Opening a dating app, he assessed his current profile with a critical eye. After tweaking a few details, he changed his location. Just because memories of an old flame brought him back to this area, there was no reason not to meet someone new for coffee… or even open-mic night at the Pelican.
Though he didn’t anticipate such a speedy response.
Feeling somewhat better for that small forward progress, he let himself enjoy the gentle beat of the ocean against the shore. The Atlantic Ocean was remarkably different from the Pacific and the gentle ease of the water today smoothed out the ragged edges from his trip.
He basked in the warm afternoon sunlight while pelicans glided through the sky, occasionally diving awkwardly to crash into the water for a meal. He listened to the voices of other beachgoers, letting it blend into a soothing background track. Gulls cried and wheeled, landing to scurry around the tidepools created as rippling waves retreated.
At some point, he had to find his rental and unpack. Supposedly the bungalow was right on the marsh, with a dock that included a boat lift. Not that he had a boat. Maybe he would rent one for a day, just for the experience. He was hopeful that the scents and sounds of the marsh could recreate the same peaceful magic he’d discovered seven years ago.
And once he was settled, he could revisit the idea of open-mic night at the Pelican Pub.
CHAPTER 3
The Pelican Pub was packed tonight. Scarlett should’ve expected the crowd, but she’d been too distracted by her friends pushing her about tonight’s performance. The pub owner, Reed Davis, took pride in making the Pelican a low-key place with that unique neighborhood vibe where locals felt at home.
Of course, he was a smart business owner with a passion for music so he brought in live music groups with enough fans to draw a steady stream of tourism into town for the music alone.
But this was an open-mic night and Scarlett had hoped for… Well, for something less intimidating than a packed house. Clearly, the Pelican Pub reputation was growing and she would have to adjust.
Her gaze darted to the front windows and the dark night on the other side. Tempting to slip out and be home before her friends noticed. Grace and Cal were at Scarlett’s house, watching Cora.
But if she did that, they’d never let her live it down. More importantly, chickening out would annoy her and she wanted to set a better example for her daughter.
From a table at the front of the stage, Willow waved. Her fiancé, Levi Garrison, was with her, along with Holly who was in charge of recording Scarlett’s set so Cora could watch it later. Holly’s new love, Seb Sterling, sat beside her. Those two just oozed happiness and Scarlett couldn’t work up the energy to be irritated. At the next table, Hazel and Camille held a seat for Charity, who had apparently drawn the short straw and been sent to give Scarlett a pep talk.
“You’ve got this,” Charity said, patting her shoulder. “We can’t wait for your set.”
Scarlett huffed. “Maybe I need a drink.” She eyed the line at the bar. She was third on, there was probably time, but she decided not to risk it. What if the bartender was slow and Reed called her to the stage just as she tossed back a shot?
The first act was a soloist who’d been well received. The trio currently on stage was warming up the crowd with a familiar hit that had everyone clapping or stomping to the beat. The set she had in mind, heavy on the blues vibe, would likely be a big downer.
“Tell Holly not to record,” she whispered. She didn’t want Cora to see her crash and burn.
“No way. Just breathe,” Charity soothed. “You’re among friends.”
“That’s just it.” Pressing deeper into the alcove behind the stage, Scarlett turned her back on the crowd. “Y’all are here, thanks. And you’re surrounded by a bunch of strangers.”
Charity squeezed Scarlett’s shoulders. “Then play for us. Forget everyone else exists.”
Easier said than done, but it was a tall order to be waspish or argue with Charity. She was simply too kind. “Right. I can do that.”
Maybe.
Since becoming a mother, Scarlett primarily played guitar for her Cora. To make ends meet, she’d taken on a few students and even had an afterschool club now. None of that carried any of the pressure of being on stage.
The last time she’d done anything remotely public was months ago when their silent book club had been at the Inn with Trina Ellington and her infant son Marcus had been teething and grumpy. Scarlett’s guitar had been in her car and she’d pulled it out, playing for a bit to distract him. The little boy had been so curious, bopping to the rhythm and clapping his sweet chubby hands and Trina had been relieved.
Tonight was way more intense than soothing a fussy baby. She just couldn’t think about it.
Applause and cheers broke out and Scarlett clung to her Martin guitar. Her set was only minutes away.
“Break a leg.” Charity grinned and dashed back to her seat, leaving Scarlett and her guitar alone.
Reed walked over, a card in his hand. The card she’d filled out when she registered for tonight. “Your intro is short,” he noted.
“I kind of assumed everyone here knew me.”
“Fair,” he allowed. “But they don’t.”
