Evelyn and Donna walked through Parker’s General Store and Sea Glass Cafe, checking on things, doing their nightly closing-up routine. When they were done, Evelyn met Donna at the front door, and they stepped outside into the fresh evening air.
Donna locked the door behind them and touched the plaque beside the door that said established in 1926.
“Just like grandmother and her mother did when they closed up for the day,” Evelyn said.
“Some traditions are good to keep. It makes me feel more connected to the Parker women who went before us.”
“It’s a nice tradition.” She wanted to touch it too but somehow felt like it was Donna’s thing to do. That she’d be intruding on the tradition. After all, Donna was the one who had taken over running the store for years. Donna and Livy had just recently asked her to be partners in the business with them. She eyed the plaque once more, then ignored it.
“Busy day at the store today.” Donna stretched and looked up and down the street.
“Busy at the cafe, too. It’s strange how sometimes a weekday will be almost as busy as a weekend day.” Evelyn tilted her head from side to side, trying to release the tension in her shoulders. “But I’m not complaining, really.”
Donna nodded. “I’m not either.”
“So, that Rob guy came in today and brought his sister. The one who bought Murphy’s Resort,” Evelyn said as they headed down the sidewalk together.
“He came into the store today, too, so I got to meet Violet. They bought gallons and gallons of paint for the cottages.”
“She said she was going to paint each one a different color.”
“Well, I’ll say this. Judging by the colors she picked, they are going to bebright. But she did a great job picking the tones. I think they’ll all work really well together.”
“I can’t wait to see how it all turns out.” Evelyn paused as they got to the corner where she split off from Donna and would head to her apartment. “I told them about the Sandcastle Festival, too. They both said they’d come.”
“That reminds me. I told Emily and Blake they could work the morning shift at the booth that day but have the afternoon off. Kids gotta be kids sometimes, don’t they?”
“They do. And both of them work really hard. An afternoon of fun will be good for them.”
“You want to come over to my house for a bit?” Donna asked. “Barry is working late.”
She considered it, but she really was tired from the long day of work. Plus, she loved going home to her cozy little apartment. “I think I’ll just head home. I’m beat.”
“Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Donna continued down the sidewalk and Evelyn turned toward her apartment. The streetlights switched on as she walked down the street as if welcoming her home.
As she slowly strolled along, she realized how content she was with her life these days. How pleased she was with the life she’d created. She loved things just like they were. Predictable. Stable. Exactly how she liked things to be.
She slowed as she saw a man approaching and realized who it was. “Good evening, Rob,” she said as he got closer.
“Well, Evelyn. Hello.” Smile lines crinkled the edges of his eyes as he greeted her.
“Just out for an evening walk?” she asked, noticing how relaxed he looked.
“My sister had me painting samples of the paint colors on the different cottages and was second-guessing her choices. Anyway, I figured if I didn’t insist I wanted a walk, she’d have me working until midnight.” He shook his head, but she could tell that he wasn’t really annoyed.
“Donna said she liked the colors Violet picked out.”
“I hope she tells Violet that if she goes back for more paint. I think they look good, but I don’t know coral from peach from orange, evidently. Oh, and teal can be blueish or greenish, or so I’ve been told. And it has to be the perfect teal shade.” He shrugged.
“I’m sure she’ll sort it out.”
“She will.” He glanced down the street. “I’m not headed anywhere in particular. Just out stretching my legs. Mind if I walk you home?”
She looked at him in surprise, not expecting that. “I… ah…”
“No, that’s okay. I know you don’t really know me or anything.” He stepped back.
