Rummaging through my bag, I dig out my to-do list and review it again to see what's left. My friends will be excited about this update. I promised them the VIP experience during the soft opening, so I text them the good news, which has me smiling widely and bouncing on my heels.
“Congratulations, Kendall. This place is going to bring a lot of business to the town.” Blake touches my shoulder and squeezes. He’s the nicest guy and deserves someone special. I wish one of my friends would give him a chance. I can matchmake with the best of them, but that will have to wait until I have more space on my plate.
“Thank you, and yes, it really will. Come on, let’s go grab a coffee and breakfast at Saxville Coffee House.”
“Raincheck for later this week?” I regretfully ask to pass.
“Okay, I’m keeping you to that. I’m going to work on the shelving now while I’m here.”
“Excellent. I’ll be in my office if you need me.”
He turns and heads back to the storage closet. My heels click on the floor and echo off the walls of the hallway to my office.
Stepping inside, I shut the door. I slip off my shoes and slide onto my couch before digging into the pile of work on my desk.
Should I text Dane? Call him? I don’t know.
The mixed feelings swirl through my body. I’ll have my final permit next week, thanks to him. Still, he assumed it was okay to step into my situation without fully understanding what was going on. He could have made it worse. Frankly, if he wanted to help, why didn’t he say something?
I flip my phone around in my hands as I think through how best to address this with him. I went from thinking I’ll never see this guy again to where we are now.
I shake my head.
The best way to address this will be to send a text. I have other pressing items on my list that need my full attention.
Kendall:
I appreciate what you did. Thank you. The permits will be ready next week. I wish you had asked me first before assuming I needed or wanted your help.
Staring at my phone, I’m waiting for a quick response, which doesn’t come. I push myself off the couch and toss my phone onto the desk.
The next hour is spent in my office, tying up all the loose ends for both opening celebrations. After completing almost my entire list, I realized that most items were confirmations, which made it easy to check off. Taking one more look through the list, I’m all caught up for today.
The countdown to the soft opening begins.
With excitement rolling through my body, a huge smile crosses my face. It’s almost here, and I can’t help but feel my heart drop into my stomach. I remind myself that this is everything I’ve wanted for so long.
Stretching my arms over my head and wiggling my body, I place my hands on the arm of the chair to crack my back. I can’t wait for the massage therapists to be right down the hall. Until then, I rub my temples a few times and stand up. Snagging my phone off the desk, I take a quick look at it.
I scrunch up my nose, seeing that I missed the text Dane sent over thirty minutes ago. When I’m in the zone working, I block everything else out—unless you are right in front of me.
Dane:
It wasn’t meant to step on your toes or even ignore you altogether. Noted to ask you next time.
I stare at my phone. His text indicates there could be a next time. I really don’t have time to read into what he’s saying. This week will keep me busy enough; I don’t need to worry about him. I mean, we probably won’t see each other again anyway.
EIGHT
Dane
My alarm blares loudly from my nightstand. It takes me a few seconds to recognize it and shut it off. This week has been brutal.
What day is it?
Shit! It’s already Friday.
I’m dressed to hit the gym first thing this morning. I’m feeling off kilter—unfocused. Kendall pops into my thoughts more than I’d like to admit. Multiple times a day…all week, especially after her last text a few days ago. She seemed pissed about me butting into her business. And I’m over here thinking I did a good thing. I guess I see her point, but I’d still do it all over again. She wouldn’t have the permits if I hadn’t stepped in.
