“I saw it.” He eyes my hand.
“I can’t control it,” I say, curling and uncurling my hand at my side.
He leans against his flashy Ferrari. He’s desperate to show off, as if compensating for something. While we don’t discuss our pasts, his need to seek attention, regardless of the type, raises questions.
“Maybe that’s the problem. You focus too much. Your arm knows what it’s supposed to do. Let go.”
“Thanks, man.” My voice cracks at the end, suddenly emotional, grateful for the support I receive. I am not alone. I have people I care about and who care about me.
I climb into my SUV, and he says, “No one will ever be Levi, but everyone would be honored to be your wingman. Don’t take that lightly, okay?”
I nod. Fisting my hand, I pump his. “I needed that.”
“What are friends for?”
He’s right, and I have to navigate through the guilt. I can’t afford to screw up.
THIRTEEN
LILLY
Katand I are on our way to meet a real estate agent. We are growing gradually and steadily, and it’s time to expand our operations. I tell Kat about the three employee candidates I like the most. Two of them are young and energetic, and the third is a seasoned professional with experience in the field, who will become the manager overseeing the second store.
Tomorrow, I have five more interviews. I hope that by the end of the week, our team will have grown to ten.
We meet with the realtor downtown. The area flourishes during the work week, and it’s the perfect spot to open a second juice bar to target the local workforce.
Dressed in an impeccable suit, she looks as if she sells sunshine rather than rents properties. After exchanging greetings, she walks us through the location, which has a modern, industrial touch.
Inside, an enormous, open space is available that we can easily renovate to match the first LuKo Juice location, creating brand consistency.
I look at Kat, whose eyes flicker with ideas. By the time the realtor finishes the tour, I say, “We’ll take it.”
She smiles, nodding in approval of our quick decision. “Great. I’ll draw up the papers then.”
With elbows looped together, Kat and I walk around.
She sniffs the air. “Do you smell the success? We’re going to be self-made women.”
I giggle. “We already are.”
In my last year of college, I started juicing. I fell down a rabbit hole of healthy habits and stumbled upon that. I analyzed the market, studied the benefits, and explored the combinations of fruits and vegetables.
But doubts crept in, keeping me from pursuing my dream as I finished my studies—until our trip to Seattle. That night with Ian made me realize it’s okay to be afraid, but I would pass up great things that could happen to me if I didn’t take the risk.
On our flight back, I told my best friend about my idea, and she went right along with it, panning out a business plan. After we finished college, we started LuKo Juice. And now, two years later, we’re expanding.
Walking back to our cars, I think of who I’d like to share my big news with, and Ian is the first to pop into my mind. I check the time on my phone. He’s still at practice, and then he’ll go to visit Levi.
“Hey, what’s the matter?” she asks.
“I want to tell Ian first.”
A pensive look crosses her face. “He’s becoming your person, Lilly.”
There’s no point denying it. I have slept at his place ever since that night.
“He’s having a rough time.”
