Page 112 of Day Break

“Is this a good price?” Chloe asked. She turned to Melissa. “Sorry, I… I’ve never owned property before.”

Melissa smiled. “I hope you don’t think me strange, but I’ve been following what has been going on between you and your crazy ex.” She rolled her head slightly. “Actually, everyone on the island probably knows every single detail of what’s happened to you, both of you.” She motioned towards me. “I’m so sorry you went through all that. Sorry about your loss. Your grandfather was a kind man. I had an abusive ex myself, before I met Jacob.” She looked between us. “Looks like you found the right man now.”

I took Chloe’s hand and squeezed it softly. “She did.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

“I rise to taste the dawn and find that love alone will shine today.”

- Ken Wilber

Chloe

While Lane and Melissa talked logistics and price, I scanned the flyer that she’d brought about the building. Looking over all the pretty glossy pictures of the inside, my imagination went wild.

There would need to be some work done to it. The kitchen would have to be extended and updated. Still, the rest of the building was perfect. There was even a large freezer in the back that, according to the paperwork, worked properly.

I would need tables, chairs, maybe some booths for out front. In the summer months, I could set tables and chairs out front like a restaurant in Paris that I’d seen in a movie.

I just knew in my heart that I could turn the place into a very romantic spot.

At this point, I was already running through menu items, trying to decide which dishes of mine people would enjoy the best.

“Isn’t that correct?” Lane said, glancing over at me.

“I’m sorry?” I shook my head.

“I was telling Melissa that you’re reading through Sherry’s old diary. The last one she wrote that summer.”

“Oh, yes.” I smiled. Then my eyes grew big. “You’re Missy.” I pointed at her.

Melissa laughed and nodded. “I am. Sherry used to call me that, and I used to call her Sher-bear.” Melissa laughed.

“She goes on and on about you. How the two of you snuck out of the house and used to meet on the beach at night,” I said, remembering the entry. I was about three-quarters through the diary. I only was able to read it when I had free time during the day.

“We did.” Melissa laughed again. “I introduced her to beer.” She rolled her eyes. “Right before…” She took a deep breath. “I haven’t had a best friend since Sherry.”

I thought of how lucky she’d been to have one. Growing up, I’d had sisters and brothers to play with. None of them I would have considered friends.

“Well, I’m glad someone found her last diary,” Melissa said. “I know your family was looking for it. They even asked me if I had it or knew anything about it.”

“They did?” Lane asked, frowning. “Who?”

Melissa shrugged. “I think it was your uncle. It might have been your dad?” She shook her head. “I was fourteen and had just lost my best friend.”

“I’m so sorry,” I said suddenly, thinking of George’s letter for a moment. “It must have been so hard on you.”

“Not as hard as on others.” Melissa motioned to Lane. “At least I wasn’t accused of killing her and dumping her body in a pond.”

I glanced over at Lane, who was frowning down at his hands. “Right,” he said softly. I could tell he too was thinking of George’s letter and the key in his pocket. “Well, we’ll look this over and let you know.”

“If you’re done eating, would you like to go take a look at the inside of the building?” Melissa offered.

“Yes,” I answered a little too quickly. “If we can?” I asked Lane.

“Sure.” He smiled at me. “I’ll just go pay up, then we can meet you over there,” he said to Melissa.

“See you there.” She got up and left.