Lou patted my hand. “But she’d be so pleased that you were here.”
“I hope so.” My brain whirled, thinking of the bookstore and a phone call I’d had earlier in the day.
“What’s going on?” Emma asked, her eyes narrowing.
I looked down at the pad of paper where I’d taken some notes, then back to the three faces that were watching me with nothing but concern. “It’s just that being a business owner isn’t easy.”
“Tell me about it,” Lou muttered.
I nodded, remembering that she used to own the coffee shop. “Well, Nana left me this building. She knew I dreamed of owning a bookstore. And I thought I had it all figured out, but the summer wasn’t easy.”
Emma’s eyes widened. “Oh no. Did asking you to help fund the author series set you back?”
I grabbed her hand and squeezed. “No, no, it’s fine. I budgeted for it. But when I first had Addie, things were tight. I’ve always sworn I won’t let us get back to those times. So”—I shrugged—“I panicked a bit this summer. Sales have picked back up. And then today I had an unexpected call.”
“Spill,” Emma said, her eyes going from the notepad to me.
My heart thumped. I felt like if I said it, then it was real. And honestly, I wasn’t sure if I wanted it to be or not. Inhaling and gathering some strength, I continued. “An indie bookstore in the Chicago area is looking to branch out. They offered to buy this place and have me manage it.”
Maggie’s mouth fell open. Emma looked surprised. Lou leaned over to squeeze my hand where Maggie had dropped it. “That relieves a lot of pressure from your shoulders. Is that what you want?”
I relished the solid feel of her as I closed my eyes and worked to find my center. What was it I wanted? Opening my eyes again, I looked at these women and spoke from my heart. “I don’t know.”
Lou patted my hand. “Then that’s where you are. No decisions need to be made today, correct?”
I nodded. “No, not today.” I felt some weight released just by sharing my struggle with them. I wasn’t alone. “Thanks, Lou.” I looked around the little group. “Thanks to you all. I haven’t had anyone to confide in for years. It’s nice.”
“Besides Jake, you mean.” Maggie grinned, lightening the mood.
I shrugged, ignoring the strong desire to pull out my cell and see if he’d texted lately. “I don’t know what to think about Jake.”
“I just want to put in my vote that I think you two could be good for each other,” Emma said, following Maggie’s lead.
The bell over the door sang out as we all turned as a group to see Jake walking in, holding Addie on his hip. Today she had on her red tutu with her rain boots that had bumblebees on them. Yes, she had dressed herself. Yes, I was completely fine with that. I mean, she was clothed. What else mattered?
And Jake? Well, my mouth might have begun to salivate just a bit. He was wearing worn Carhartts, work boots, a flannel opened over a fitted waffle T-shirt. His glasses were back, and I had no idea why they were so attractive, but they were. What on earth was happening to me?
Jake looked over our little group. “Well, hello ladies.” He moved to Lou and leaned down to kiss her cheek. “Hello, Ms. Lou. Staying out of trouble?”
Lou looked absolutely delighted. “God knows I’m not. Where’s the fun in that? I’m just singing your praises to Ivy here. We need to talk you up a bit so she’ll bite.”
“Lou!” I was a bit mortified.
Jake tipped his head to the side as he mouthedYou bite?at me with a raised brow.
Gracious. And yum.
“Maggie, Emma, let’s leave these two alone. Maybe they’ll figure out what they need to be doing with their free time on their own.”
Maggie and Emma grinned, leaning in to give me a hug before gathering their things.
Lou started heading for the door, but then she paused and spun to look at us. “Oh, Jake, I have to bow out of helping you organize the Reds of Christmas for the town next month.”
Jake’s head quickly followed Lou as he drew his brows together. “What? We only have a few weeks left, Lou. What came up?”
Lou laughed. “Oh nothing. Just some stuff with Verdell. It’s only the final details that need ironing out anyway.”
“I know, but that’s typically the part you love,” Jake replied. “We usually do that over dinners at the brewery. I can’t believe you’re ditching me. It won’t be the same without you.”
