Page 4 of Searching for Sunshine

“Speaking,” I grumble, ignoring the honks from the teacher behind me as we all fight to get out of the narrow parking lot.

“Great. I was beginning to think we wouldn’t ever be able to get a hold of you. We’ve been trying to contact you for the last week.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I noticed a few missed calls this week, but I’ve been so busy with school, it completely slipped my mind. And I figured if it was super important you’d leave a voicemail or something,” I say, not sure why I feel the need to defend myself. “Anyway, who am I speaking with?”

“My apologies, Miss Hale. I didn’t mean for us to get off on the wrong foot. I’m Mr. Marshall, and I’m the executor of your grandmother’s will here in Crestbrook Cove,” the man says, and I pause from where I was reaching to grab my energy drink from the cupholder.

“Wait? Are you talking about my Memaw?” I ask, feeling the familiar swell of grief rise inside of me at the reminder of the fact that my grandmother’s gone.

“Well, the legal name of the deceased is Betty Hale, but I presume she was one and the same. And as for the estate, I have strict instructions from your grandmother to discuss this in person. Would it be possible for you to drive down to meet with me early next week?” the voice on the other end of the line asks, pulling me from my thoughts.

“Um, what? Drive to Crestbrook? Next week? Listen, sir, I don’t mean to sound ungrateful but I have a lot going on here, so if you’re calling me down there to tell me she left me her collection of smutty monster romances or something, I’m really grateful, but can you just mail them to me or something?”

“I assure you, Miss Hale, while I can’t discuss the specifics over the phone, it will be well worth your time to make the trip, and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a bit time-sensitive,” Mr. Marshall says, and I note a hint of frustration in his voice.

After thinking for a second and realizing I don’t have much of a choice, I finally say, “Okay, Mr. Marshall. I’ll be there on Monday afternoon.”

“I’ll see you then, Miss Hale. You know where the old law office is here in Crestbrook, I presume?”

“Yeah, I do. I’ll be there around three. Thanks again,” I tell him as I end the call, fighting the urge to bury my head in my hands. I’d planned to start the job search on Monday since the realization that I have no clue what my life’s going to look like in just a few months is causing me major anxiety, but obviously, that’ll have to wait a little longer.

I try to imagine what on earth could be so important in Crestbrook Cove that I have to drive down in person, but my Memaw always had a flair for the dramatic. I’m not expecting much, but since I’m obviously not going to get answers over thephone, I may as well make the trip now before summer really starts.

I’m almost back to the apartment, still lost in my thoughts when my phone pings.

Avery: HAPPY SUMMER! Now that we’re both officially unemployed, how should we celebrate?

Stella: Not sure that’s really something to celebrate, but I’ll drink to surviving the school year. Want to do takeout and seltzers by the pool?

Avery: I’m in. Be home in an hour or two.

Stella: Perfect. I’m going for a run and then we can order.

Avery: Sounds good. See you in a bit.

I spent the morning taking my classroom apart and loading the boxes in my car to go into storage until I can decide what’s next for me. I’m exhausted, and despite wanting to keep up with my training schedule, I know there’s no way I’m making it more than a few miles today. As soon as I step into the apartment, Duke runs at me and I sit on the floor to pet him.

“Hey, buddy. Did you have a good day?” I ask, and he licks my face in confirmation. “Good, my sweet boy. Let me go change clothes and we’ll go for a quick walk before my run.”

My lab’s tail wags wildly, and he rolls on his back for me to rub his tummy. Smiling, I love on him for a few moments before standing. After changing, we make a few short laps around the apartment complex before I take him back inside. Despite beinga pretty active pup, he’s never enjoyed running with me, so I lace up my shoes and leave him snoozing on the couch as I head out for my run. My pace is slower than usual, but I still feel my anxiety lessen slightly the longer I go. After I hit my third mile, I slow to a walk and head back to my apartment.

“Hey, how was your run?” Avery asks as soon as I walk in the door. She’s curled up on the couch with Duke at her feet, and I can’t help but smile at the sight.

“It was good. I didn’t go too far today, but I needed to clear my head. It’s been a weird day, huh?”

“Tell me about it. I guess I should have expected it, but I didn’t think I’d feel so sentimental leaving Smith’s Valley High this afternoon,” Avery confesses, running her fingers through her long blonde hair before tossing it into a bun on the top of her head.

I nod in agreement before walking across the apartment to the kitchen. “Yeah, I’m not gonna lie, some of the goodbyes were a little brutal. But I guess it makes sense. We have spent the last three years there.”

“Yeah, you’re right. But enough of that. I’m manifesting a fun, new adventure for us this year.”

I laugh at that as I lean across the island to grab a glass to fix myself some water. “I’m in. I mean, honestly, I wouldn’t mind a little more excitement. I’ve realized over the last few weeks that I feel a little stuck. I honestly don’t remember the last time I did something fun and spontaneous.”

“Same. But all of that’s going to change this summer, I can feel it,” Avery says seriously.

“Well, considering the fact that we’re both about to be job searching and potentially moving, you’re probably right.” I laugh, taking a long sip of my water.

“Right, but isn’t that all the more reason to see this whole summer as an adventure? Just promise me we’ll say yes to whatever comes our way.”

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