Grace put her fingertips to her temple. “I haven’t been very clear. It’s just... There’s lot of pressure on me to go to college.”
Mia was starting to see where this was headed. “Ah, I see.”
“My parents always told us we needed a college education. I mean, it was drilled into us from the time we were like three, you know? And I get it. Everyone’s going to college these days, and that makes the job market even more competitive.”
“But...”
“I recently applied to three colleges, only because Leviinsisted. I haven’t heard back yet, but I’m going to soon, and the truth is... I don’t want to go to any of them.”
“What do you want to do?”
Grace drew in a breath. “I want to start an outfitting company here in Bluebell.”
The way the words tumbled out made Mia wonder if she’d ever said them aloud.
“I’ve always loved the outdoors: boating, camping, hiking, climbing, you name it. I could rent equipment to tourists and even be a tour guide—there’s nothing like that here now. I could even run it right out of the inn. And while I’m building my business I could keep working here.”
“Sounds like you’ve given this a lot of thought.”
“I have, but I know Levi. He’s not going to be on board with this. He’s going to say it’s too risky. He’s going to insist on a Plan B.”
Mia fought a smile. That did sound just like Levi.
“I really think I can do this, and isn’t it up to me? It’s my future, my life.”
“Are you sure some college classes wouldn’t help prepare you for this?”
“I already know how to build a business website, and I’ve been helping run the inn. I’d start small—bicycle and boat rentals—and Levi could guide me through the financial aspects. I have a plan, and I think I can do it.”
She certainly seemed adamant. And she’d been very proficient around the inn. She did her job and seemed pretty mature for her age.
“Well, when I was nineteen I’d already gotten my first role in a drama series. I got a studio apartment with a girlfriend and moved out, and I made it on my own just fine. I’m not saying things work out that way for everyone—there are plenty of wannabes in Hollywood who work as baristas and servers for years before they get a break. And some never do. But in the end, you have to be comfortable with your decision.”
Grace’s shoulders slumped. “But Levi... He’s so stubborn about this. You have no idea.”
“Have you told him everything you just told me?”
Her eyes flittered off Mia’s. “Not in so many words—okay, maybe not at all.”
Mia gave her an encouraging smile. “Maybe you should. Maybe you’re not giving him enough credit. He loves you and wants the best for you.”
Grace quirked a brow. “Too bad we don’t agree on what that is.”
Mia held the girl’s gaze for a long moment. “Give him a chance. He might just surprise you.”
thirty-three
Mia took Levi’s hand and stepped from the boat onto the wooden dock. They’d had a lovely morning on the lake. The sun was beating down from overhead, having burned off the morning fog. The air was thick with the smell of pine and cut grass.
Levi had taken her around the lake, showing her all the spots she’d missed on their last outing: Summit Ridge, the state park, Stone Gap Bridge.
Two weeks had passed since she’d sprained her ankle. The bruising hadn’t quite faded, but it was no longer swollen. And after seeing everything she’d missed, she was eager to get back to hiking—with Levi along this time.
She followed him up the dock. He was due at the front desk, but she hadn’t yet told him she planned to stay. There was a part of her that feared he might not be as happy as she hoped. But she was running out of time.
She tugged him to a stop before they reached the grassy bank.
He looked over his shoulder at her; then, seeming to sense her gravity, he turned to her and took her other hand, a frown tugging at his brows. “What’s wrong? What is it?”
