“Well, all I know is that you graduated from high school, went to college in New York, and now here you are, the newest owner of Tide’s Pull Bed and Breakfast. So, maybe you can fill in the blanks.”
“So, you want to be here all night?” I said, smiling.
Josh laughed and shrugged his shoulders.
I gave him a brief overview of my time in college and then told him about deciding to move to Staten Island.
“Do you enjoy living in the city?” he asked.
“I do,” I said. “I love the fact that there is always something going on. I have a great job, and it’s been so much fun.”
Josh nodded and then motioned for me to continue with my story. I told him about the call I received from Mr. Jacobson and then my decision to come out here to at least look at the property.
“And that leads us to this very moment, me sitting here on the sand, eating dinner with you,” I said.
“Wow. You’ve been up to quite a lot since I last saw you! So, what are you thinking about the B&B? You seemed a little overwhelmed today.”
“You could tell?” I asked, embarrassed.
Josh nodded. “But don’t be embarrassed. I have seen several other people in your position, and it is part of my job to recognize when someone is feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next.”
I felt a bit better but still embarrassed that he could read me so well.
“Do you know what you’re going to do?” he asked again.
I looked out at the ocean and took a deep breath. Despite everything going on, I felt relaxed. I loved being at the beach, and there was something so comforting about feeling at home.
“I thought I did,” I said honestly. “When I got on the plane yesterday, I was certain of what I was going to do. I had made upmy mind that I was going to come out here, tour the property, and then meet with a realtor to sell it.”
“But now?” he asked, tilting his head to the side.
I sighed, then felt a surge of excitement as I vocalized the thoughts that had been running through my head. “I think I’m going to keep it and try my hand at running it,” I said.
“Are you serious?” Josh asked, his eyes wide with shock.
“Yes,” I said. “I can’t explain it, but it just feels like the right thing to do. And I love the thought of a new adventure.”
“But I thought you were happy in New York?” he asked. “You were just saying how great it is.”
I shook my head and shrugged my shoulders.
“I know,” I said, laughing. “I am happy there. It is great. I love everything about it. But there’s just something about this place. I feel like it’s drawing me to it. I don’t know how to explain it. But when I think about moving out here and figuring out how to run the B&B, I get so excited.”
“Wow,” Josh said. “Well, if you are excited, then I’m excited for you!”
“Thank you,” I said.
“So now what? What’s your first step?”
“Well, I think I should probably call my parents and tell them what I’m up to.”
Chapter 4
Josh
“I have a hot tip for you, Josh!” Melissa said, sitting down in the chair across from me, her eyes bright with excitement.
It was a week after my dinner with Brenna. She was back in New York, starting the process of moving across the country. I was at my weekly meeting but had to admit I was distracted. I still couldn’t believe that Brenna was going to completely change her life and move back to Vista Bay. It took so much courage, and I admired her for it.
