“That’s key,” Remi said with a grin. “Is it within yourbudget? California real estate is a whole different beast compared to Louisiana.”
“Tell me about it. Triple the price for the same square footage.” Bianca laughed, shaking her head. “But Harry gave me a nice nest egg after the divorce. I invested it well. I could pay cash if I wanted.”
Remi nodded. “And your house in New Orleans is on the market. Hopefully it’ll go quickly.”
They stepped back inside, stood in front of the tall windows that gave light to the entire space, gazing out at the ocean as it crashed against the rugged shore. Bianca walked slowly across the room, letting her fingers trail along the edge of the kitchen island. She paused at the window again, taking it all in—the light, the view, the quietness of the ocean. Then she closed her eyes for a moment.
She could see herself here. Coffee on the sunporch. Prince serenading her while she cooked. She would entertain occasionally, but not much. That was never her thing. It was more Remi’s cup of tea. Remi loved to entertain and invite the world into her orbit. Bianca was the opposite. She’d always been a social butterfly by day, mingling with the people who frequented her boutique. She loved being in the mix of things, but once she retreated to her personal space, that was it. She loved the peace and calmness.
“I’m in love with it,” Bianca finally said, her smile soft but certain.
“That’s what matters … that you don’t just like it, you love it.”
The realtor reentered, her voice bright. “What do you think?” she asked.
Bianca turned, still smiling. “I think I’d like to make an offer.”
And just like that, her mind was made up. She was staying.
They stopped for a late lunch at a well-loved fish market in Bodega Bay, known for its fresh catch and long lines that seemed to be worth the wait. There were plenty of seafood options, but Bianca ordered the seared ahi, charred just enough. Remi couldn’t resist the fried prawns.
They took their drinks, crisp local cider, and found a cozy spot outside. The breeze off the bay was cool but not cold. They pulled their sweaters tighter to brace against the wind. Seagulls squealed overhead. Boats rocked gently in the harbor below.
“Lunch here was a good idea,” Bianca said, stretching her legs under the picnic table.
“This will soon be your neck of the woods …maybe.”
Bianca looked out toward the water, her gaze steady. “I love being near the ocean.”
“Not much else here. Just fishing and water sports.” Remi laughed a little. “But you can always make the drive to Napa whenever you’re in the mood for a flea market or antique shopping. Something nonocean-related.”
“I could, when I want a change of scenery.” She breathed in the scent of the saltwater. “But I love the simplicity of being here.”
“Wow, you have changed. Ocean. Quiet. Simplicity. What have you done with Bianca?”
“She’s here,” Bianca said with a soft smile. “She’s just evolved.”
“Well … it’s nice to see the evolution.”
“Thank you.”
They talked easily, unforced. When the food arrived they savored it slowly. They took their time. Neither of them was in a rush. It was just the two of them, savory food and good conversation—a perfect afternoon.
They took their time driving back to Napa, letting the day unfold slowly. With the windows down and music filling the car, the coastline unraveled beside them as they drove.
Back at the house, Bianca stood in the kitchen, her glass on the counter. She waited for Remi to open the bottle—champagne this time. Zoe stepped into the kitchen.
“What is it that we’re celebrating?” she asked.
“Bianca just put an offer on a house,” Remi said. “In Bodega Bay.”
“Really?” Mila entered behind her, taking a seat at the island. “So, you’re staying here?”
Bianca paused, letting the question settle and thinking about her decision. It was one that she’d weighed carefully. She could be impulsive at times, but not this time. During those long, dark days she spent tucked away in her bedroom, she’d faced herself and made some hard decisions about her life.
Now she was ready. She knew what she wanted. She drew in a long breath. “Yes,” she said. “I am.”
Remi poured champagne into Bianca’s glass and then hers. They lifted their glasses in a toast. “Here’s to new decisions,” Remi said.