Page 4 of Serenity at Seagrove
Julie chuckled. "Well, it's probably because she didn't tell you. Sometimes I wonder if we embarrass her or something."
Julie looked at the house. "I love what you've done here. Dawson and I own the inn just up the road, so if you ever need a good recommendation for something or a place to put overflow guests, just let us know. We're always happy to help. Dawson also does some contracting work and can build anything, so if you need that kind of help just reach out.”
"That's very kind of you," Luna said. "Thank you. It's been a bit overwhelming moving here. I only visited here once as a kid, though I'd always dreamed of coming back. Everybody has been very welcoming so far.”
"Well, that's Seagrove for you," Julie said. "Once you're here, you're family."
They chatted for a while longer, and Luna felt increasingly at ease. Julie talked about the inn, some funny mishaps with guests, and heartfelt moments that had made the business more than just a job.
When Janine and Julie left, promising to return soon, Luna lingered on the yoga deck for a moment, the sound of the waves filling the silence. Meeting Janine had been such a gift, and now she also knew Julie. For the first time since stepping foot in Seagrove, she felt the hope that this new chapter of her life might be everything she had ever dreamed it could be.
* * *
The hum of the lunchtime crowd at the local café buzzed pleasantly in the background as Luna stepped onto the outdoor patio, the scent of coffee and fresh pastries mingling with the salty air from the nearby ocean. Small black wrought iron tables dotted the space, shaded by large umbrellas that swayed gently in the breeze. She was about to settle into a table in the corner when she spotted a familiar face waving her over.
Julie, with her blonde hair pulled back, sat at a table near the edge of the patio, a canvas tote bag from Down Yonder Bookstore propped up beside her chair. She had a half-eaten sandwich and a glass of sweet tea in front of her.
"Luna!" Julie called, motioning to the empty chair across from her. "Please join me. You're just in time for some Lowcountry sunshine and good company, I hope."
Luna smiled and made her way over. She'd met Julie just days ago, but her warmth and friendliness had made a big impression. It had been a long time since she’d had friends. Back in Austin, she was consumed with her work and taking on everyone else’s problems. Being alone in the world was hard. Luna had lost both of her parents before she graduated from high school. Her father died in a work accident when she was thirteen, and her mother of cancer when she was three months shy of graduating from high school.
"Are you sure? I don't want to interrupt your break."
"Oh, not at all," Julie said, waving her hand. "I was just thinking how lunch always tastes better with company. Please, sit."
Luna smiled and pulled out her chair, setting her bag beside her. "Thanks. This is a great spot for people-watching. The view of the square is amazing. I love all the moss on the trees."
"One of my favorite places to sit in town," Julie said. "Have you been over to the marsh yet? It's especially beautiful this time of year."
"I'm going to go over there today. I want to take some photos, maybe have them printed to hang on the walls of Serenity."
"How is Serenity coming along? Are you settling in okay?"
"I'm getting there," Luna said. "It just still feels so surreal sometimes. But I'm starting to get my footing. I can't wait to officially open. Janine has been so much help, and I think the yoga classes are really going to help my clients so much.”
"That's wonderful to hear. I'm not surprised about Janine. She's just got that gift for connecting with people. Your center is going to be the talk of Seagrove and probably the whole Southeast before long."
Luna chuckled. "Well, let's hope so."
The door to the café opened, and a tall, broad-shouldered man stepped out, his dark brown hair ruffled by the breeze. Luna immediately noticed how he favored his left shoulder, his movements deliberate but careful. He looked around the patio area, his eyes narrowing slightly when he spotted Julie.
"Archer, there you are. I wondered if you'd make it," she said, waving him over.
He approached, and Luna felt an inexplicable tug of curiosity. His chiseled features carried a weariness that belied the physical strength he obviously had. Despite his brooding demeanor, there was something very magnetic about him. He reached their table, and Julie nodded toward Luna.
"Archer, this is Luna Mason," Julie said. "She's the one who’s opening Serenity at Seagrove. It's a holistic healing center. Luna, this is Archer Hawk, an old friend of my husband's."
Luna turned sideways and reached out her hand, but Archer hesitated briefly before shaking it. His grip was firm but not overly so, and his hand felt warm against hers.
"Nice to meet you," Luna said, keeping her tone light despite the look in his eyes.
"You too," he said, his voice deep and slightly gruff.
Julie gestured to the other empty chair beside her. "Sit down and join us. You could use a good meal."
Archer hesitated and then shrugged. "Sure, why not?" He lowered himself into the chair and glanced at the menu Julie slid across to him. He scanned the options as Julie turned back to Luna.
"So I was just asking Luna how things are going with her new business. She's got big plans for the place. Therapy, yoga, mindfulness workshops. Doesn't that sound amazing?"
