But where did they go from here? If she did want to explore things, was he ready for that?

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

It had been years since Sarah walked the beach on this side of the bay. The scenic drive along the coast of town was breathtaking, and it was exhilarating to cruise along the twisty coastal road, feeling the warm breeze through the open windows, the sun breaking through the disappearing clouds. Pulling into a lot a block away from the beach, she parked the car, grabbed her purse, and headed down the boarded walkway.

Along the busy boardwalk, clothing and jewelry stores had tables of merchandise set up outside, sale signs broadcasting amazing deals for the beautiful handcrafted pieces. Long, flowy bohemian skirts caught her attention, and she stopped to admire them. Soft fabrics of various shades for deals she’d only find here in Blue Moon Bay. In L.A., the prices would be double.

Life here was wonderful. The ocean, the weather, the slower pace, all these amazing local shops and restaurants…

A street musician played a beat on bongo drums in the distance and up ahead, a local artist drew a family caricature sketch for a group of tourists. Sarah stopped to watch, then reluctantly moved on.

Seeing Harrison’s Blown Glass hut, she entered through the already open door. Lack of air-conditioning in the space made it stifling with the variety of heating machinery generating warmth throughout the store. Just a light breeze from a floor fan in the corner blew her sundress around her ankles and offered any form of relief from the heat. Sarah removed her light sweater and wrapped it around her waist.

It was definitely one of the oldest and smallest shops along the boardwalk. Wooden exposed beams in the ceiling and unfinished shelves along the walls gave the place a rustic, beachside appeal. The smell of paint mixed with a slight wood-burning scent left no question that the art was created on-site.

She slid her sunglasses to the top of her head as she scanned the dozens of differently shaped bulbs hanging from the ceiling, like the one Wes and Marissa had given her. Round, teardrop, oval…some with a delicate point at the bottom. All shapes and variety of color blends, picking up the sunlight through the window and casting a warm glow across the wooden floor.

“Hello?” she called out.

She didn’t see anyone inside, and she couldn’t hear anyone working in the back. Maybe they’d gone on break. Vendors rarely worried about theft on the boardwalk. They all looked out for one another in the community. She may not see anyone around, but no doubt, there were eyes on her.