feeling that I might have left something behind that I’ll never find again. In case you were wondering, no, I haven’t dated anyone since Lucy.
Anyway, enough of my rambling. Tell me how you’re doing—every detail, please. And let me know when I can visit. I’d love to bring you a taste of Milan. Maybe a bottle of wine, too? Better yet, how about you come to Italy? I’d love to show you around. You can stay with me, Heaven knows I’ve got plenty of room. That’s what happens when you sell everything and buy a villa. The property is far too large for just one guy. I don’t know what I was thinking.
Write back soon,
All my love,
Ethan
Lucy sighed as she read the words, a mix of emotions flooding her—hope, confusion, and a lingering ache she hadn’t been able to shake since Ethan left. She set the letter down carefully, her fingers trembling.
“What do you think, Lucy?” Evelyn asked softly, her gaze steady and kind.
Lucy shook her head, struggling to find the right words. “I don’t know. It’s…a lot to take in.”
Evelyn nodded, reaching for her hand. “I can see it’s stirred up some feelings for you. But I want you to know, my dear, that you’re not obligated to do anything you’re not ready for. Ethan may have regrets, but this is your life, and you get to decide what’s best for you.”
Lucy swallowed hard, her throat tight. “Thank you, Evelyn.” She smiled and looked at Evelyn. “That means a lot considering you must have an opinion of your own.”
Evelyn smiled, her eyes glistening. “Is that a question?”
Lucy didn’t really need to hear Evelyn’s answer. She knew how the woman felt about her and Ethan.
“Lucy, honey, you’ve always been like a granddaughter to me. From the first time we met, you felt like family. All I want is for you to be happy. If that means you and Ethan end up together, it will be because you both want it more than anything else. If it’s someone else, I’ll be happy for that too. But, don’t let a little geography keep the two of you from a future together, but only if it’s right.”
Lucy sighed. “I’m not sure how I feel about this. He bought a villa? That doesn’t sound like someone who’s planning on coming back to Cape Cod.”
Evelyn’s face showed a sadness that wasn’t there only a minute ago. Lucy knew the reason. Ethan wasn’t making things easy for his grandmother. Try as she may, there was no way she could convince Lucy of anything having to do with Ethan. At least not today.
They enjoyed their tea and talked about life at Ocean’s Edge and Lucy brought Evelyn up to date on Rachel and Hannah’s lives. There were moments of awkwardness that Lucy attributed to Evelyn’s sadness about Ethan and her, but there was nothing to be done about it. Lucy’s mind raced with questions, but she knew one thing for certain—seeing Ethan again wasn’t off the table. It was a possibility she hadn’t dared to consider before, but now, it lingered at the edge of her thoughts, waiting for her to decide.
When it was time to go, she hugged Evelyn and promised to return soon. As she made her way back to her car, Lucy couldn’t help but replay Ethan’s words in her mind. Do you think I made the right choice? Leaving her?
The answer wasn’t simple, but as Lucy drove home, she knew she owed it to herself to find out.