“Both?”
“And why did you rush to sell the house? Was it because you always planned to sell it as soon as you could, or so you could come back here, start your new job, and not have to worry about it?”
Samira stared at Andrea in shock. It was as if she could read her mind. All of the decisions she was second-guessing were ones she made in preparation for starting her new position. They were along the lines of her original plans, but sometimes situations change.
“Well?” Andrea asked when Samira didn’t answer.
“What difference does it make? I always planned to sell the house. I knew from the beginning that I would only spend time with Andy until I was able to sell the house and come back here full time. None of these things just happened. They were always part of my plan.”
Andrea sat back in her chair. Samira wanted to know where she was going with her line of questions, but she didn’t want to appear too eager. Second-guessing every decision wasalready becoming her primary job, she didn’t need help in that department. Loose ends never helped anyone. They always lingered in the background just waiting to make the most inconvenient appearance.
“Is that plan making you happy?” Andrea asked after a beat.
“It will. I’m just feeling overwhelmed right now. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
Andrea stood from her chair. “I can see you have everything under control. It’s getting late, so I’d better head out. Call me if you need anything. And don’t let me influence your decisions. Do whatever makes you happy. We’ll stay friends no matter what.”
Samira pulled her friend into a tight embrace before walking her to the door. She felt better saying everything out loud, even though it didn’t solve any of her problems. Hopefully some answers would come to her while she slept. Instead of rushing to meet her realtor and then back home, she decided she would spend the day down home. Spending time with her aunt usually helped her feel grounded. It was worth a shot.
***
“A little to the left,” Josh instructed.
Andy balanced on the ladder and worked to center the wooden sign above the side entrance to his shop. Once he settled everything so he could focus on his business, he began to move full speed ahead. The quiet shop, which had only been advertised by word of mouth, was now able to take on more business. They constructed a large wooden sign for the entrance to the driveway and one to hang on the building.Grant’s Furniturecould be seen clearly above the door.
Andy climbed down the ladder and inspected his work. “Looks good. Although the name looks much less creative on a sign.”
Josh laughed. “It’s perfect for what we are. My cousin can start Monday. He has sales experience and is good with his hands. He’ll be just what we need if business picks up.”
“Hopefully, it picks up. I called the recent customers whose orders we had to turn down and told them we were available if they haven’t already gone elsewhere. Between that and our grand opening, things should start moving pretty fast,” Andy said as they walked to the front of the building.
Above the newly installed aluminum and glass, full-view, garage door, was a large “Grand Opening” banner. He was already glad he invested in the door. It allowed them to keep the door closed without losing out on natural light. It also allowed for customers to see the showroom section of the shop before they walked in.
“Looks great, boys.”
Andy turned to see Samira’s aunt walking toward them. He hadn’t heard the car pull up or the sound of a car door closing. Her smiling face came as a surprise as she approached.
“Hey, I wasn’t expecting to see you here,” Andy said in greeting.
“Your mother told me all about it, so I just had to come check it out for myself. I’ve driven past so many times without any idea what this place was. The door is new. And I like the string lights. Very inviting.”
“Thanks. Come look inside,” Andy said before leading the way to the side door.
Andy gave her the standard tour. He quickly pointed out the workshop before moving on to the showroom area. Aside from adding additional lighting, not much had been changed inside. They already had the inside set up the way they wanted. The outside had been purposely nondescript before they officially opened to the public.
Mary was quiet as she looked around. Like her niece, she ran her hand along the pieces she seemed to really like, taking her time as she walked by every piece. Some pieces she walked past more than once. By the time she made her way back to Andy, she had a huge smile across her face.
“Andy, it’s wonderful. I’m so proud of you.”
Her praise made him feel an uncomfortable combination of pride and sadness. Having Samira’s aunt so happy for him only intensified the void left by her absence. If it was meant to be, then Samira would have been there. He had to hold out hope that things would fall into place if he continued to stay true to himself and follow his dreams.
“How is she?” he finally asked.
Mary gave him a sad smile. “She’s surviving as usual. You know that girl knows how to get by. She’s in town this weekend, in case you were wondering.”
Andy tried not to let that news affect him. “Oh? Figured we wouldn’t see her back here since she sold the house.”
“Oh, well, it isn’t sold yet. She has to sign the purchase agreement before the place will be officially under contract. The agent is meeting her at the house sometime today, so she can get it signed.”
