Chapter 3
CHAPTER 3
T hat evening, Evie stood at the edge of the shore, her feet sinking into the cool sand as the sun began to set, painting the sky in vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples. The gentle lapping of waves against the shoreline created a soothing rhythm over her feet. Breathing deeply, she savored the salty sea air even as she wrapped her arms around herself against the evening breeze.
She gazed out at the horizon, and memories of long walks on this very beach with Nana flooded her mind—collecting seashells, building sandcastles, and watching the sunset together. A bittersweet smile played on her lips as she recalled how Nana would always say, “The sky’s putting on a show just for us, Evie-girl.”
The ache of loss mingled with the warmth of happy memories, leaving her feeling both comforted and melancholy. She wondered what Nana would say if she could see her now, standing on their favorite stretch of beach, trying to find her way forward without Nana’s guidance.
As she stood there, lost in her thoughts, she looked down the beach and saw a lone figure approaching in the dimming light.
As the person drew closer, she recognized Randy from their encounter at the market earlier that day. His tall frame and easy gait were unmistakable, even in the fading light. She felt a blend of surprise and curiosity at seeing him again so soon, wondering what he was doing on this stretch of beach.
“Evening, Eve,” Randy called out as he came within earshot, his voice carrying on the sea breeze. “Fancy meeting you out here. It’s a beautiful night out, isn’t it?”
“Randy, hi.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “It is a beautiful night. I was just out watching the sunset.”
“Looks like the sky’s putting on a show just for us.” He motioned toward the sunset.
Her eyes widened in surprise, and a gasp escaped her lips. “Oh, my Nana used to say that very thing to me.”
He looked at her closely, his brow creasing. “Are you Miss Genevieve’s granddaughter? Evie?”
“I am.” She turned and motioned to the cottage. “I’m here trying to sort out her things.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry for your loss.” His voice softened with genuine sympathy. “Miss G was a wonderful person.”
“You knew her?”
“I did. I’m her neighbor.” He pointed to the cottage next to Nana’s. “I moved to the cottage about ten years ago, although I’ve lived on the island my whole life. Your grandmother and I had some great times together. She’d always bring plates of cookies she made or ask me over for dinner. We lost a great woman.”
“We did.”
“I’m surprised I haven’t met you before. But your grandmother spoke of you often. I should have realized it was you when you told me your name was Eve, although Miss G always called you Evie.”
“I… I haven’t been here in a very long time. Life got… crazy.” Like her longtime boyfriend who hated for her to leave town and a demanding job. Neither of which she had anymore. Luckily, she’d responsibly saved her earnings and had a bit of money inherited from Nana, hopefully enough to tide her over until she got her feet back under her.
“You going to keep the cottage? Miss G said that she was leaving it to you.”
She looked at him for a long moment and shrugged. “I don’t know. I mean, I still have my place in the city. It seems a bit silly to keep both places.”
“It would be hard to give up that cottage. Your grandmother made it such a welcoming place, and it has a great view.”
“I know. And it holds so many memories. But… it’s not the same without Nana here with me.” A pang of loss filtered through her.
His eyes filled with understanding. “I’m sure it’s not.” He reached out and lightly touched her arm. “If you need any help with anything, please just ask. I’m sure it’s an overwhelming job to sort through her things.”
“I have to admit, I haven’t even started. Avoiding it, I guess. Just wanted to get settled in first.” She squared her shoulders. “But I’m going to start into it tomorrow. And I should probably head in. It’s getting dark.”
He walked her to the steps to her deck. “Good night, then. And my offer stands. I can help if you need me.” He paused. “Or… if you just need someone to talk to.”
“Thank you. Good night.” She climbed the stairs and stood on the deck, taking one last look at the water stretching before her. A slice of moonlight illuminated the waves. She glanced over toward Randy’s cottage, where warm light spilled out from his windows. It was nice to know someone here on the island. It made her feel not quite so alone.
Randy stood in his kitchen drinking a large glass of ice water, looking out the window toward Miss G’s cottage. Well, he guessed it was Evie’s cottage now if she decided to keep it.
The look in Evie’s eyes when she talked about her grandmother… so much pain. But then, he remembered that pain from when his own grandmother passed away. A hole in his heart that he thought he’d never get over. The pain lessened over the years but never fully went away.
To be honest, he felt Miss G’s passing almost as much as he had his own grandmother’s. He’d moved into the cottage next to hers after a nasty divorce where his wife had just up and left him but wanted everything in the divorce settlement.
He’d known Miss G from living here on the island, of course. Everyone knew everybody. But he’d gotten close to her after moving next door. She’d found him one day sitting on the beach right after he moved in, wallowing in the shock and pain of his divorce and the sense of betrayal. Miss G had sat silently beside him for a bit, then reached out and took his hand. “It’s hard to lose someone, no matter the circumstances. It upends your life with changes. But you’re going to be okay. I promise. It does get easier.”
And that had started their friendship. He fixed things at her cottage for her and she brought food over to him often, claiming she’d made too much for just herself. They often sat and watched the sunsets together. And he couldn’t even count how many glasses of sweet tea he’d had sitting over on her porch.
Fate had thrown them together, and an unexpected and much-appreciated friendship had grown between them. He cherished the memories of their time together and felt a loss with her gone, no longer able to just pop in and see her.
Evie must be feeling that loss just as acutely. And he’d had two chance meetings with Evie today. First at the market and then on the beach tonight. What were the chances? He wouldn’t put it past Miss G if she were orchestrating this from beyond. Making sure someone was there checking on her granddaughter, knowing he would understand what she was going through.
He’d do just that for Miss G. Check on Evie. Reiterate his offer to help her go through her grandmother’s things. It’s the least he could do after all that Miss G had done for him.