Seventeen

Haley walked to the kitchen, barely feeling the ground beneath her. It had been the most wonderful weekend. The only thing that would have made it better would be if Logan had shown any real interest in Sky. He’d been friendly enough, but it was clear he wasn’t interested.

Sullivan, though, had been perfect. He kept holding Haley’s gaze and hand—it was the real look of love. The same one Haley was sure was written all over her face, too. He’d even invited her and Jensyn to the beach, and he’d set up an elaborate picnic lunch in the shade for them. As much as Haley would’ve liked some time alone with him, it made her heart soar all the higher that he wanted to include her sister.

It was Monday now, and she needed to bring herself back to the ground. A potentially big client wanted to meet with her that morning, and she really needed it since things had stalled with the property back home. Her rent was due and her savings would only cover her this one month. She hadn’t taken the advice of common knowledge and saved for six months of bills.

Jensyn came in and grabbed a box of cereal.

“Good morning,” Haley said.

“Morning,” Jensyn mumbled.

“Do you need me to take you in to get that cast off?”

“They said I’m supposed to just have my regular doctor look at it.” Jensyn yawned. 

“So, you’ve got it taken care of?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay. Why are you up so early?”

Jensyn poured milk over the cereal. “Since I had the weekend off, I get cleanup duty and paperwork all day today.”

“Gotcha. Well, I have some work today, too. If you need me, just call my cell.”

She sat and dug into her food. “’Kay.”

Haley finished her toast. “You want a smoothie? I’m going to make one for me.”

“Sure.” Jensyn yawned again.

“Maybe you should go to bed earlier.” Haley grabbed what she needed from the fridge.

“They got all the free coffee I want. I’m good.”

“Just a thought.” Haley dumped everything into the blender, added some almond milk, and started it. She poured two glasses and handed one to Jensyn. “This’ll give you an energy boost, too.”

“Thanks.” She sipped it and her eyes lit up. “This is really good. What’s in it?”

 Haley laughed. “Aside from oranges and bananas, you probably don’t want to know.”

“As long as it tastes this good, I don’t care.”

“It has kale and—”

“You’re right. Don’t ruin it for me.”

Haley held back a laugh and washed out the blender. She gave her sister a quick hug before heading out the door and entering the address into her GPS. It was a big lot near the edge of town in an industrial area. 

When she pulled onto the lot, two single-story brick buildings with broken windows greeted her. In between them sat a parking lot. Beyond the buildings was just concrete. It would certainly be a challenge to write up an exciting listing for this place.

A white pickup truck pulled next to her and screeched to a stop. A guy in his early fifties with graying hair and overalls got out and waved to her. 

She got out of her car and shook his hand. “I’m Haley Faraway.”

“Hank. So, you really think you can sell this place?”

“To the right buyer, sure. Want to show me around?”

He led her through both buildings—both were unlocked already. The first looked like it had been used as an office building and the other as storage. She took notes and pictures as they went. 

Hank scratched his head. “To be honest, I was going to go with the Hunter’s realty business. They’re established, you know, but my wife said she heard people trust lady realtors more, so…” He shrugged. “Is it true?”

Haley forced a smile. “I haven’t heard that one before, but people seem to like me.”

“Okay. What now?”

“I’ll email you the paperwork. Print it out, sign where indicated, and get it back to me. Then we’ll get this place on the market.”

“The wife handles all the computer stuff. I’ll let her know. Thanks, Miss Haley.”

She smiled and shook his hand. “Thank you, Hank.”

He drove off, and she wandered around again, taking more notes and pictures. Selling a property as big as this would help out a lot—just like the one back home being held up by red tape.

Haley headed back home and set up her laptop on her old desk in her room. It was so strange using her childhood desk for work, but there was no way she was going into Dad’s office no matter how sprawling the desk was in there.

By the time she had the listing set up, her stomach was growling. She warmed up some leftovers and relaxed on the couch, watching an old episode of Friends. She laughed as Rachel talked Ross’s girlfriend into shaving her head.

After a couple episodes, it was time to get back to work. She really needed to sell something—whether it was in Enchanted Bay or Portland. In her room, the little light on her phone blinked, alerting her to new texts and emails. Most of them had to do with her Portland listings. 

Wait. There was already an inquiry about the new listing. 

She read the email subject line again. It was true. Haley opened the email. It was from a lady moving from Florida wanting to open a doggy daycare and boarding house. She seemed to think the layout of the two buildings would be perfect for keeping the two aspects of her business separate but close.

Could it really be true? Were things really starting to come together? She was getting clients—actual, interested clients—in Enchantment Bay. Not only that, but things were going so well with Sullivan and Jensyn.

Smiling, Haley called her number.

“Cassidy Jones speaking.”

“Hi, Cassidy. My name is Haley Faraway, and—”

“You’re already calling me back? This is either good news or bad news.”

Haley’s smile widened. “Well, you’re the first one to inquire about that particular property.”

“I am?” she exclaimed. “Sounds like good news to me. I’m flying in as soon as I can to look around for boarding facilities and homes.”

“More good news. I can help you with houses, too.” 

“That would be wonderful. I’ll be staying with my brother for a few days. I can give you a call when I’m ready.”

“Why don’t you tell me what you’re looking for in a home? That way I can look around ahead of time.”

“I can email you the details.”

“Perfect. Just let me know if you need anything.”

“Really? Wow, when he said the bay is a friendly little place, I didn’t realize how right he was. Thanks, Haley.”

“My pleasure. I’ll speak with you tomorrow.”

Haley’s smile was even wider after the call ended. Her fingers flew across the keyboard at lightning speed.

After a while, her phone rang. It was Sullivan.

Maybe this would be the perfect day.

“Hi, Sullivan,” she answered.

“How’s the most beautiful woman in Enchantment Bay?”

Her heart fluttered. “I’m great. How are you?”

“Good. My brother-in-law is showing me his new Harley.”

“Oh, nice.”

“It sure is. So, what makes your day so wonderful?”

“There’s a large industrial lot. I haven’t even finished the paperwork for it, and I already have someone from across the country who wants to buy it—and she needs a home, too!” Haley beamed, waiting for Sullivan’s reply.

The line was silent.

Had it gone dead, or had she said something wrong? Was he still upset, thinking they were in competition?

Her stomach tightened. “Sullivan?”

Nothing. 

Haley’s mouth went dry. “Are you there?”

“Yeah, I’m sorry. We’re near the woods, and the reception is spotty. Congratulations, Haley. Wow, what a great day!” He actually did sound happy for her.

“Thanks.” She relaxed and then silently chastised herself for doubting him when he’d been nothing but supportive and sweet.

“Hey, do you want to meet for lunch tomorrow?” he asked. “I don’t think I can wait to see you until Thursday.”

Haley’s grin returned. “I’d love to.”