Brooke stared at the tattoo shop and sighed. She steeled herself and took the first step in Drew’s direction. She could see Drew through the store’s large window, leaning against the counter. Brooke’s eyes travelled up the woman’s silhouette, she had an amazing butt. Brooke shook her head, causing the unwelcome thought to disappear. She wanted to make friends, and the best way to do that was to remain free from distractions.
Chapter 4
Drew wasn’t prone to anger. She’d always seen it as a lower-level emotion. So, she went through her life trying to stay positive and upbeat. This way of thinking had served her well all through life. Most people she’d met responded well to her positive way of thinking. But that was most people. Not Brooke. It was clear that Brooke was determined to be the black cloud in her otherwise sunny skies.
Drew had tried her best to win Brooke over. This morning had shown her that her efforts were in vain. Brooke had decided not to like her immediately. She hadn’t even bothered trying to get to know her. The most frustrating part was that it bothered Drew. She knew that Brooke’s opinion of her shouldn’t matter. It shouldn’t bother Drew at all to know that Brooke didn’t like her. The fact that it did bother her was what troubled her the most.
Who does she even think she is? Drew asked herself as she flipped through her display book.
“Hi, I’m Brooke and I’m perfect at everything I do. I wanted the shop space you’re in so I don’t like you on principle,” Drew said aloud in her whiniest voice.
“That’s a pretty good impression. I don’t think my voice is that high-pitched,” Brooke chuckled somewhat nervously.
“Good to know that I’ve failed to meet your expectations in yet another area.”
Drew’s eyes lifted, meeting Brooke’s. She forced herself to harden. Drew refused to be charmed by this woman’s good looks and intellect. Brooke lifted her hands up in defense, in her hand a small packet hung from her fingers.
“Listen, you’re right. I’ve been an ass.”
“Yes, you have been,” Drew agreed, she folded her arms across her chest.
“I come in peace, and with a gift offering.”
Brooke extended her hand, offering the packet to Drew. Drew eyed the packet suspiciously.
“Is that tea?” Drew asked.
“Yes, it’s my favorite kind of tea,” Brooke answered.
“Have you moved past snide comments to trying to actually poison me for the shop space?” Drew asked defiantly. She could tell from the expression on Brooke’s face that she’d hit a nerve. Drew forced herself to soften, she took the packet from Brooke’s hand.
“Rose, huh?” Drew asked.
“That’s right,” Brooke answered hesitantly.
“I guess I didn’t figure you as the romantic type, Tomes.”
Brooke smiled when Drew brought out the nickname and it warmed an unexpected place in Drew’s heart. She tried her best to manage her heart’s expectations.
“Why don’t I make us a couple of mugs. I suppose drinking tea together is a nice first step towards peace,” Drew sighed.
She watched as Brooke’s face brightened further. Drew smiled in spite of herself. She made the tea in her back-room microwave. Probably not the ideal way to heat water for tea, but they’d have to make do. When she came back Drew handed Brooke her mug. Drew took a tentative sip and smiled.
“You have good taste in tea,” she offered cautiously.
She was glad that Brooke was interested in peace talks. But Brooke had stung her more than once so caution was still required. Drew sat on the stool behind the counter and took another sip of her tea.
“I know I’ve been hard on you since I discovered you were taking over the shop. I’d like to try and make up for my awful first impression.”
Drew met Brooke’s bright blue eyes and watched the sparkle there. She gave Brooke what she hoped was an encouraging smile.
“What do you have in mind?” Drew asked.
“My friend, Emily, owns a local brewery. Every month she hosts a women’s business night. It’s a sort of networking dinner. Local women in business come and get to know each other. I thought since you were new maybe you’d like to come to the next one in a couple of nights.”
Drew considered Brooke’s invitation and decided she was making a genuine effort.
“I’d love to come. Thanks for the invite.”
