This store has been a welcomed distraction from my inability to get into veterinary school, although it still lingers in the back of my mind like a thorn in my side. Being a vet was alwaysmy dream, but dreams do change. And I can’t help but feel like maybe it’s not mine anymore.
All I think about is what I could be doing with the store. How I can keep my grandma’s legacy and her dream alive. Perhaps what she always wanted has now morphed into my own dream.
Being in the maple business was never part of my plan, and now it feels more fitting than putting time and energy into going back to school. In a way, it makes my degree in biology feel like a joke, like it was a waste of time, but sometimes you have to do things to realize it’s not what you want to do. I am grateful for the chance I had to leave this small town for a while and meet other people from all walks of life.
My phone vibrates in my back pocket and I welcome the distraction. It’s a message from my best friend. Talking daily, even if it’s just to check in, has always been a non-negotiable of our friendship, although I miss the conversations we used to have. I know Mia has a lot going on in her life and I can’t fault her for that.
All I can do is support her from afar, as she does the same for me.
Mia
Hey bestie. Guess who’s coming to the lake house next weekend?
Willow
Oooo, tell me it’s Daddy Dean?!
Mia
I swear to god, if you keep calling my dad that, I might actually have a stroke.
Willow
LOL you know I’m joking, come on!
Mia
I know, but he’s my dad! It’s gross to think about lol
Willow
You’re right, you just make it too easy sometimes.
Mia
Don’t you have your brother’s hot friend there to distract you now?
My stomach does a somersault as I play back that moment in the shop with Jace a few days ago. The way he caged me in. The way his hand lingered just above my eyebrow when we both knew damn well that the paint was gone. His eyes fixated on my mouth and I swear, if he weren’t who he is, I would have thought he wanted to kiss me.
Shaking my head, I push the thoughts away and look back at my phone.
Willow
I wish he would distract me.
Mia
Why won’t he? Because of your brothers?
Willow
I don’t know. He’s so damn hard to read and I don’t think he’d ever think of me that way.
Mia
Are you kidding? He’s crazy if he doesn’t.
Can’t you make a move on him?
