Chapter Thirty-four Bianca
Chapter Thirty-four
Bianca
The house was rustic and tucked into the cliffs, with sweeping views of the ocean and the bay.
The kitchen, with its granite countertops and spacious island, was the first thing to draw Bianca in.
It opened to a wide, extensive room and the sunporch just off the living area, which was an unexpected bonus.
Hardwood floors, which were the original ones, gave the space character.
Bianca and Remi followed the realtor throughout the house, peeking into the two bedrooms, stepping out to breathe in the air and take in the views. It was just the right amount of space for Bianca, and enough for Mila if she decided to visit.
“I’ll let you look around. Take it all in,” the realtor said. “Let me know if you have questions.”
Once she stepped away, Bianca turned to Remi. “What do you think?”
“I think it’s gorgeous. Definitely you. You’ve always loved rustic spaces with killer views.”
“I love the kitchen too.”
“That’s key,” Remi said with a grin. “Is it within your budget? California real estate is a whole different beast compared to Louisiana.”
“Tell me about it. Triple the price for the same square footage.” Bianca laughed, shaking her head. “But Harry gave me a nice nest egg after the divorce. I invested it well. I could pay cash if I wanted.”
Remi nodded. “And your house in New Orleans is on the market. Hopefully it’ll go quickly.”
They stepped back inside, stood in front of the tall windows that gave light to the entire space, gazing out at the ocean as it crashed against the rugged shore.
Bianca walked slowly across the room, letting her fingers trail along the edge of the kitchen island.
She paused at the window again, taking it all in—the light, the view, the quietness of the ocean. Then she closed her eyes for a moment.
She could see herself here. Coffee on the sunporch.
Prince serenading her while she cooked. She would entertain occasionally, but not much.
That was never her thing. It was more Remi’s cup of tea.
Remi loved to entertain and invite the world into her orbit.
Bianca was the opposite. She’d always been a social butterfly by day, mingling with the people who frequented her boutique.
She loved being in the mix of things, but once she retreated to her personal space, that was it. She loved the peace and calmness.
“I’m in love with it,” Bianca finally said, her smile soft but certain.
“That’s what matters … that you don’t just like it, you love it.”
The realtor reentered, her voice bright. “What do you think?” she asked.
Bianca turned, still smiling. “I think I’d like to make an offer.”
And just like that, her mind was made up. She was staying.
They stopped for a late lunch at a well-loved fish market in Bodega Bay, known for its fresh catch and long lines that seemed to be worth the wait. There were plenty of seafood options, but Bianca ordered the seared ahi, charred just enough. Remi couldn’t resist the fried prawns.
They took their drinks, crisp local cider, and found a cozy spot outside. The breeze off the bay was cool but not cold. They pulled their sweaters tighter to brace against the wind. Seagulls squealed overhead. Boats rocked gently in the harbor below.
“Lunch here was a good idea,” Bianca said, stretching her legs under the picnic table.
“This will soon be your neck of the woods … maybe.”
Bianca looked out toward the water, her gaze steady. “I love being near the ocean.”
“Not much else here. Just fishing and water sports.” Remi laughed a little. “But you can always make the drive to Napa whenever you’re in the mood for a flea market or antique shopping. Something nonocean-related.”
“I could, when I want a change of scenery.” She breathed in the scent of the saltwater. “But I love the simplicity of being here.”
“Wow, you have changed. Ocean. Quiet. Simplicity. What have you done with Bianca?”
“She’s here,” Bianca said with a soft smile. “She’s just evolved.”
“Well … it’s nice to see the evolution.”
“Thank you.”
They talked easily, unforced. When the food arrived they savored it slowly. They took their time. Neither of them was in a rush. It was just the two of them, savory food and good conversation—a perfect afternoon.
They took their time driving back to Napa, letting the day unfold slowly. With the windows down and music filling the car, the coastline unraveled beside them as they drove.
Back at the house, Bianca stood in the kitchen, her glass on the counter. She waited for Remi to open the bottle—champagne this time. Zoe stepped into the kitchen.
“What is it that we’re celebrating?” she asked.
“Bianca just put an offer on a house,” Remi said. “In Bodega Bay.”
“Really?” Mila entered behind her, taking a seat at the island. “So, you’re staying here?”
Bianca paused, letting the question settle and thinking about her decision.
It was one that she’d weighed carefully.
She could be impulsive at times, but not this time.
During those long, dark days she spent tucked away in her bedroom, she’d faced herself and made some hard decisions about her life.
Now she was ready. She knew what she wanted. She drew in a long breath. “Yes,” she said. “I am.”
Remi poured champagne into Bianca’s glass and then hers. They lifted their glasses in a toast. “Here’s to new decisions,” Remi said.
“Congratulations,” Zoe said. “I’d love to see it.”
“Congratulations, Mom,” Mila said. “I’m really happy for you.”
“Thank you both, but it isn’t mine yet. I just made an offer.” Bianca smiled broadly, taking a sip of champagne. “Still, I can’t wait for you to see it. You’re going to love it.”
The doorbell interrupted their celebration. Zoe rushed to answer it, and Bas walked in. He wore denim jeans and a faded Lakers T-shirt.
“I just came to say my final goodbyes. I’m headed to the airport.”
Mila was the first to reach him, wrapping her arms around his waist. “It’s been great hanging out.”
“It’s been real,” he said with a grin. “Great meeting you, Bianca. And always good seeing you, Remi.”
Bianca made her way out of the kitchen and gave him a warm hug. Remi followed, embracing him tightly.
Across the room Zoe stood still. She hadn’t moved.
Bas glanced at her. “Zoe,” he said with a small smile. “I’ll see ya later, alligator.”
Zoe hesitated for just a moment, then crossed the room and stepped into his arms. She wrapped herself tightly around his waist, her head pressed against his chest. With her eyes closed, she held on, as if letting go might break her.
Bas gently kissed the top of her forehead. “I’ll text you.”
Her voice trembled. “You’d better.”
He nodded but said nothing more. As if saying more might cause him to unravel too. He turned and walked out the door.
Bianca watched Zoe silently, her heart tightening in her chest. She knew too well how complex young love could be, how deeply it could cut, even when it didn’t make sense to anyone else.
Zoe and Bas had been through so much together, at a young age.
It wasn’t just puppy love; it was something deeper.
She watched as Zoe stood by the door long after it closed, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, eyes fixed on nothing really.
She clenched her jaw tight, but there was some softness too.
A tenderness in the way she pressed her lips together, like holding back tears would somehow make her stronger.
Remi moved first and wrapped her arms around Zoe and held her tightly.
“You okay, baby?”
Zoe nodded. She crossed the room and headed toward the stairs.
“You want to talk?” Remi asked.
“No, I just want to be alone,” Zoe said. “Plus, I need to finish packing.”
“Me too.” Mila hopped down from the stool in the kitchen.
The girls were leaving in the morning, headed back to school. Soon the house would feel quieter.
In the kitchen Bianca filled the kettle with water. “Tea?” she asked, glancing over at Remi, who was scrolling through emails on her phone.
“Yes,” Remi said without looking up. “I’d love some.”
Bianca’s phone buzzed on the counter. She picked it up and read the message: The sellers accepted your offer. But they’re very motivated … looking for a quick closing. They’re leaving the country in two weeks. Can you close that soon? Call me.
“Wow,” Bianca whispered.
Remi looked up. “What? What’s up?”
Bianca turned the phone toward her. “They accepted my offer. They want to close in two weeks.”
“Really? That’s fast. Are you ready for that?”
Bianca didn’t answer right away. Her lips slowly curled into a smile as the words sank in. A rush of excitement stirred in her chest, her heartbeat quickened.
She met Remi’s eyes. “I’m ready.”