Chapter 1 Missy #2
He scoffs. “Perhaps if you bought quality shoes, you wouldn’t describe them as torture devices.”
I chuckle and realize how close we’re standing.
His eyes are warm in the glowing light from my dressing room, his hair curling perfectly against his forehead.
He looks like a prince who stepped out of a storybook.
But somehow I’ve never wanted to ride into the sunset with him.
Maybe it’s like the shoes. I’m not used to having the income to purchase expensive clothing, yet.
Instead, I’ve tucked away most of my salary this year.
But maybe in a few years I’ll get there.
Maybe the idea of Jules as more than just a musical partner will warm to me in the same way.
I set my cello down and wrap my arms around him. He sighs into the back of my neck and pulls me tight.
“I really will miss you, Jules.”
When we pull back, he reaches up and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.
I freeze and can’t decide if I want to jerk away or lean closer.
Before I can choose, Jules gives a careless shrug and walks down the hall.
“Keep your phone somewhere with internet connectivity if you’ve ever cared about me. ”
“I will.”
Then he’s gone, and I step into the dressing room and shut the door.
The bulbs on the vanity cast soft, golden rings of light over everything.
I drag myself across the carpeted floors and drop onto the stool.
On the table sits a stack of pictures—large prints of Jules and me on stage, smiling at each other like we’re the sun and moon, holding each other in perfect orbit.
There’s at least forty of them, and they all need signatures. I groan but my phone that sits propped against the mirror buzzes. Alex’s name pops up alongside an emoji of a croissant and a pencil.
I let it ring for a minute. Take a deep, grounding breath.
Because if there’s anything I won’t do, it's show my misery to my sister. She sacrificed too much to get me where I’m at.
She’s always downplayed it, but I know she gave up most of her twenties getting me through college debt-free.
Now I’m making six figures following the dream she sacrificed to make happen.
I refuse to express anything but deep gratitude and to be anything other than Alex’s playful, happy younger sister.
With a swipe, the screen comes to life and Alex and Ethan’s smiles fill the frame. Their faces distort and freeze for a second before coming back to life again. Magnolia Cove really does have terrible cell service.
“Hi, sis! How did the last performance go?”
“Standing ovation. Jules was brilliant, as always.”
Ethan gives one of his massive grins. “If I know anything, my sister-in-law shined as well.”
“I agree.” Alex is practically beaming, her fingers tucked under chin. Her engagement ring glimmers even over the pixelated video footage. “We should have flown to see this one!”
“What? Are you kidding?” I laugh, forcing the expression even though it feels like the most contrived one I’ve worn all week. “You already saw the show in Paris and Milan.”
“And both were brilliant.” Ethan sighs wistfully and looks at my sister. “Not to mention the boulangeries and patisseries we got to visit.”
“Perfection.” She nudges him. “I still think your pain au chocolat outshines any we’ve had along the Seine, though.”
The way Alex looks at Ethan—like he’s her entire world wrapped in flour and sugar—makes my chest ache with happiness for her. After everything she gave up for me, she deserves this kind of love. This kind of contentment.
“Actually…” I twist a loose strand of hair around my finger. “I was thinking about taking my sabbatical in Magnolia Cove. Maybe help with the wedding planning some?”
The video image freezes at that moment, capturing Alex and Ethan’s parting lips and raised eyebrows. They don’t want me to come. Of course, they probably want to spend this time alone and I’d just burden them.
“Or not. I could always go back to New York and—”
“Of course we’d love for you to come, Missy.” The video unfreezes and Alex and Ethan exchange a meaningful look before my sister turns back toward me. “Magnolia Cove is just kind of weird about long-term visitors.”
“I can rent a place. I have the money.”
Alex laughs. “I’d hope you’d stay with us, of course. You just kind of need permission to stay longer than a month.”
“Permission?” They exchange another look. I chew my lip. “Alex, blink twice if you’re in a cult and need rescuing.”
“No cult. Nothing that exciting, I’m afraid.
” Alex swipes golden bangs back from her forehead.
“It’s just… the town council is really strict about residency permits.
Something about preserving the island’s character and limited housing.
But don’t worry—Ethan knows someone on the council.
We can probably fast track your application. I’ll email it to you.”
Ethan frowns at my sister. “I know someone on the council?”
She raises her eyebrows. “Yes.”
A sigh escapes my brother-in-law, and he scrubs a hand over his face before nodding. “Don’t worry about it, Missy. We’ll get it taken care of.” His expression softens as he smiles at Alex again. “I know your sister will love having you visit for a while longer.”
His tone puts me at ease. Okay, they’re happy to see me. And I’ll make sure I’m not a burden, starting with filling out this application to perfection so they don’t have to correct anything.
“Sounds great. I’ll see you guys next week, then?”
“See you then!” The video freezes again, their faces paused in bright, happy expressions.
All right, Magnolia Cove. Here I come.