His hand returns to his pocket.
“I can bring the money for first and last month’s rent and the deposit later today.”
“Whenever,” he says with a shrug. “I’m in no hurry, and I know where you live. Welcome home, Sarah.”
He winks, and then he walks out. Several seconds later, Grace returns with a happy smile. “I’m so glad this worked out for you! I think you’ll love it here. Now, if you don’t mind, I’ll have to take you back to Annabelle’s because I have another showing in just a bit.”
“Of course.” I turn back to take it all in. The small but efficient kitchen, the living space with a loveseat, chair, and TV, and that incredible view of the water.
I’m going to move in today.
“You’re doingwhat?”June demands with her hands on her hips. I had Grace drop me off at the lighthouse where June’s working on the inn, and to my delight, Luna was with June, so I could tell the story once.
“She’s moving into her own place,” Luna says and pulls me in for a hug. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you.”
“You don’t have to move,” June insists.
“Honey, Idohave to move.” I wince but stand firm. “I love you and your grandmother, more than you’ll ever know, and I’m so grateful that you let me stay with you when I didn’t have anywhere else to go. But it’s tough living outside of town without a vehicle, and I just want my own quiet space.”
“I get it,” June says with a sigh. “I just love having you there because you were gone for so long, you know?”
“I’m only moving into town, not to another country.” I wrap my arms around her and hug her close. “Thank you for loving me so much, and for taking such good care of me. But, I’ve got this, Juniper Rose. I promise.”
“Now I’m getting sloppy.” June brushes at a tear on her cheek. “Okay, you’re evicted. Go move in with Tanner and fall in love again.”
“Whoa. That’s not atallwhat’s going to happen.”
“I mean, itcouldhappen,” Luna points out, but I shake my head emphatically.
“No. That ship sailed long ago, and now he’s a friend, as well as my landlord. That’s it. Just wait until you see it, you guys.”
“When are you moving in?” Luna asks.
“Today.”
June blows out a breath. “Come on. Let’s go get your stuff and your mangy cat, then get you moved.”
“I’m coming, too. I can’t wait to see it,” Luna says.
“I love you guys. And Petunia isnotmangy. Anymore.”
June 8,2003
Dear Diary,
I got a job! I start at Gordy’s on Friday. Now that school’s out for the summer, and I’m sixteen, I can have a summer job. I’m so excited. Having my own money will be so nice. I can take care of myself and Scott, and we won’t have to depend on Mom and Dad so much. They don’t do much for us anyway, and I’m sick of having to mooch off our friends for food.
I know they say that it’s not a big deal, but it’s still embarrassing. I’ll buy groceries for Scott and me, and I’ll hide them.
I don’t get to wait tables yet because I don’t have enough experience, but it’ll be okay to clear them and help wherever they need me. Gordy said that some of the servers will share some of their tips with me, and that would be cool.
Tanner Hilleman asked me out on a date, so basically, this is the best week that’s ever happened. We’re going to the movies Friday night. I don’t know what to wear, so I’ll have to ask the girls to help me.
A job, a cute boy, and SUMMER. Yeehaw!
TTYL,