“That wasn’t my idea, but the more you talk about this, the more perfect it is. It would bring the cost down, and I promise, it would be one of a kind.”
“Of course it would be one of a kind. No one is dumb enough to have tried it before!”
I might be made of stone, but her razor-sharp words cut me. People don’t always value my perspective, but no one assumes I’m dumb over a difference of opinion. This woman makes Magnus look like Mother Theresa.
“It will look amazing.” I continue to explain. “Your customers will feel at home, and I think it will inspire not just you, but everyone who comes in. Besides, people here are a lot more down to earth than the hoity-toity crowd you’re trying to attract with marble and crystal chandeliers. My way will bring them in by the droves and keep them coming back.”
She looks defeated as she interlaces her fingers at the back of her head with her elbows pointed outward. She turns her back to me. “I don’t believe this. The whole point of opening this bakery is so I can stop doing what other people want and do what I want for a change. And then I have to deal with you, and it’s like you’re not hearing me at all.”
“Hey,” I place my hand on her shoulder to offer support, but feel something beneath it on her shirt. I leave it for now. First things first, she’s upset, and I want to reassure her that I’ll do whatever it is that she wants. “I was just throwing out an idea.” She turns back to face me. “I thought it might be helpful to get you attention and save you some money.”
“Why are you so concerned about my bank account? Do I look like I’m not able to pay?” Her eyes dart down for a quick moment as she looks herself over. Knocking my hand off ofher shoulder, Camilla hugs her arms around her chest. I know she’s putting on a show of strength and independence, but her behavior, paired with her last comment, hints that there is something sad and broken inside her. Something I’m yearning to fix.
I take a step back to give her some air and change my focus. Maybe the problem lies with me. My size. My determination. I’m not used to dealing with human women. I can’t help but wonder if she senses I’m different and if that frightens her.
“I’m looking to give you options because I want you to choose Eternal by Design to do the work.” At least it’s a half-truth. It’s better than telling her I want to make sure she’s in a position to stay in Erie Cove so I can see her day and night when I end up frozen and perched on the bank across the street. “If we do a good job, you’ll recommend us. That could lead to a promotion for me. This is all about making the customer happy.”
“Then do as I ask!” She pleads, and guilt eats away at me.
I didn’t mean to push what I wanted on her. I only wanted to surprise her with alternatives and see her smile. I nod and try to keep from grumbling to myself, at least until I leave, and she’s out of earshot.
“How about this?” I suggest with a heaviness in my chest that makes me feel nauseous and ache all over. “I’ll make a draft of what I think you want from talking to you the other day, along with another drawing demonstrating how I think using the tree trunks in their natural form will enhance the look and design. Either way, they stay because I plan to use the wood from them regardless. I’ll have the drawings ready by the end of the week. In the meantime, look at the paint colors. Pick one out so I can get started, free of charge.”
“This is crazy.” She looks away and shakes her head.
“It’s not really, if you think about it. I’m just offering you white-glove service.”
She takes a few heaving breaths, considering what I said, and it takes every ounce of self-control to stand still and keep my focus above her neck. Finally, she closes her eyes and screws up her face before looking at me again.
“Okay.”
“Okay? Really?” Hope makes me feel warm and bright, like a sun rose and now lives in my chest.
She nods.
“Great. Then I’ll see you later.”
“Wait! What about the tree trunks?”
I flash her a quick smile. “Give me two minutes, and I’ll have them inside.”
Her eyes dart from me to the trunks and back.
“That’s impossible.” She looks on either side of the trunks. “I don’t see a dolly or any other way to transport them.”
“Don’t need anything. I’ll just pick them up and move them.”
“There’s no way you can do that without seriously hurting yourself. I’ll help you.”
“Absolutely not,” I say, taking a step closer to her, making sure to keep my voice soft and low so that I don’t frighten her. I can’t help myself. I stretch my hand out and hold the back of her neck. She stiffens beneath my touch but doesn’t slap my hand away. I stroke her cheek with my thumb. Her eyes open wide, and I let go. “Just watch.” I smile and force myself to move away from her, out of the front door.
I scoop up half of the trunks in my arms and bring them inside the empty store. “Should I leave them in the middle?” Camilla’s already big, brown eyes open wider.
“How?” She looks from the bundle in my arms, and back up to my face. “How are you doing that?”
I shrug before setting the tree trunks down on the floor. “It’s no big deal. Oh, before I forget, here are the paint swatches.” I pull the color cards out of my back pocket. “You said pink orcream. Look these over. If you don’t like them, I can always pick up more.” I hand them to her before heading back outside for the rest of the trunks. I place them next to the first batch, then sort through a batch for the scaled-down arch I carved for Camilla last night.
She doesn’t say anything this time; she just stares at me, unmoving, like she’s been turned to stone.
