“Oh – please don’t be offended,” Tina said with another giggle. “It’s just too funny that you said that. I moved here for the same reason, you see. I literally picked it off a map because I thought it sounded sweet. Homey. I did some research and I thought it would be perfect for me. Right on the coast, a small town where people still leave their doors unlocked at night.”

Bette smiled tentatively. “What are the odds?”

“I know, right? But honestly, I think it’s safe to say anyone who moves here without already having some kind of tie to the town, comes because of the name. So, has it lived up to your expectations?” Tina kept her voice light. As nice as Mercy was most of the time, it wasn’t a very exciting or interesting place.

Bette smirked. “You could say that. But then my expectations weren’t super high to begin with. I just wanted to get away.”

“Are you an artist?”

Bette’s short laugh held a tinge of bitterness. “Not according to some people I’m not.”

“You paint?”

“Yes. The opinions of my potential are mixed,” Bette said dryly. “I love art and art history… but I wanted to create something myself. I’ve been told it’s an indulgent waste of time, and maybe it is. But I needed to try and see for myself what would happen, instead of just dreaming about it. I couldn’t let anyone stop me.”

“Why would anyone try to stop you?”

Bette shrugged. “My father. And according to a couple of art school instructors, I don’t have the talent. But others said I did. I did the sensible thing and found a job in a gallery, but I wasn’t happy. I was always wondering about how different things could be if I just gave it a shot. One day I decided I couldn’t go through life just wondering anymore. So I gave up the job, my apartment, said goodbye to the city and here I am.”

“You’re really brave.” The words came out sounding too earnest and Tina felt her cheeks warm at Bette’s raised eyebrow. “I mean… the fact that you didn’t give up. If you knew some of the things I let people talk me out of… or into… I just never did exactly what I wanted, until after I moved here. I think it’s great that you’re following your dream.”