I have back-to-back clients today, and I’m sure I won’t get away to pick something up.
Beck
I have a granola bar in my bag, so I won’t starve to death before you get here lol
Maggie’s is a very popular bakery and coffee shop in the heart of the village adeptly named after its owner Maggie. She also happens to be Beck’s aunt. Much like Maggie, the owner, the store is eccentric.
As her interests expand so do her business ventures. First, she took over the empty space next door to the bakery and opened a bookstore she named Books and Baubles. Most recently there has been an increase of house plants scatteredthroughout both places. I can already foresee her adding a nursery to include her new passion. My mom will be thrilled if that happens.
My phone chimes as another text comes in. She hasn't even noticed I haven’t been answering.
Beck
Can you also pick me up soup and a sandwich? Surprise me with what kind.
Beck
I still want the chai and scone, though.
Beck
Thanks, babe, you are the absolute best! Kisses xoxo
I’ll be there with all your requests, madam.
See you later xo
Looks like I will be visiting Beck after work. If Door Dash ever makes it to Emerley, I can pick up a side hustle.
I may as well check out town’s newest bachelor while I’m there.
Chapter Fifteen
My first day at work has been great so far. There have been small walk-in appointments that I picked up. I have also been working on sketches for an upcoming flash sale that the studio is having. Half of the day’s earnings will be donated to the local food bank. It’s just another reminder why I love living in a small town.
Banks is the absolute legend I knew he would be. I could talk to him forever about his work his well-known clients. He has asked me questions about my time living in the city and the last tattoo studio I worked at. It feels good to have someone invested in making their employees feel valued.
He also lets me bring Morgan with me, so that’s amazing. He’s such a good dog and has no problem napping the day away by the front desk with April when he’s not busy enthusiastically greeting customers.
My new coworker Beck is hilarious. She has made me laugh multiple times today with her excited energy and wild hand gestures while she’s talking. She is booked out for months in advance because she is so talented.
I’m sitting at my table working on a sketch of a sandhill crane when I hear the bell over the door ring. Banks has slipped over to Maggie’s to grab a coffee. Something I’m looking forward tomyself. April is on break, and Beck just stomped out the back door to take a phone call. It’s none of my business, but it sounds heated.
Rising from my chair, I stretch out my long legs and start to walk to the counter when I hear a familiar voice. Oh fuck. Hannah. One day, I only wanted one day. Riot’s going to totally throw this in my face when he hears.
“Well, aren’t you just the sweetest boy ever? Do you work here now? Beck told me about you,” Hannah coos to Morgan as she crouches down to give him ear scratches.
Slowly, she rises to her feet and plops a takeout bag on the counter while still looking down admiring my dog who is shamelessly showing her his belly. That dog has no chill.
“Hey,” she says distractedly when she hears me move further into the room.
“I’m looking for Beck. I brought her food, so she doesn’t die of starvation. You must be LJ,” she says, laughing.
God, I have missed the sound of her laugh.
When she looks up, we make eye contact, and her laughter stops instantly. Several expressions cross her face in rapid succession. Surprise, confusion, sadness, and anger. Anger is the one that sticks as she takes a step back towards the door. I’m sure the last conversation we had is playing through her mind in HI-FI.
I’m an asshole.
