“I don’t know. There’s no real place for sunlight to come in. You know my love of natural lighting, plus, the guy who owns it already told me I would have to get all types of plumbers and electricians in here to do the rewiring if I’m going to have a functional upstairs and downstairs. Plus, we’d have to pull out the hair washing sinks downstairs.”
This place had been a hair salon that had shut down about six months ago. While the upstairs had been used as the office, the first level still had all the hair sinks and blow drying chairs that would need to be taken out to make room for the spa that Gabby was looking to open.
“Okay, this place would need more work, but how about the first place we went to? That one didn’t need as much work.”
She nodded, the brown and blonde ombre wig she wore sending tendrils down, slightly covering her frowning face. “That place was a joke. The feng shui was all off. And did you see it was next to a pet grooming business? No, thank you.”
“What does a pet grooming business being next door have to do with anything?”
She looked at me as if I’d lost my mind. “Chanel, barking dogs and hissing cats next to a spa? No. I’m trying to create an environment where my clients come to relax and refresh from their hectic and stressful lives. How the hell are they going to do that with dogs howling next door?”
I lowered my head, smirking at the dramatic way Gabby waved her hands around and her eyes enlarged as she explained. But I had a feeling it was more than she was letting on.
“No, you know what? When I find the right place, I’ll just know.”
“How are you going to know if you never go and look? I had to drag you out today to come look at places, and you’ve rejected all three—all three that were perfectly good locations for a day spa.” I held my hand up to keep her from cutting me off.
“I can’t describe how I know. These places just aren’t it. Plus, maybe right now is just not the right time with work, volunteering and me getting ready to start my doula training.”
I cocked my head back in surprise. “Doula training?”
“Yeah, I’ve told you it’s something I’ve thought about for a while now.”
“I know, you’ve talked about it for years, but I didn’t realize you were doing it now.”
She shrugged. “It just feels like now is the perfect time for it. I’d like to offer doula services as part of my business. Anyway, let’s get something to eat. I’m hungry.”
“We still have two more places to look at,” I reminded her.
“Not today.”
I decided not to push the issue anymore. One thing Gabby and I had in common is that we weren’t ready to address something until we were ready, and no amount of pushing or prodding would help.
“All right, what’re you in the mood for?”
“I could go for that huge kale salad they serve atGrant’s.And I get to finally enjoy it again now that you’re back to screwing the owner.”
“Gabriella!”
“What?” she asked innocently. “I mean, when he was the enemy I couldn’t betray you by supporting his business. But Ididmiss the food there. Shit, they serve soul food but plenty of delicious vegan options.”
“I swear.” I just shook my head. “Fine.Grant’sit is, then.”
“Good,” she agreed, rubbing her hands together.
We spent the rest of the afternoon at what had become my favorite restaurant. And oddly enough, being there made me feel just a little bit closer to Xavier, even though he wasn’t there. The place was full of his character and personality. When the waiter refused to let me pay for our lunch, telling us she had strict orders from high up that our meal was on the house, I just shook my head. I had to force her to accept the tip I offered.
“Ms. Thing gets the royal treatment here, huh?” Gabby teased.
“Shut it.”
“It’s cute, though. You’ve got that little starry-eyed gaze back.”
“I do not,” I insisted.
“Hate to break it to you, but you do. It’s all good. It works for you. And you’re bringing Xavier on Saturday?”
I nodded. “Yeah, I was a little nervous asking, but Donna did say I could bring a guest. And it’s something I’d like to share with him. I still think we’ve got things we need to work through, especially the reason behind why we broke up in the first place. You should’ve seen his response when I told him the whole truth about He-who-shall-remain-nameless.”
