I nodded. “Yes, I’m sure you’re right. He’s very nice.”
“He’s nice,” Alicia said. “He’s kind and intelligent and gorgeous and wealthy?”
I nodded.
“I am booking my flight now,” she said, and all three of us laughed again.
I spent the next hour talking with them. They filled me in on everything that had been going on in their lives, and when I hung up I felt much better.
I decided to make a list of questions that I would ask Josh, if I decided to talk to him. Even if I didn't talk to Josh, I knew I needed to talk to somebody, and so I would ask those questions to whoever I ended up talking to.
By the time I went to bed that night my anxiety had passed and I was back to feeling excited about what I was doing.
Chapter 8
Josh
I sat in my car, trying to decide whether or not I was going to go over to the B&B. Since the day before, I had not been able to stop thinking about Brenna’s statement that she was going to try to figure out where to start. I wanted to give her the freedom to figure this out on her own, but I also knew that I had so much to offer and I could really help her. I didn’t want her to think I was intruding, but I also didn’t want her to fail.
Just do it,I thought.The worst that could happen is that she could tell you no, she doesn’t need your help.
Rylan was spending the day with his grandparents and wouldn’t be home until later that evening, and I had nothing else planned.
My mind made up, I started my car and made the short drive over to Brenna's place.
I parked the car, and before I could change my mind, I got out and walked up to her front door. I knocked, and she quickly answered. Although she was clearly surprised, she looked happy to see me.
“Hey!” she said, smiling. “What are you doing here?”
I couldn’t help but notice how adorable she looked. She was dressed very casually, with cut-off jeans shorts, a blue T-shirt, and flip-flops. Her hair was pulled up in a messy bun on top of her head, and she didn’t have any makeup on, but she was absolutely beautiful.
I realized I was too busy staring at her and hadn’t answered her question.
“I just came by to chat with you for a second,” I said.
“Oh, okay,” she said. “Well, you can come in if you want, or I have this fantastic deck we could sit on.”
She gestured to the oversized deck to the left of her. It was nice and open, with several comfortable-looking lounge chairs.
“That’s a great deck,” I said. “Let’s sit there!”
“Okay,” she said. “And look! It has an outstanding view.”
I turned around and took in the breathtaking views of the ocean. This was truly a remarkable property.
“Absolutely gorgeous,” I said.
“I know,” she answered. “I still can’t believe that I get to live here! Hey, would you like some coffee? I just brewed a full pot, and I probably shouldn’t drink it all by myself.”
“Sure, that would be great,” I said, sitting down in one of the chairs. I was pleased to see that it was as comfortable as it looked.
“Okay, great! I’ll be right back. Oh - do you take anything in it?”
I shook my head. “Nope!”
“Perfect," she said. “I’ll be back in a second.”
She ran into the house, and a minute later she emerged, carrying two mugs full of steaming, hot coffee.
