A knock on her front door was a welcome distraction. Leaving everything on the table, she walked into the entryway.
As soon as she opened the door, her friend Andrea hurried inside. “Thank goodness you’re here. I only have a few minutes before I have to pick up the boys from school.”
“What’s happened?”
“Nothing. In fact, everything couldn’t be better.” Reaching into her bag, she pulled out her cell phone. “I saw some shelving on eBay that I thought would be perfect for your store.”
Paris had to look twice to make sure the wrought iron shelving with white-painted shelves wasn’t the same furniture she’d found at an online store. “It’s similar to the furniture I was going to order.”
“I thought so. Look at the price.”
She couldn’t believe it. “That’s half what the other supplier was charging.”
“I forgot what you told me, but these shelves sounded a lot cheaper. And the quality is really good. Take a look at the reviews.”
By the time Paris had finished reading the reviews, she knew it was worth buying one set to see if they were okay. “Can you send me a link to the page? If I place an order today, it should arrive next week.”
Andrea’s eyes widened. “Has the bank approved your loan?”
Paris sighed. “Not yet. I’m still filling out the forms.”
“Don’t worry. Everyone wants to see new businesses opening in Sapphire Bay.”
“I hope they take that into consideration.”
“I’m sure they will. But the shelving wasn’t the only reason I stopped by. I wanted to tell you how much Charlie enjoyed your flower arranging class.”
“I thought he did. I was surprised by how many great ideas everyone had for their Valentine’s Day gifts.”
“That’s because you’re such an amazing teacher. Charlie said Jack was in the class, too.”
Paris handed Andrea her phone. “I don’t like the gleam in your eyes.”
“You forgot to mention that Jack’s dad is remodeling the cottage you want to lease.”
“It didn’t seem important.”
Andrea grinned. “He’s the only person who’s ruffled your feathers since you moved here. Have you ever thought there might be a reason for that?”
“I know the reason, and it isn’t what you think. Richard has a habit of thinking the worst of a situation. It’s so annoying.”
“And you think everything will be perfect. Maybe that annoys him.”
“I don’t know why it would.” Paris looked a little closer at her friend. “How did you know Richard’s remodeling the cottages?”
“I walked down Anchor Lane yesterday to see what was happening. He was there with Penny.”
“The cottages will look incredible when they’re finished.”
Andrea touched her arm. “And one of them will be yours. The loans officer won’t turn down your application.”
“I hope not. Thanks for showing me the shelving.”
“You’re welcome. If you see Richard, be kind to him. He’s been through a lot in the last few years.”
Paris frowned. “What do you know that I don’t?”
“You’ll have to ask him. Are you coming to the Valentine’s Day party at The Welcome Center?”
