“I couldn’t have said it any better. Thanks, Mom,” Dad says, kissing her on the cheek. “Let’s open those doors.”
Guests are there as soon as the doors open, mostly the locals. Each of us take a group on a tour around the place. Juju and I have two influencers, Stacy from Duluth, and Tammy from St. Paul.
Their eyes are wide as they take in the high ceilings and the intricate decor.
“I like to call it a fairy bringing her dreams indoors,” Juju says, laughing. “The intricate detailing of the wood, all the arches, and the little touches of the outdoors brought inside.” She points out the huge swing that fits two (or five) people in the lobby, and the moss and twisted tree trunks of the real trees that scale the walls.
“I love that,” Tammy says. “It’s fitting. I love that even though it’s both cozy and, like you said, Juju, I could imagine a fairy popping out at any moment.” We all laugh. “But all the light from the windows offsets the wood and the earth tones…” She shakes her head and points at the massive cream stone fireplace. “The carvings in that stone. It’s like stepping into a movie.”
Juju and I smile at each other. We show them the shop, and they decide to come back and explore more after we’ve given thetour. We stop by the concierge desk, where Dylan talks about all the excursions he’s organized.
“There are amazing things to do around here all year long,” he says. “But this seventy-degree day is perfect for what we have in mind this weekend. We’ll have something for everyone—hikes, yoga, art classes, fishing, bike rides, kayaking, and so much more.” He gives them a flyer with an itinerary, and we continue the tour.
“Oh my God, is that Tully Whitman?” Stacy comes to an abrupt stop.
Tully just walked in and has a few people following him already. He pauses by the fireplace, where a few girls swarm on either side of him as they take selfies.
“Are you a fan of the Minnesota Fierce?” I ask.
“A huge fan,” she says. “I have season tickets and never miss a home game.”
“Come on, let’s go say hi,” I tell her.
Her eyes bug out. “I don’t know. I’m not sure I?—”
“He’s so nice,” Juju says. “Super down to earth…and there’s a drawing. Whatever name he picks gets a jersey and a meet and greet with the entire team.”
“Oh my God,” she whispers.
“Let’s just walk over this way,” I say.
I catch Tully’s eye and motion for him to come over. When he starts walking toward us, Stacy grabs Juju’s arm like she might go down. I make the introductions, and Tully smiles wide, looking like the hockey superstar he is…one who’s been blessed with still-intact teeth.
“Hey there. Tully Whitman, nice to meet you,” he says, holding out his hand.
She takes it and stares at him for at least thirty seconds before breathing and saying hi. I think we lose her concentration after that. She’s lost in Tully Land as we go to the restaurant andthen walk through the garden down to the pavilion filled with artwork.
“If you need to talk to anyone while you’re here, Grandma Donna will listen. She keeps the Friendship Bench busy, even in the cold months,” I tell them.
“That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard,” Tammy says, watching as Grandma Donna hands a man she’s been talking to for the past twenty minutes a knitted glasses holder.
Next to us, Noah starts a fire. Stacy sees him, and her mouth drops.
“Is everyone who works here unusually hot?” she asks Juju under her breath.
“Yes. It’s the Whitman family genes,” Juju says, giving me a look that makes me want to bend her over the bench, hike up that skirt, and see how fast I can make her scream my name.
Suddenly, I’m in a hurry to finish the tour.
“You okay?” Juju asks after Stacy and Tammy have gone inside the pavilion.
“You look so hot in that fucking skirt. What are you wearing underneath?” I ask.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” she says, leaning in close but not close enough.
“I really, really would.”
“Hey, Erin! Ava!” Juju says, waving them over.
