Taking a good look in the mirror, my confidence grows. It’s more than I usually wear to go out in public.
I like it… a lot!
“Alright kids,” I say, as I get up from my chair to find my glass of wine. “I have some Dragonfly news.”
“Oh crap, I almost forgot. You made us get sidetracked,” Jules says, pointing a finger at me.
Me? Okay, yeah, I guess me… Wait, no, not really, more like Finn got us sidetracked…And now I’m sidetracked.
“Alright, hit me,” Alex says, walking over to the couch sitting next to Jules.
“I feel like the bookstore is at a make or break point. Print is dying, and the bookstore is struggling. It has been for a long time. People use e-books now and don’t even have to go anywhere to buy a book, they just download it.”
Alex nods his head. “Technology is everything.”
“I need to up my game on the tech side of literature, while still holding on to an actual bookstore. I also want to sell drawing supplies. Books and drawing complement each other well.”
“That's a great idea. As someone who likes to sketch, when I run out of supplies I would rather pick it up right away than have to wait for it. And if I can pick up a book or e-book supplies while I’m there, even better.”
He has a good point, and maybe I can talk with the art department at the college, give discounts to students.
“I also have one other idea… My mom always had a vision for the bookstore. It was never meant to be just a bookstore. She wished it to be a place that had a sense of friendship and community. Where people went to hang out and connected over their love of books. And occasionally that happens in front of a plate of food.”
Jules’ eyebrows shoot up. “Wait, are you saying what I think you are saying?”
“If it’s that I want to add a small cafe to the bookstore, then yes, yes, I am.”
My stomach is rolling from the idea of adding on to Dragonfly. It’s going to be a tremendous undertaking.
“So, what are you thinking? How are you going to make the space?” Alex asks with a hitch of confusion in his voice.
Taking a deep breath, I tell them my plan. “Well, the building next to us is for sale. Tom moved his insurance company to the new office buildings a few streets over, and I still have a comfortable amount of my inheritance left after school, so... I put an offer in. I can make it work if I do some things myself and don’t go crazy on finishings.”
“What are you thinking about serving?” Jules asks.
“Well, I was considering something simple. I want it to be more like a coffee shop with deli sandwiches, fresh salads, light pastas, and soups. That kinda thing,” I say.
“Please tell me you are going to have baked goods. I need fresh pastries, damn it!”
“Oh my god, that’s brilliant. I could have a little bakery case and sell pastries and muffins.” My body bounces up and down with excitement. This could actually work. I can picture it in my head.
The three of us high five because we are dorks like that.
“Alright, let's get this show on the road. I need another drink before I lose my courage.” Getting up off the couch, I glance in the mirror and double check my makeup, applying more lip gloss to freshen my lips.Yep, still feeling it!
We all head down downstairs. Of course, this is after Gallifrey is supplied with many pets and extra treats.
Piling into Alex’s car feels a little ridiculous to go only one block over, but he wants his car at the bar for when he leaves.
I let Jules sit up front and I slide into the back.
“Where is my seatbelt?” I know we are going one street over, but this is Alex. I have too much going on tonight to walk into the bar all bloodied and mangled. Plus, I look hot!
“It broke,” says Alex. glancing at me in the mirror. “You will be fine. We are only going one block over.”
“I swear to god, Alex, if you kill me tonight I will come back and haunt you in your sleep,” I say, searching for something to hold on to.
We pull into the parking lot, lives saved, and the butterflies kick into high gear. Using all the strength that I have, I take a moment to push back the doubt and embarrassment swirling through my head. I feel honest in my skin. I’m going to be cool, calm and confident.
