Page 18 of One Last Kiss
Chapter 5
Abby kept reminding herself to take slow, deep breaths.
What did it matter that the prospective buyer that she was currently giving a tour of her restaurant to wanted to turn The Landing into a burger and fries joint?
“I just think that people come to the water and want a cheap meal,” a balding, middle-aged man said, looking over at his wife who nodded emphatically.
“I know that’s what I want,” the woman agreed.
When Abby had dreamt up The Landing, she’d thought just the opposite. Coming to the water was an experience, and people deserved equally amazing dining. Sam had taken her dream, and he and the Sawyer familyhad gotten to work with a local building group to bring the restaurant into fruition. She offered fine dining by the water. People crossed states just to have a meal at her restaurant. And now this guy wanted to cheapen it.
She held her tongue as she continued to walk them through, showing them the kitchenand dining area, the bathrooms, and then opening the door to the basement where she stocked supplies.
The memory of being here with Sam flashed across her mind. She’d been terrified of the enclosed space, knowing that she couldn’t get out at free will, and Sam had been there for her. He’d also been there for her when she finally told him about the baby they’d lost. She’d imagined herself telling him the truth a thousand times. Never had he been sogentle or apologetic in those imaginings as he’d been in this basement the other day.
“Maybe we can rent this basement out to someone needing storage,” the prospective buyer told his wife.
Abby glanced over her shoulder. “It’s the perfect place to store supplies. I run a Meals on Wheels program for the elders in town. They depend on the food I bring over. I was hoping whoever purchased this restaurant would carry-onthat charity.”
The couple looked at her like she’d grown horns.
Finally, the man snorted while shaking his head. “I don’t think I’ll have time for that. One of the reasons we want to move the Blushing Bay is to be on the water. When we’re not flipping burgers,I plan to be soaking out in the sun. I might even take up fishing.”
“I’m going to take up crocheting,” the wife said with a giggle. “On a lawn chair, down by the water.”
Slow, deep breaths, Abby reminded herself. Just like Dr. Dumont had taught her. Putting on a fake smile, Abby turned and led the couple back toward the door. “Thank you so much for having a look.”
“We have a few more places to tour today, but we’ll be in touch. I think this is the perfect location for our restaurant though,” the man said. He gave Abby a conspiratorial wink, as if to say it was a done deal, and they’d be making an offer late this afternoon or tomorrow.
That would be good news, Abby tried to convince herself. She had an opportunity of a lifetime waiting for her in Atlanta. She was going to have her own cooking show. Owning and operating The Landing Seafood Restaurant was the dream of her past, just like her marriage.
Abby watched the couple walk out to the parking lot toward their vehicle. Then she turned back to the restaurant which wasn’t open yet. Her staff would be arriving soon and the lunchtime bustle would begin.
She loved the rhythm of this place. How it came alivemid-morning and continued that way until the after-dinner hours. She loved the regular customers who came often enough for her to be able to guess what they were going to order. She loved how the setting sun changed the lighting inside the room. In fact, there wasn’t anything she didn’t love about The Landing.
Her heart was heavy as she walked behind the counter and looked out into the empty dining room. She would miss this place more than she’d considered when she put it up on the market.Hearing the back door to the restaurant open, Abby turned. She walked down the hall in that direction and stopped when she saw Sam standing there. He looked a little out of breath and his cheeks were flushed.
“Is something wrong? Is it your father?” she asked.
“No, he’s healthy as a horse and grumpy as the old man he is.”
This made her smile. “Why are you here then?” Her heart rate kicked up.
“I came to tell you that you’re just about as right as you are wrong.”
Her mouth fell open as her muscles tightened in defense. “What?”
“We’re not done, Abby. You can go to Atlanta if you want, but it will never be over between us. Not while I still love you and you still love me.”
She swallowed past her heart in her throat. All she had to do was push him away and he’d go. He’d always leave, just like her mother and then her father. She was tired of getting by on her own. She’d proven to herself that she could, but she didn’t want to anymore. “Sometimes love isn’t enough, Sam. We had our chance, and webothruined it.”
“Bullshit, Abby. I don’t believe that, and neither do you. Loveisenough, especially when two people are willing to work on it. I’ve been working on my issues. You’re right, I think Dr. Dumont has helped. I think if we went to see her together, at the same time, we could be stronger than ever.”
The way he saidtogetherandat the same timemade her wonder if he knew that she’d been going to marriage counseling as well.
“Maybe I don’t deserve a second chance, but I’m asking for one anyway,” he continued. “I’ll say it again. If you need me to go with you to Atlanta,that’s what I’ll do. I’m serious about giving us another shot. I believe in us. Do you?”
Tears threatened behind her eyes. He was still here. He wasn’t leaving, and as tired as she was of watching the people she loved leave, she was even more tired of pushing them away.
