‘Now… I don’t know. I’m confused. These past three days, the festival, it’s been fun,’ she admitted. ‘I’ve actually enjoyed myself, which has been somewhat surprising. And it’s made me think about when the last timewasthat I had any fun.’
‘And?’
‘Honestly? I can’t remember. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy my life in the city. I like that I can eat a different cuisine every night if I want to. Can take in a show, or go see a movie whenever I want. Visit art galleries. Trendy bars. Get dressed up and dance all night with my friends. There’s a place just down the street from my apartment that hasthebest coffee in the world.’
‘Really? The whole, entire world? That’s a pretty big claim.’
‘I’d stake my life on it.’
‘Wow. You take your coffee pretty seriously.’
‘When it comes to coffee, I’m as serious as it comes. And then there’s this place, Veniero’s on 11th Street, that has the best New York cheesecake, it’s seriously to die for. It’s my go-to, whenever I want to treat myself. Or I’m feeling sad. Or tired. Or happy.’
‘So pretty much any time.’
‘Pretty much.’
‘Is cheesecake and coffee enough of a reason to stay living somewhere though?’
‘I guess that’s what I have to think about. I like my life there. I have my work, friends. A great apartment.’
She hesitated.
‘But?’ I prompted.
‘But being back here…’ She looked around. ‘Being a part of this. It’s reminded me that being part of a community isn’t a bad thing. It’s easy to feel alone in the city. I don’t feel that here.’
I cleared my throat. ‘I would never ask you to stay here purely for my sake, but I’d just like to put it on the record that I’d be happy if youdidstay. Just something to consider when you’re making any decisions.’
‘You’re not planning on heading back to L.A. any time soon?’
I stared at my feet, suddenly feeling nervous about saying aloud what had, until then, been only a thought in my head. A seed, slowly growing. ‘Actually, I think I’m going to buy the restaurant.’
‘Which restaurant?’
‘The Cozy Catch. Hannah’s decided to sell it and stay in L.A. for good.’
‘Oh!’
I risked a glance at her face. ‘That’s it? Oh?’
‘Give me a second. I’m just processing what you said.’
‘Of course. Take your time. I’m still processing it myself.’
She glanced across the town green to where the restaurant and the upstairs apartment were all lit up. The thought of it being mine, and the potential to make it even greater, gave me bubbles of excitement in my stomach. I hadn’t felt excited about anything in a long time.
37
TAYLOR
He was staying in Pine Harbor.
‘Youthinkyou’re going to buy it?’ I asked, to clarify. ‘Or youaregoing to buy it?’
‘Iamgoing to buy it.’ He nodded, a slow grin dawning on his face. ‘That’s the first time I’ve said the words out loud. I’m going to buy The Cozy Catch.’
‘Did you just decide that right now?’
