Chapter 17
Nora
Finally.
After a hefty deposit, a very meticulous postal worker, and an hour later, I finally have the utilities turned back on.
Well, not technically. The various utilities will be sending people out to turn them on, but it’s in the works.
Within twenty-four to forty-eight hours, it’s likely I’ll have AC again.
Since it’s already a thousand degrees outside and not even nine in the morning, I’m grateful that Elias let me borrow his truck to take care of business. His dad dropped by to take some measurements, so it was the perfect opportunity to slip away for a couple of hours.
I’m about to climb back into his truck when I get a whiff of what smells distinctly like cinnamon rolls.
I’ve already had a hearty breakfast thanks to Elias, but after all the adulting I just did, I think I deserve a sweet treat.
With a smile on my lips, I hurry across Wing Whirr Way over to Baked & Brewed.
A couple is leaving as I approach and the man holds the door open for me.
What is it about Budgie Bay and the men holding open doors?
My own boyfriend doesn’t do that. He’s a New Yorker, so that’s likely the reason, but still. It’s kind of nice.
Once inside, the scent of delicious desserts and strong coffee meets my nose. I grin as I take in the adorable coffee shop. It has all the bustle and chaos like my favorite place back home but looks more like a charming cottage rather than a bland prison.
It kind of reminds me of the inn next door.
Cheery yellow floral wallpaper lines the walls.
Hand-painted budgie scenes in Victorian gold frames are scattered about.
Cute, mismatched sconces and light fixtures give the place a homey, warm feel.
There are plenty of regular tables but there are also cozy areas as well.
Each piece of furniture is unique and clearly chosen at random.
Somehow, though, it adds to the cottagecore vibes this place has going on.
I love it.
My shop in the city has gray walls, gray floors, gray tables, and an odd blue paint-splattered canvas over one wall. That’s it. No plants, no color, no fun.
Because I have to share this place with someone, I take a selfie, making sure to get as much in the picture as possible, and send it to Kayla. Her response is immediate.
Kayla: Tell me why I have a stupid deadline when I could be living my best life with my best friend in the best little Hallmark town ever.
Me: It’s pretty amazing. No lie. Get your butt here when you’re done and we’ll celebrate.
Kayla: Does this mean you’ll be there for a bit?
Me: I’m giving myself a month to button everything up. My enemy roommate is helping me. We’re not enemies anymore.
Kayla: I knew it. You’re gonna marry him.
Me: Ha. I have to break up with Denver first.
Kayla: ARE YOU BEING SO FOR REAL RIGHT NOW?
Me: I don’t know.
Kayla: When I finally make it out there, I want to hear every single detail. Not one left out. Keep sending pictures. They’re my only lifeline outside this stupid book I’m writing. I’m living vicariously through you. You’re my muse, Nora Everhart.
I send her some heart emojis before pocketing my phone and approaching the counter.
The display cases are vintage, and nothing like the new ones in my New York coffee shop, which adds to the aesthetic.
Each case is filled with intricately decorated cakes, beautiful pastries with icing and various toppings, perfect-looking donuts, and even some freshly made chocolate candies.
On the wall behind the counter are a few fancy coffee machines, an espresso machine, and some other appliances.
Written in chalk and in large Victorian frames are the coffee options and prices on one side and the sweet treats on the other.
A pretty brunette somewhere between my age and Mom’s, makes her way over to me, a friendly smile on her face. “Can I help you, hon?”
There’s something familiar about the woman. She’s definitely related to Mae, Silas, and Monroe. They all have similar features and it’s easy to spot now that I know they’re all related.
“I’m here for caffeine and chocolate,” I say happily. “I just left the post office. I feel like it’s my reward.”
She chuckles. “If you dealt with Marjorie, then you totally deserve a reward. Here for BudgieFest?”
“Not exactly.” My smile falls. “I’m Goldie Everhart’s granddaughter, Nora. I’m staying with Elias Cove until I can get her cottage livable again.”
The woman’s eyes widen. “I can see it now that you mention it. You’re Sandy’s daughter?”
“You know my mom?”
“Sort of,” she says, reaching over the display case to offer me her hand. “I’m Hattie Calder-House. Sandy was good friends with my brother.”
“Silas?” I ask as I shake it. “He’s really nice by the way.”
“When he wants to be,” she teases. “But no. She and Monroe were prom king and queen in high school. They graduated together. I was a pesky kid, but I totally looked up to her. She was so pretty. Everyone adored her.”
My heart warms at her speaking so kindly about my mother. I know my mom can be snooty sometimes, but she’s good people. Her roots are small-town even if she’s living the big life in New York.
“That’s sweet of you,” I say and mean it. “Nice to meet you, Hattie.”
“Likewise, Nora. What can I get you?”
“Something cold. Something chocolate. Other than that, you can surprise me.”
She winks at me. “Got it. Have a seat. I’ll bring it to you.”
When I start to pull out my wallet, she rolls her eyes and shakes her head. “Absolutely not.”
“I can’t pay you?”
“Oh, there’ll be payment,” she teases. “But I’ll take my payment in good ol’ fashioned gossip. I’m dying to know how staying with Elias is going.”
My cheeks burn hot which sends Hattie into a fit of giggles. Despite my embarrassment, I’m happy I came over here. Maybe I’ll actually have a friend in Budgie Bay.
Elias is your friend…
Before my face can turn any redder, I thank her and then find a cozy armchair near a bookshelf. It’s covered in books. When I find one of Kayla’s, I snap a pic to send to her.
Me: Is this fate?
Kayla: Is that even a question? brB gotta get my affairs in order before I move to Budgie Bay!
I’d like to say she’s kidding, but you never know with Kayla. She’s impulsive sometimes.
When my phone rings, I expect it to be Kayla with more to say on the matter, but it’s not. It’s Denver. I almost send the call to voicemail, but at the last second, I accept it.
“Hello?”
“Hey, babe,” Denver says, voice tight. “I’m sorry about yesterday.” He sighs heavily. “But I’m not calling about that. I’m checking in about work. Have you looked at your emails this morning?”
“No,” I bite out. “I’m dealing with Grandma’s affairs. Remember?”
“Of course I remember,” he grumbles. “But this is kind of important. Did you see the Charleston one? Glenna can’t handle them. I’m in Colorado, so I have my hands full. We need you, Nora. You’re the only one who can fix this right now.”
My blood runs cold. All affection toward Denver has vanished. I see it more than ever. The kind of love Grandma waxed on about is so clearly missing from my life.
“Denver?” I say, voice calm. “I’m going to say this once and it’s final. There is no arguing. And when I get it out, I’m hanging up.”
“Nora—”
“I am breaking up with you. We’re done.”
He starts to argue but I cut him off.
“And I quit. I can’t do this. I’m being split in two and I hate it. I should never have had to choose between work and my family. I refuse to do it again.”
“Nora—”
I end the call and shove my phone into my purse as Hattie shows up with a chocolate-drizzled flaky croissant the size of my head on a cute plate. Beside it is a small cup of melted chocolate for dipping. She sets an iced coffee down beside it.
“Let me grab Huck from the back to take over so I can take a break,” she says and then hurries off.
The boy from the other day, who I almost ran over on my rush to the post office, saunters out of the back as Hattie says something to him. Then, she pulls off her apron, grabs a coffee mug, and joins me.
“Figured we could share this,” she says as she plucks off a piece of the croissant.
“Who’s the kid? I should apologize to him. Nearly ran him over the other day.”
Hattie dips the croissant in the chocolate and laughs. “That’s my son. He never pays attention where he’s going. He’s fine. I’ll accept the apology for him.” She groans happily and her lashes flutter. “I am so good. Bet you don’t have croissants like this in New York.”
Curious to see if she’s right, I tear off a piece, dunk it in the chocolate, and then shove it in my mouth. The rich, chocolate goodness combined with the butter croissant is an explosion of deliciousness for my tastebuds. I also groan. She’s right. She’s totally right.
“How’d you know I was from New York?” I ask as I tear off more of the dessert.
“Everyone knows Sandy moved to New York.” She sips her coffee and then flutters her fingers at me. “How long are you staying?”
“The plan is a month…” I trail off. “But we’ll see.”
She leans in, eyes flickering wickedly. “Is it because you’ve fallen madly in love with Budgie Bay or a certain grumpy guy who lives next door to your grandma’s house?”
“I broke up with my boyfriend and quit my job. Literally five minutes ago. My life is in limbo at the moment.”
“Did you break up with him and quit your job because you’ve fallen madly in love with Budgie Bay or a certain grumpy guy who lives next door to your grandma’s house?”
“Stop,” I say with a groan.
We both giggle. It feels nice. Makes me miss Kayla. I decide she’d really like Hattie.
“I’m currently trying to rehome her budgie rescues. Do you know any legitimate people who might be in the market for a new pet?” I lean in and whisper, “No Harkers.”
She nearly chokes on her next sip of coffee. “Oh my word. You sound just like him. Elias infected your brain.”
“Grandma didn’t seem to like them either. I found a letter to my grandfather where she called them diseased apples.”
“Goldie has always carried a grudge against them. Elias learned it from her. Apparently, so did you.” She shakes her head and juts a thumb next door. “Give Clementine a chance. She’s sweet and nothing like her grandfather, Wayne.”
“The bookstore girl?”
“Yup. And that grudge will keep you from the best bookstore on the west coast. Trust me.”
“I’ll give her a chance,” I promise. “Can’t say the same for Elias.”
“We’ll wear him down eventually.” Her features soften. “Did Silas show you Goldie’s spot?”
I swallow down the emotion clogging my throat and nod. “Read through her letters to my grandpa.”
“She was always writing to him,” Hattie says wistfully. “Mom said she’s been writing to him even before Sandy was born. So sad. He never came back but she always waited for him.”
“It’s what drove my mom away in the end,” I admit. “Mom resented that Grandma couldn’t put his death to rest. She thought she was delusional for holding out hope.”
Hattie frowns. “I always wanted a deep love like that. Don’t get me wrong. Flint gave me Huck, even if he is a pain in the you know what.” She smiles at a little girl who pops up next to where we’re seated to pull a children’s book off the shelf.
“Did my grandma ban curse words here?” I whisper, giggling. “It’s like she was the mayor or something.”
Hattie reaches over and gently touches my hand. “Goldie was the heart of Budgie Bay, and it’s felt a little lifeless since she’s been gone.” A smile touches her lips. “Until now. The heartbeat is back.”
The heartbeat is me?