“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about my future lately.” Bianca breathed heavily as they increased the pace.
“And what did you decide?”
“Decided that I really like the peace and calm that I feel here, in this area,” Bianca said. “I called my realtor in New Orleans. She thinks that if I put my home on the market now, she’d have it sold by fall … maybe sooner.”
“Wow. That’s soon.”
“And I had a long talk with Amelia. She’s totally open to running Chic Threads, at least until I figure out what to do with it.”
“Chic Threads would fit really well in downtown Napa.”
“Or, even better, in Bodega Bay. It’s a cute little area, and I’m quite fond of it. I’ve been looking at small homes near the beach.” Bianca ran her hand through her short curls. “I have my eye on a couple of possibilities. One of them I’m going to see soon.”
“Wow. You’ve done a lot of footwork. Sounds like your mind is made up, then.”
Remi felt a bit detached. Normally, these were decisions they would’ve made together. They would’ve brainstormed together. Bianca would have asked Remi’s advice. They would’ve also celebrated the fact that she was staying in the area. They would’ve drunk wine and toasted.
“I don’t know how much time I have on this earth, Rem. I want to make sure I spend it being happy. I’ve done some bad things to the people I love, but still, I have to believe that there’s some good out there, even for me.”
“There is some good out there for you, B,” Remi said.
She looked at Bianca. Color had returned to her skin. She was putting on a little weight. Her mood had lifted. For a while there depression had her bound. But lately, Remi had seen a change.
“I hope so. I was in a very dark place.”
“I certainly don’t want you in that dark place. I want to see you healthy … and happy.” Remi paused. “And for the record, I have forgiven you. Not necessarily for you, but for me. You have to forgive for your own self-care.”
Bianca choked on her words. “I’m thankful.”
Remi reached for Bianca’s hand, held it tightly as they walked.
“Maybe I can go with you to see that place in Bodega Bay.”
Bianca glanced at her, smiled warmly. “I’d like that.”
They rounded the curve in the path, the sign forJoiecoming up ahead, its letters glowing faintly as dusk began to set in.
Remi looked out over the rows of vines. “Isn’t it crazy how something good can grow out of everything bad?”
Bianca followed her gaze. “It’s not crazy,” she said. “It’s what we’re made for … to grow.”
They walked on, side by side. Bianca and Remi were no longer two women carrying grief and old wounds—but survivors moving toward whatever came next, together.
Chapter Thirty-four
Bianca
The house was rustic and tucked into the cliffs, with sweeping views of the ocean and the bay. The kitchen, with its granite countertops and spacious island, was the first thing to draw Bianca in. It opened to a wide, extensive room and the sunporch just off the living area, which was an unexpected bonus. Hardwood floors, which were the original ones, gave the space character.
Bianca and Remi followed the realtor throughout the house, peeking into the two bedrooms, stepping out to breathe in the air and take in the views. It was just the right amount of space for Bianca, and enough for Mila if she decided to visit.
“I’ll let you look around. Take it all in,” the realtor said. “Let me know if you have questions.”
Once she stepped away, Bianca turned to Remi. “What do you think?”
“I think it’s gorgeous. Definitely you. You’ve always loved rustic spaces with killer views.”
“I love the kitchen too.”