I missed it before, but I never realised just how much until now.
The food is as expected—delicious. A golden, vegetable tart sits at the centre of the spread, surrounded by an array of sides; roasted potatoes, fresh salads, warm bread, and dips that make my mouth water just looking at them. The table is overflowing with choices, and I already know I’m going to need a second plate.
Apparently, they try to avoid eating animal products as much as possible, which makes sense for an animal sanctuary. And I respect that. Actually, I love that. I’ve been vegetarian for a while, always tempted to go fully vegan, but now, after tasting this, I think I’ve officially made up my mind. This is going to be part of my new, changed life.
I eat happily, listening to the easy back-and-forth conversation around me. I learn that the younger girl, Harper, is Ford and Missy’s little sister, and that Missy works in a cafe in town. I also find that Grace has more than a few thoughts on the women who attend book club, some gossip slipping into the mix that makes Jensen snicker into his drink.
I drift into my own thoughts for a while, savouring the meal, until …
"Stormy?"
I blink, realising I’d tuned out for a moment.
"Sorry?"
Missy laughs.
"Me and Jensen were just saying, you’re about to open a bookstore in town, right?"
"Oh, yeah …" I start to respond, but before I can say anything else, Ford shifts in his seat and lets out a low sound, not quite disapproval, more like hesitation.
“I’m not sure that’s gonna go down well.”
I pause, surprised by his comment.
"What?"
Ford leans back in his chair, arms crossed loosely, eyes fixed somewhere near his plate.
“Just saying,” he mutters, “the other shop owners might not love it.”
Grace sighs, shaking her head as she wipes her mouth with a napkin.
“Ford, don’t be rude.”
“I’m not being rude,” he says, voice quiet but firm. “It’s just … they make good money off book sales from the book club. A new store means changes. And change makes people twitchy.”
His tone isn’t sharp; it’s measured and careful. But when his eyes meet mine, there’s something else there. A crease in his brow, like he’s not sure how to say what he means without it coming out wrong.
I open my mouth to respond, but nothing comes out. I don’t know what to say.
Missy jumps in before the silence stretches too long.
"I’m sure everything will be fine," she says, waving off his comments. "People love books, and honestly, the more places to buy them, the better!"
Ford doesn’t argue. He just gives a slow shrug.
I stay quiet, picking at the last bites of my meal. His words settle somewhere deep in my chest, not because I doubt myself, but because I don’t understand whyhedoubts it. Why the caution?
It’s my bookshop—my dream. And it’s happening. I’ve spent too long rebuilding myself to let someone else’s uncertainty shake me now. This move, this fresh start … it’s mine to make work. And what does Ford know, anyway? Just because he’s wary doesn’t mean he’s right. Business is business. Competition exists everywhere. A bookstore could bring more foot traffic, not less.
Still … I don’t think he said it to be cruel.
He said it like someone who’s seen things go wrong.
Like someone who’s afraid of hope.
But he doesn’t have to believe in me. I believe in myself.
