Amber Crewes [Crewes - Sandy Bay series Box Set 1

GOOD MORNING, MEGHAN TRUMAN! Its a beautiful day to be in Sandy Bay.

Meghan smiled sleepily at Karen, her seventy-two year old friend and former neighbor, who had just walked through the front door of the bakery, Truly Sweet . The two had met back in Los Angeles; Karen was a retired nurse, and she and Meghan had lived in the same apartment complex. Meghan adored Karens enthusiasm and vigor, and Karen was filled with energy as she burst through the door.

Someones cheerful this morning. she said, rubbing her hazel eyes and stifling a yawn as Karen hoisted herself up to sit on the counter. I wasnt expecting you. Im sorry Im still in my pajamas.

Karen tossed her frosted, shoulder-length blonde hair behind her shoulder and shook her head. Sorry to surprise you, sweetie. I just couldnt resist stopping by. I was driving by after leaving the gym, and I saw that you had painted the front door. I just had to stop by and admire it.

Meghan grinned. I couldnt sleep last night, and so there I was, outside, painting the front door at two in the morning. I just wanted everything to be perfect, Karen. Its not every day that you start the business of your dreams.

Karens eyes became solemn and as she nodded, Meghan saw her eyes begin to glitter with tears. Meghan, she said. Im just so proud of you. At twenty-seven years old, youve moved across the country, and now, youre about to open your bakery. How fabulous!

Meghan walked over to Karen and wrapped her arms around the older woman, feeling the warmth of her body as she leaned her head on Karens shoulder. You are too much. I wouldnt be here in Sandy Bay without your help; if you hadnt convinced me to leave LA, I would probably still be at some audition, still trying to make it as an actress.

Karen shrugged her narrow, but muscular shoulders as she gently pulled away from Meghans embrace. Look, sweetie, she said kindly. You are young and beautiful, and the world is your oyster right now. Hollywood is a rough town for such a sweet girl. I think youll be happier here than youve ever been. Sandy Bay is quiet, and the people are kind. The Pacific Northwest is a special place, Meghan, and I know youll fit right in.

Meghan ran a hand through her dark, messy hair and sighed. She had another long, busy day ahead of her. After moving to Sandy Bay from Los Angeles on a whim three weeks ago, Meghans life had been brimming with excitement; Karen had persuaded her to lease a charming little two-story brick building on the town square, and Meghan had applied for the permits to open Truly Sweet, the bakery of her dreams. She had moved her belongings into the tiny upstairs apartment above the bakery, and she had changed her address at the post office. After nearly three years of trying to make it in Hollywood, Meghan was now officially a resident of Sandy Bay, and as she painted and cleaned in preparation for the opening of her bakery, she felt herself begin to feel at ease for the first time since she had left home in Texas after college.

Karen lifted her arms above her body and stretched. Meghan? Are you sure you dont want to go to pilates with me? Theres an afternoon class today, and plenty of girls your age go. It could be a good chance to meet people in Sandy Bay.

Meghan raised one eyebrow at Karen and shook her head. Karen, she began, Its nice of you to ask me, but I have to tell you the same thing I told you when you first asked me last night. Ive been moving boxes and painting for days, and my body is aching. I can hardly move, let alone do pilates.

Karen shrugged. Just had to ask, she said. Well, Ill let you wake up a bit and get your day started. I just had to compliment you on the front door. The yellow paint looks simply fabulous.

Karen leaned in to kiss Meghan on the cheek, and then, she marched out of the bakery, her matching velour sweatsuit lighting up the gray morning as she strode to her orange jeep.

That lady is in better shape than me , and Im half her age. Meghan murmured to herself as she looked down at her curvy, womanly figure. I hope I have that much energy when I am in my seventies, because I definitely dont have any today.

Meghan slowly made her way upstairs to change into her clothes, her legs and arms sore from the labor she had put into making Truly Sweet beautiful. As she came back downstairs, she grinned as she stepped into the bakery. She was proud of her hard work; she had little experience with decor or design, but with Karens help, she had turned the dilapidated brick building into a quaint little space. The walls were painted pale yellow, and little white tables were positioned around the dining area. The counters and cabinets were painted white as well, and a long, painted wooden shelf held a diverse array of rich, green succulents that gave the room a fresh, airy feeling.

Its almost ready, Meghan said, as she stood in the bakery, her hands on her hips. Its almost my time to shine!

Meghan took a long breath as she surveyed the pale yellow walls of the bakery. These could use another coat of paint, she muttered to herself, inhaling deeply. I could probably get away with the walls as they are, but another coat would be just perfect. We only have three days until the opening though.

Meghan took a seat at one of the little white tables and looked around the room. She had poured herself into making Truly Sweet a lovely place, and she hoped the citizens of Sandy Bay would be pleased by the addition of a bakery. Back in Los Angeles, Karen had sworn to Meghan that opening a bakery in Sandy Bay would be a wonderful idea, and now, with only a few days until the grand opening, Meghan felt her heart flutter with nerves each time she imagined someone stepping inside and having a taste of Meghans homemade treats.

Itll be awesome , Meghan. Just imagine it! Karen had gushed back in California. Sweetie, youve been auditioning nonstop for every movie, play, and commercial, and I can see it in your eyes that youre unhappy. You always talk about that bakery you worked at in your hometown as a girl, and I see the way your face lights up when you bring a new little dessert over to show me. Im moving home to Sandy Bay at the end of the month. Come with me. Theres a cute little building downtown thats been sitting vacant, and you could start a new chapter with a bakery. Just imagine!