Brendon stood behind the counter and checked the online booking system. He was compiling a list of cars that needed to be prepped this morning. His colleague, Taylor, was outside dealing with a customer. Sun streamed through the large window at the front of the room. The office was nothing more than a static trailer in the middle of a large car park, but it was clean, professional with a welcoming veranda at the front, and with the doors and windows open, a pleasing salty breeze that hinted of the ocean swept through the place.
Brendon was starting to feel at home there.
The months had initially passed slowly, but he was feeling like he was starting to leave the past behind. He thought about Grace less and less, to the point that he would go days without giving her a second thought. The ache in his leg had completely gone by now, and he was seeing fewer and fewer reminders of what had happened. He felt ready to start again.
He busied himself with his admin.
The bell above the door jingled, pulling Brendon from his computer screen. He looked up just as a woman stepped inside, her presence commanding attention without effort. She had long chestnut-brown hair that cascaded over her shoulders in soft waves and hazel eyes that sparkled with life. The moment their gazes met, an electric current pulsed between them.
Brendon felt a flicker of recognition as he studied her features—there was something strikingly familiar about her, but he couldn't quite place it. She offered a tentative smile, one that radiated warmth and sincerity.
"Hi there," she said, her voice smooth like honey.
"Hey," Brendon replied, momentarily speechless as his heart quickened. The chemistry crackled in the air between them like static electricity.
As she approached the counter, Brendon decided to speak before an awkward silence formed.
"Looking to rent a car?"
"Yes," she answered brightly, glancing outside at the available options on the wall behind him. "I'm planning to explore some local beaches."
"Great," he said, feeling more relaxed now that they were engaged in conversation. "Any particular spots in mind?"
She leaned forward slightly, resting her hands on the counter in an open gesture that drew him closer to her a little.
"Erm, not sure. I heard about this place called Crystal Cove," she replied enthusiastically. "I'm dying to see it."
Their connection deepened with each passing second; he could almost hear his heartbeat echoing in his ears amidst their exchange. They looked deep into each other's eyes in a way that felt completely natural. She looked away first with a bashful little laugh, then so did he. It was a moment the likes of which Brendon had never had before. Both were embarrassed but slowly becoming giddy as Brendon continued.
"Crystal Cove is beautiful," Brendon finally said, captivated by her. "Seeing as you're my first customer today, I'll give you a deal on our new Range Rover. You'll be really comfortable driving up there, I promise."
"Ooo, why thank you, that sounds wonderful," cooed the woman playfully.
"Have you rented from us before?" asked Brendon earnestly.
She shook her head. "Nope, first time in Florida."
"Are you sure?" he pressed. "You feel so familiar to me."
"I don't think so," she replied. "I would have remembered," she added bashfully.
They both laughed like teenagers.
"OK then," said Brendon, pulling up the right screens on the computer. "Let's get you registered and booked in. What's your name please?"
She smiled at him. "Grace Tatler," she said.
"Grace… Tatler," Brendon repeated slowly as he typed. "And what's your contact number, Grace?"