He was the best contractor for outdoor spaces.And when the work was completed, I'd never have to see him again.I felt shaky as I walked toward the front counter where Clara was waiting for me with a smile.
She hugged me."Congrats, girl.You had an amazing turnout."
"Thanks for coming."The other shop owners were newer friends, people who I'd met recently while I was waiting for my shop to open.And Clara was one of the best.
"Enjoy this moment.You deserve it."
After my talk with Maverick, the praise felt empty.I hadn't earned the store.I'd used the money my grandmother had given me, but I couldn't tell her that."Thanks."
"I'm going to run out and grab some wine and snacks.We'll celebrate once everyone is gone."
"That sounds perfect."Normally, I'd want to go home and be by myself, but after that encounter with Maverick, I felt off center.I didn't want to be alone.
Clara left, and I greeted the next person in line, asking if they'd gotten everything they wanted.I hoped that Maverick left.I didn't want another run-in with him.
I couldn't avoid the Sterling family.Not only were they the town’s contractors, but Ford had rekindled his high-school romance with Natasha, who was part-owner of the town with her sister, and Hudson was dating lingerie-shop-owner, Angela.After her shop flooded, I carried her products in my store.It was a little unconventional, but readers loved the combination of themed panties and books.
I paired them with the blind dates with a book.They received a surprise panty design and romance book.Tonight, it was my most popular offering.
The shop owners worked together, and we'd grown close.
Once everyone left, Reina and Meg stuck around to help me clean up.Angela had to take Ayla home for bed, so she wouldn't be celebrating with us.
Once everyone left, Reina pulled out a bakery box."I brought a little something for us."
"You didn't have to go through all this trouble."
Reina rolled her eyes as she handed me a cupcake with pink frosting.She'd garnished it with a book."The grand opening was for everyone else.This is for you."
I took the offered cupcake."This looks amazing.Can I take a picture for social media?"
"I'd be upset if you didn't.I made a bunch of them."
She opened the box, revealing the various cupcakes covered in books.I snapped a few pictures, and then Reina insisted on getting one of me holding a cupcake.To be silly, I took off the wrapper and took a bite, the icing on my nose.
Reina came close."You have to post this one.It's hot."
I rolled my eyes."Eating a cupcake is hot?"
"Take a look."Reina sent the picture to my phone.
Apparently, I made eating a cupcake appear sensual.Then I caught a glimpse of her screen."Are you posting that on my social-media page?"
Reina grinned."Absolutely."
I sighed."I don't have a choice, do I?"
Meg pulled me into her side."Girl, we've got your back."
I chuckled."By posting silly pictures of me eating cupcakes?"
"Yes," she said.
Clara opened the door, carrying a charcuterie board."I have food and wine."
Reina put down my phone and rushed to grab the bag Clara held.
She pulled out a bottle of wine and glasses, then poured everyone a glass as we sat on the overstuffed leather chairs and couches that I'd arranged facing each other by the fireplace.
