“What is it?” Piper prompted.
Abby tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, wavering.Just say it. Taking another deep breath, she asked, “Would it be okay if we stayed in touch? I know Max would really like to be in Tyler’s life. And… so would I.”
Piper blinked, as if Abby’s question was the last one she’d anticipated. “I—Yes. I—I would like that, too.”
They stood in awkward silence for a moment, gazing at each other as if neither knew what to say.
Abby felt an odd urge to hug her again, but she had something else to say—something that would most likely kill the convivial mood. “There’s one more thing.” She bit her bottom lip, bracing for the bad news. “I spoke to a friend at the sheriff’s office and explained your situation with your landlord.”
Piper opened her mouth to protest, so Abby quickly added, “I didn’t give your name or any personal details. But I wanted to see what kind of charges you’d be facing if you turned yourself in.”
“And?” Piper asked warily.
“It looks like you’d get off with a warning. Especially if you agree to testify against your landlord.”
Piper didn’t respond but appeared to be mulling over her words.
For good measure, Abby added, “It’s your decision. But I think it would be the right thing to do.”
“Maybe. I’ll think about it,” Piper relented, then sighed. “Sounds like I have a lot of tough decisions to make. Like where to go next. And what to do with my life now that Tyler and I can afford a fresh start.”
“What about starting over at the beginning?”
“What do you mean?”
Whatdidshe mean? The words had escaped before she’d had a chance to think twice. But now that she had, maybe it wasn’t the worst idea. “What if you moved back to Blessings Bay?”
“Are you serious?”
“Surprisingly, yes.” Abby grinned, realizing how ridiculous her suggestion sounded. “Tyler loves it here. And I hear there are part-time jobs opening at the Sawmill and CeCe’s café. They’re entry-level positions, but they pay well and would be stepping stones.”
“I would love that. But are you sure you’d be comfortable with me living in town?”
A valid question. On some level, it would definitely be weird. But Blessings Bay had saved her life when she’d been drowning in grief. The loving, kindhearted townspeople had given her the connection and close-knit community she’d so desperately needed. They’d become her family. Something Piper and Tyler clearly lacked. “I’m sure,” she said and actually meant it.
Although, Logan might take some convincing. She smiled at the thought of her sweet, slightly overprotective boyfriend. Maybe soon-to-be something more?
Piper enveloped her in another hug. “I can’t thank you enough, Abby. Tyler is going to be thrilled!” She beamed, and the genuine, unguarded smile transformed her entire appearance, creating a stark contrast from the first moment they’d met.
Piper’s dull, tired eyes with dark circles draped underneath now looked vibrant and sparkling. Her aura of sadness and desperation gave way to unbridled joy and hope for the future. She practically skipped toward the door, then paused.
As she turned to face her, Piper’s countenance softened, becoming almost somber. “The morning Donnie left, he mumbled something under his breath. It sounded like some sort of self-chastisement. He said, ‘You don’t throw dirt on a diamond.’”
Abby frowned. What did that mean?
“I didn’t understand what he meant until I met you,” Piper admitted. “You’rethe diamond, Abby. Bright, beautiful, and unbelievably strong. And your strength stems from your kindness.” Piper flashed a I-can’t-believe-I’m-saying-this smile as she confessed, “I admire you, Abby Preston. More than I’ve ever admired anyone before. And I hope, one day, I can be more like you.”
With those words, Piper slipped out the front door, leaving Abby in stunned silence.
She’d just been given the most profound compliment by the last person she’d ever expected.
And at that moment, she felt her heart take another step toward healing.
Another step toward her own new beginning.
Chapter 37
SAGE
