“Ackwood, I could just call you that from now on. Let’s check out the inside of the store, Ackwood.”
“No, that’s not my nickname. I forbid it.”
“No one can pick their nickname. That’s a law.”
“Oh, really?”
Tag reached out and took her hand. Hand-holding was about all she could deal with. It was the right speed for her. The race car driver let her set that pace.
They walked into the space and found Siena. She was on a ladder placing several items on a high shelf.
“Ugh, see, kids today do not understand they need someone to hold the ladder.” Tag went over and did the honors. He was moving pretty well, with no boot or crutch.
“Thanks, Mom. So glad you’re here! I’ve got so much to do.”
“I think it looks like you’ve got too much to do.”
Boxes were half unpacked and all over the store.
“I’ve gotten most of the old stock removed…ugh, well, not old, but you get it.”
“I do.”
“Most of the new stuff is in the back, here. Let me show you.”
As chaotic as the front of the store appeared, the back was twice that.
“Okay, there’s a method, I swear.”
Siena showed them vases, wall hangings, faux greenery, plates, throw blankets, and on and on.
“I’ve got to get the old boxes out before I can get the new stuff in. Your kaftans are going to move up front, and I’ve got a table of accessories to pair with them. But that’s pretty much the only clothing section.”
“My kaftans?”
“Yep, if you don’t want them to be labeled Vivian Blackwood, come up with another name because I am selling them as fast as you can sew ‘em.”
Viv hadn’t thought about it as a business. She’d been doing it for fun, for a creative outlet. That a few people bought her new creations was nice, but a business? A new name?
“Honey, I’m sure that we’ve probably exhausted the people’s interest in my kaftans at this point.”
“Nope, every day, someone comes in here and wants to know when I’m getting more. Along with the question, what is this place? I really bungled the launch. But we’re on track now. It will be clear; we have a focus.”
“Okay, so what’s the name you’ve decided on?”
“Just The Thing Shop.” Siena cocked her head to the side as though she was still not sure of the name.
“I love it!”
“You used to say it to me when you let me accessorize your office or the sitting room.”
“I did, that’s right.”
“I heard a few customers say that, too, about some of the things here.”
“Honey, it’s perfect! So cute!”
Her daughter’s instincts were rock solid. Viv knew she wanted her approval, but honestly, she didn’t need it. What she did need was help to get the store transitioned. Not help in what to buy or what to feature, but literal help packing and unpacking boxes.
