It’s almost the exact amount I was hoping to secure with the quarterly bonus. I glance back up at the computer and eye the email from Laura. With this check, I finally have enough to buy out Vince’s lease on what used to be Nan’s diner, putting me nearly two months ahead of schedule. I don’t have to wait any longer.
My fingers fly across the keyboard as I email Laura and ask her to contact Vince for me—hoping he’ll take my hiring a realtor as a sign I’m finally serious about making this deal. My phone trills right as I hit send, Noah’s name flashing on the screen.
Noah
Please tell me I can take you to dinner tonight. I’m starved in more ways than one.
Lottie
Fine. But if you buy dinner, I’m serving dessert.
Noah
I’d be a dumb ass to refuse that deal and I am no dumb ass.
“You want to move the party where?”
Kara’s nose is scrunched in confusion, her lizard mug cupped in her hands. We’re supposed to be meeting with the events coordinator at the new apartment building, and my sudden change of plans is stressing her out. Thirty-six hours out from Nan’s party, and she’s a hot mess. I took today off to help her, but my launching this news into her lap isn’t helping.
“At Nan’s—the diner. It’s a surprise, so you can’t tell anyone, but I finally have what I need to buy out the lease. That trip I took with Noah gave me just the bump I needed. I’m having a realtor look over the paperwork for buying it right now.”
“Holy shit, are you serious?”
“Yes. And I have another secret.”
She sits up, eager for more information.
“I did sleep with Noah on the trip. And we’re sort of dating now. In secret. But I think I want to introduce him—officially—at the party.”
Kara’s face flashes with every conceivable emotion before her jaw drops open and stays that way for a solid minute. I sip on my coffee and wait for her to regain her composure.
“You liar!” Her shriek is loud and nearly bursts my eardrum, but settles into a laugh. “I knew it! You came home from that trip so glowy and obnoxiously happy. It was so obvious.”
I shrug. “I wasn’t ready to tell anyone. I wasn’t sure I could trust that he was for real.”
“And he is?”
I sit back, pleased and, for the first time in a while, cautiously optimistic. “Yeah, I think he is.”
“And he’s okay with all of this? You leaving Flourish and venturing out on your own?”
I feel myself getting defensive at her question and have to remind myself she is just now learning about this. “I think so, yeah. I haven’t told him about this specific development, I kind of want to surprise him with it, but he knows Flourish wasn’t my plan for forever.”
Things are finally starting to turn in the right direction. Plus, I’m ahead of schedule. And aside from still needing to find a storefront for our launch, things at Flourish are going well. My plan to quit can be postponed for a few months, which will probably be better as I venture out on my own anyway. I’ll still be able to help Noah secure what he needs, all while working towards my own dream.
“How are you going to get Nan there without spoiling the surprise?” Kara asks, her question bringing me back to reality and ready to shift gears.
“That’s where I’ll need your help. I think Henrietta and I can handle getting things cleaned up and ready, but I’ll need someone to keep Nan busy. Are you willing to help with that?”
“Of course!”
“Perfect.”
“Great. Now, one more favor. I’m supposed to meet Vince and Laura to get keys. Are you free to give me a ride?”
“Yes, but now that I know you’re going to be a big entrepreneur and shit, I think it’s time we find you a car.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
