Bellinger Sisters, #1
It Happened One Summer
by Tessa Bailey
Contents
Chapter Twenty-One
Overview
Rosie meets a realtor to view the prospective restaurant and learns the price has been raised beyond her budget. Dominic arrives, commits to a cash purchase, and affirms Rosie’s capability. Their friends descend to begin repairs and design plans, cementing Rosie’s leap into ownership and their renewed partnership.
Summary
Rosie arrives at the vacant restaurant space, determined to make a low offer and prove she belongs as a future restaurateur. Bolstered by memories of her mother and last night’s intimacy with Dominic, she decides to move back home and approach the viewing with confidence.
Inside, realtor Emma reveals unexpected bad news: early interest led the owner to raise the price, pushing the space beyond Rosie’s budget. As Rosie wavers, Dominic appears, asks if she wants it, and—on her yes—declares they will buy it. He commits to a cash purchase, reassuring Rosie that “this is your place.”
Emma starts the process, satisfied by Rosie’s strong credit and the cash offer. Immediately, their friends—Stephen, Travis, Bethany, Wes, and Georgie—arrive with materials, tools, and design ideas, beginning patchwork and planning to prevent any issues that might complicate the sale.
Dominic’s unwavering support and Rosie’s acceptance of it solidify their renewed bond. Amid music, hammering, and shared excitement, Rosie embraces the reality: this is her restaurant, and she is ready to lead it.
Who Appears
- Rosie VegaAspiring restaurateur; views the space, faces a price hike, accepts Dominic’s cash-buy support, and claims the restaurant.
- Dominic VegaRosie’s husband; arrives decisively, promises a cash purchase, and affirms Rosie’s capability and ownership.
- EmmaRealtor; shows the property, reveals the increased price, initiates the cash-sale process.
- StephenFriend; arrives with materials to start floor repairs and bolster the deal’s momentum.
- TravisFriend; assists Stephen, part of the supportive crew aiding immediate fixes.
- BethanyFriend; brings paint samples and articulates a gold-and-white design vision.
- WesFriend; shows up to help, acknowledging past favors and returning support.
- GeorgieFriend; energizes the group with “construction karaoke,” supporting morale during repairs.