“Absolutely perfect,” I said, drinking my water and sitting down across from him. “It was the best morning of surfing I’ve had in a long time.”
“Nice!” he said, leaning back in his chair and stretching. “Did you catch any big ones?”
“Oh, you know it,” I said, laughing. “But I mostly just glided on top of the water. It was so relaxing.”
Rylan smiled. “I’m glad you had a good time. I would’ve joined you, but you know how I am in the mornings.”
I laughed. “Oh, I know,” I said. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Rylan stood up and walked over to the coffee maker, pouring himself a cup. “What do you have planned for the day?”
I thought for a moment. “Well, I was thinking of taking a nap after I showered. Other than that, I don’t have anything planned.”
Rylan nodded. “Sounds like a good plan. Maybe we could go out and grab a bite to eat later?”
“Absolutely,” I said. “I’m always up for food.”
Rylan laughed. “That’s what I like to hear.”
I watched as Rylan sat back down and started to drink his coffee. We sat there in silence for a few minutes, enjoying each other’s company. Finally, I stood up and said, “I’m going to go shower and then take that nap. I’ll see you in a bit.”
“Sounds good,” Rylan said, giving me a wave as I walked towards the stairs.
As I climbed the stairs, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment. I loved my home, my routine, and my life on the island. It was everything I had ever wanted, and I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.
That night as I laid, I thought back to the suggestion Melissa had made that we try and buy Brenna out. After talking with her earlier that day, I realized that there was no way I would everbe on board with that option. If she wanted help in the future I would offer to partner with her, but she was my friend and there was no way I could ever try and take her business from her. I took a deep breath and said a silent prayer that it would never come to that, and that she would find nothing but enormous success with the B&B.
Chapter 7
Brenna
I took a deep breath as I filled the tea kettle with water and set it on the stove.
I pulled a mug out of the cupboard and then looked around the cozy kitchen. The house was set up so that I had my own private living area off the kitchen, separate from the rest of the inn.
As I surveyed this arrangement, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. In my previous living situations, work had a way of encroaching on my personal space, blurring the lines between my professional responsibilities and my need for downtime.
But here, in this quaint kitchen corner, I saw the opportunity to establish clear boundaries, both physically and mentally.
The idea of having my own little sanctuary within the bustling inn filled me with a quiet sense of contentment. It was a place where I could retreat after a long day of managing guests and attending to the demands of running a business. A space where I could unwind, indulge in a cup of tea, and immerse myself in the simple pleasures of home.
I knew that this separation would not only provide me with a much-needed respite from the constant activity of the Inn but also serve as a visual reminder to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
It was a small gesture, perhaps, but one that held immense significance for someone like me, who had always struggled to carve out moments of tranquility amidst the chaos of everyday life.
And so, with a sense of purpose and determination, I embraced this newfound sanctuary, confident that it would serve as the cornerstone of my journey toward fulfillment and happiness in my new role as the innkeeper.
The manual left behind by Mr. Reynolds served as a beacon of guidance in the midst of my uncertainty, its pages a testament to the legacy he had built and the responsibilities now entrusted to me. With each word I read, I felt a renewed sense of purpose stirring within me, a quiet determination to honor his memory and uphold the traditions of this cherished establishment.
Although I felt a bit overwhelmed, I knew that all that I could do was just get to work. I grabbed a notepad and pen, and once my tea was ready I sat down and began to read through the manual and take notes on everything that I needed to do.
An hour later I took a break from reading and decided to walk through every room. I needed to figure out what I wanted the place to look like, and how it could reflect me.
The more I walked around, the more confused I became. I didn’t know what to change and what to leave. All of the furniture was antique and seemed to fit the beach vibe, but the decorations seemed a bit too old fashioned for what I wanted.
However, did that mean I had to redo everything? Did I have to paint all of the rooms, or would new curtains and bedding do the trick? There was so much that I didn’t know and I didn’t even know where to begin.
I picked up my phone and sent a text to the group chat I had with Michelle and Alicia.
