Pearl looked shocked. “Henry? No! He’s an old friend, almost like a brother. Besides, I can find my own man, thank you.”
“Well darn, I was hoping to have another couple to bet on,” Leena said.
“What about Maddie and Dex?” Pearl suggested. “I’d put money on those two getting together.”
Leena made a face. “Are you kidding? They’re complete opposites. Besides, Dex has that horrid girlfriend.”
“Lorelie.” Rose wrinkled her nose. Rose didn’t much care for Dex’s girlfriend. She was shallow and selfish, and she talked negatively about Shell Cove. She’d been trying to convince Dex to move to Portland, where she lived, and Rose was afraid she might succeed. Dex always said that he loved Shell Cove, but that girl could be persuasive. She would miss Dex terribly if he moved, but more importantly, she feared his life would be miserable if he made more permanent arrangements with the girl. “I’d rather see him with Maddie. I wonder if that can be arranged.”
“It’s possible.” Pearl’s gaze was following Gina, who was across the street looking into one of the empty shops. “I think there are a few things that can be arranged here. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to tend to one of them now.”
* * *
Gina’s fingerhovered over the send button on her phone. She’d just written a message to her friend, Melissa, and once she sent it, there would be no going back. She stared down at the words.
You can stop looking for property. I’m staying in Shell Cove.
Was she doing the right thing?
Looking out over the town, she saw something much different from what she’d seen when she first arrived. Main Street was bustling with activity, the stores brightly lit and welcoming, the flowers blooming. The ocean to the east was awash in gorgeous hues of blue and pink, a reflection of the sun setting behind her.
From her vantage point, she could see a section of the pier, which made her think of the pie contest. That contest was what had brought people to town, and her work helping her cousins on the motel had made the motel inviting for them to stay in. It was the first time she’d done something bigger than herself, something with a purpose.
She pressed Send.
“I hope you’re thinking about your next pie. You’re going to need one for the meeting in a few weeks when Maddie tells us all about her great ideas.” Pearl had apparently crossed the street while Gina was typing and was standing beside her. “Of course, there will be a potluck.”
“I think I can come up with something.” Gina felt confident, a new and welcome feeling for her.
“I’m sure you’ll do something fantastic. Your grandmother said you had potential.”
“She did?” Gina was touched. “I miss her.”
“We all do.” Pearl glanced into the empty store they were standing in front of. “You know, this empty store used to be a bakery. They had the most delicious cream horns. It would make a great pie shop. I think everything is still in there.”
They cupped their hands over their eyes and pressed them against the glass to get a better look at the interior. It appeared to be in good condition. Rich, honey-colored wide-pine flooring led to a row of glass cases. The cases still had their shelves, and the glass gleamed. In one corner, chairs were stacked on top of square tables. Gina imagined the back room would have a commercial refrigerator, ovens, and stainless steel counters, everything one needed to make pies, but her confidence wasn’t quite at that level. “I don’t think I’m ready to start up a pie baking business yet. I can barely get one pie done in an hour, never mind dozens.”
Pearl nodded. “It would be the perfect place when you are.”
The idea had potential. It was something she could work toward. Hugh would laugh at her if he knew she was aspiring to be a pie maker, but she no longer cared what Hugh thought. Sure, making pies in Shell Cove was a far cry from the fancy committees and luncheons she’d had in the city, but her new kind of life was more appealing.
“I’ll need to build up to it. Maybe I can practice in the Beachcomber kitchen.”
“Oh! That could be a good hook for guests. Fresh-baked pies! What motel does that?” Pearl looked pleased. “I think you might be on to something.”
“That’s not a bad idea. I’ll mention it to Maddie.”
“So, you’re staying in Shell Cove, then? It’s not quite as exciting as Boston.”
Gina looked out over the town, a smile tugging at her lips. “No, but it has its charms. Life here is simpler, and I think I’m ready for that.”
As Gina parted ways with Pearl, she felt content. She’d fulfilled her promise to Gram, and it turned out Gram had been wiser than she’d thought. The simple things were better.
Chapter Forty-Four
Jules, Maddie, and Gina stood in the driveway and waved to Marilyn as she drove off. All the baking contest people had left earlier. They’d assured the cousins that they’d loved their stay at the Beachcomber.
“I say things have improved a lot since we first laid eyes on this place,” Maddie said.
