It had become clear that a man lived there. A very masculine man at that. Leather belts with large buckles. The top of the dresser riddled with pocket flashlights, a couple of pocketknives, a bottle of woodsy cologne.
“I think Poet should start first,” Hadley said. “She has the most news.”
“And she’s been keeping it a secret,” Salem said. “No matter how much we push her, she wouldn’t spill the beans.”
“She’s drinking a mocktail,” Wyn said with a laugh. “You gotta get her tipsy.”
“I’m drinking a mocktail out of solidarity for my pregnant friends,” I quipped. “Can I talk now?”
“You have the floor,” Hadley said.
I took a deep breath. “I want to open a bookstore.”
The three of them were silent as I plowed on.
“But not just a bookstore. A third space.”
“So, a coffee shop?” Wyn asked.
I shook my head. “No. No coffee. I don’t need to serve coffee. There’s a bakery in town that does that already. But I want a place where people of all ages feel comfortable being. I went to the town library and the adult fiction section is a joke. I want a bookstore that feels like our charcuterie nights. Where friends can gather and talk about books and boys. Sit on comfy couches and gossip and read. But I want to sell locally sourced things, too. Things that are native to Huckleberry Hill. Like huckleberry preserves that Muddy makes, or Lucy’s elk sausage sticks.”
I pushed up my glasses and continued.
“They can grab their pastries and coffee from Sweet Teeth and then come in and sit and browse. Maybe a few nights a week I can do some sort of event. Books and crafts. Something like that. I just want people to have a place to spend time that isn’t work or home. A place to build community.”
I let out a breath.
“Okay, that’s my vision as it stands. What do you think?”
Wyn sighed. “I think I’ll never see you again because that is the perfect thing for you to do.”
I smiled. “Really?”
“Really,” Wyn said.
“Hadley? Salem?” I asked, looking at them.
“Well of course you’re opening a cozy bookstore, you dingus.” Salem laughed. “It’s exactly what Huckleberry Hill needs.”
“I totally agree. It’s about to become my new favorite place,” Hadley said.
Excitement—and tears—bubbled up inside me. I loved that I had my best friends’ support.
“Did you tell Brooks?” Wyn asked.
I paused and then nodded.
“He knew before us?” Salem asked.
I nodded again.
She sighed. “Yeah. This is the real deal. Okay. I’m sold.”
“Have you talked to Lucy about renting the vacant storefront?” Hadley asked.
“Not yet,” I said with a small smile. “But I have a feeling she won’t be surprised when I ask. Muddy said Lucy’s been waiting for the right business for the space. I just hope she thinks my idea is the right one . . .”
“That Muddy,” Wyn said with a laugh. “She’s like an old Greek Goddess who nudges humans in the right direction to finally fulfill their destiny.”
