I should reach out to the other shop owners.We tried to meet up every once in a while to discuss business issues or just to vent.This was the first time I needed to talk to them about a guy.
I needed someone's opinion on Maverick, but at the same time, I wondered if I should keep it quiet for a little while longer.
I should see how he reacted this week.If everything went back to normal, then nothing would have changed.It would just be a brief blip in our lives where Maverick was nice to me.It didn't have to change anything, even if my heart longed for something more with him.
My body hadn't gotten the message that my brain did a long time ago.Maverick wasn't the commitment type.Hell, he wasn't even a guy you could date.
He had so many walls in place, rules, and regulations.For a bad boy, he had a lot of hang-ups when it came to women.But I was starting to expect it was just me that he had a problem with.
I couldn't fight him.I just needed to move on and find myself a nice guy.One that didn't think I was too good for him.Who would treat me right.I owned the store now and was feeling settled.It was a good time to meet someone new, who'd take my mind off the man cooking soup in my kitchen.
I showered and got dressed, pleased I could stomach coffee this morning.I ate toast and jelly before cleaning up the bathroom and the rest of the apartment.
I couldn't believe that Maverick had unpacked most of my books.He hadn't organized them, but it was still a nice gesture.I wasn't sure when I would have gotten to it otherwise.
At ten forty-five, I went downstairs to get the store ready to open.Aspen had done a nice job of tidying up the store itself, so there wasn't anything for me to do.
I opened the store and greeted the customers as they came in to browse.A few asked how I was feeling; Aspen must have told them I was sick.But others preferred to browse without me hovering.
I spent the afternoon at the front counter checking people out, and brainstorming ways to draw more people in.We had a small space for group gatherings that would be larger once the four-seasons room was completed.But I had visions of more groups wanting to meet here.
When Aspen appeared with coffees and pastries, she said, "It looks like you could use a pick-me-up."
I practically inhaled the sugary coffee."It's so nice to eat real food."
She leaned against the counter, pulling a muffin out of the bakery bag."Are you feeling better?"
I nodded."I feel human again."
She bit off a croissant."Mmm.That's great news."
I nodded, still sipping the warm liquid.
She was quiet for a few seconds."You were busy yesterday.You had a steady stream of customers."
"I haven't been sure what to expect, especially since the holiday season is over."Sunday was definitely quieter, but there were a few people who liked to work on their laptops or read books in one of the overstuffed chairs.
"Eve is determined to keep traffic steady.It won't be the same as November through December, but we're a small town with a holiday theme.People can visit at any time for a winter-wonderland feel."
"You're still working the front desk at the inn?"I asked her, remembering what people had said about her.
"Yes, and I do some personal shopping at Wilde Ski Resort.There's an app, and I can take the job or not.It's flexible.But I've always wanted to work in a bookstore."
"I'm sure I could use help a few hours a week.It would be nice to have more flexibility."Right now, I had to be here during store hours.At least until the shop was more profitable.
A customer approached, and Aspen wiped her hands before taking the book and checking her out.She was quick and efficient, commenting on the customer's reading choice and asking her if she'd seen the bulletin board where I'd posted opportunities to get involved in a few groups.
When the woman left, I said, "You're hired."
She smiled."You barely know me."
"Maverick trusted you to handle the shop when I was sick."He wouldn't have done that if he didn't think she was reliable and competent.And I'd seen her check out a customer.She was efficient and polite, commenting on their books.She was perfect.
She leaned against the counter, facing me."Speaking of Maverick, he hung around to help you yesterday."
"He was worried when I didn't open the store.I'd been up all night puking and must have fallen asleep on the bathroom floor.As soon as he found me, he insisted I shower and then get into bed.He went grocery shopping and forced me to eat.I think he felt bad for me because I was alone.But I could have taken care of myself."
Aspen frowned."I've never heard of him taking care of anyone like that."
