“You know, I’ve been working on a novel for over a year now. I’m sure authors hate when people tell them that, but since I think we’re sort of friends now…”
Charlotte smiled broadly. “I love to hear when people are writing books. The more creativity we have out in the world, the better. What’s it about?”
“Oh, I won’t bore you with it.”
“I want to know!”
Julie spent the next few minutes explaining the plot and her ideas for the rest of the book. Surprisingly, Charlotte sat and listened the whole time. Of course, she was probably just being nice, but Julie appreciated it all the same.
“You know, Julie, you’ve got a great idea there. I’d love to read a few pages if you don’t mind?”
“Really?”
“Sure!”
“I would be so honored if you would. Thank you, Charlotte.”
“I’ll take a look when we get back to the inn later. Will that work?”
“Of course!”
Emma sat behind the table trying her best to look happy as she greeted people that wanted to know more about the lighthouse. In reality, she was still very emotional after her conversation with Janine the night before.
Janine had apologized over and over for bringing it up when Emma had such a big day planned for the spring festival. But she told Janine that she was glad to finally have it out in the open. Not that she wanted everyone in town to know who she was, but Janine was her best friend in Seagrove right now, and she trusted her.
They had talked late into the night even after eating dinner. Janine shared more of her story, and Emma was glad to know that she wasn’t alone. She also felt much better about the details of what had happened, and she felt like she was already beating herself up less and less. Still, she struggled with the decision she’d been forced to make, and she wasn’t totally confident that a support group or a counselor would be able to help her come to terms with that.
After Janine left, she actually sent Steve a message apologizing for the way she reacted when he came to the cottage. She told him that she had loved him, but that she just wasn’t going to be the same person. She was going to be a better person, but she simply could not see herself with the life he wanted. She didn’t want to be in the security business, she didn’t want to work long enough to retire from the force. And she certainly didn’t want to be married to a police officer. It was something she didn’t want in her life anymore.
She had great respect for law-enforcement, and she always would. But being married to someone who came home every night dressed in uniform with stories about their day was just going to further traumatize her. He said he understood, and she felt like they finally cleared the air.
She had called Caroline and tried to explain what she was doing.
“You know I can refer you to someone, right?” Caroline had said, concern filling her voice.
“I know, and I appreciate that. But, I have to do what feels right for me. Taking baby steps is what feels appropriate right now.”
“And you’re sure you’re not moving back home?”
Emma laughed. “This is my home now. One day, I’ll invite you for a visit, and you’ll see why I love it. I’m okay, Caroline. I promise.”
Being a licensed clinical social worker, Caroline had been very concerned about her best friend, but when they hung up, Emma felt like she had proven to her that she was going to get the right kind of help now.
Janine told her all about the trauma support group that she sometimes attended, and it had really helped her. Janine seemed so put together now, so it was hard for Emma to picture her when she was in the midst of trying to recover from what happened to her.
This morning, she was just feeling all rung out, like she needed a very long nap followed by a big tub of ice cream. She didn’t get the chance to really rest after her conversations, and she was looking forward to a very quiet night at home after the festival.
“How’s everything going?” Janine asked. She had been flitting about, here and there, showing people different yoga poses and inviting them to classes. Emma loved to watch her work. She couldn’t believe how incredibly flexible she was, and everybody in town seemed to know Janine. With her head full of thick, curly hair, it was hard to miss her.
“Really good. I’ve met a lot of nice people, and I have recited every single lighthouse fact that I know.”
Janine chuckled. “I’m sure you’re feeling a little worn out today? This will all be over soon, and we can go watch the boat parade.”
“Boat parade? You mean there’s more?” Emma wanted to lay her head on the table and cry quietly.
“Don’t worry, it doesn’t last long. But I have to go support William because he’s in it. It’s good for business.”
“Then I’ll be there. I wouldn’t want William to think I’m not a team player.”
Janine laughed. “Well, I better go grab some more flyers. Got to fill up those yoga classes!” she said as she trotted off.
Emma was so happy to have found a place like Seagrove. She felt like she’d won the lottery. Were there other towns like this across the United States that nobody talked about but were perfect little pieces of heaven? She almost didn’t want to tell anyone where she lived for fear that everyone would want to move there. She imagined that there was a delicate balance in a town like this, and she hoped that it
