Aspen waved a dismissive hand."I'm not really.Morgan asked me to help Reina, so I looked at a few options.It's not a big deal."
I exchanged a look with Cooper.She'd created various designs and color schemes.It was more than a little thing.She seemed to have some experience with it.I wondered if she didn't recognize when she was good at something, believing she was flighty or inattentive when she was anything but.
"Either way, you came prepared with great options.It was really helpful."
Aspen seemed surprised by his praise."It was fun."
Why was she working the front counter at different businesses and not running one herself?Was it a confidence thing?Or something else?
Had someone made her think that she was just flighty or her ideas silly?When she was actually smart and thoughtful.Either way, I enjoyed having her as my friend.I hooked an arm through her elbow."You saved me.I'm not good at that kind of stuff."
Aspen smiled."You needed help."
"I'll call you if there's an issue getting anything in stock," Cooper called after us.
"Let's hope that's not a problem."I didn't want to deal with any setbacks.I loved the options we'd picked, but if they didn't come in on time, I'd have to make alternative choices.But opening the bakery on time was my priority.
Outside, Aspen asked, "I heard that you were thinking about an outdoor area with a bench and a table and chairs?"
"Yeah, I need to talk to Eve about it."It wasn't at the top of my priority list.I just wanted the bakery open.Anything else was a bonus.
"I think it's a great idea.Perfect for events like Christmas in July."
"The additions at Belle's Bookshop are amazing.I can see how it could work for me too," I said.
Aspen paused at her car, a small red sedan."I'm so excited for you.This is your opportunity to create something even better."
"I think so too."I loved her optimism.
"If you want to plan a grand-opening party, let me know.I'll help you."
"I haven't even thought about that."I was too preoccupied with keeping my business running in the meantime.The thought of everything I'd need to do between the renovation and the upcoming Christmas in July festival overwhelmed me.
"You have to do something to announce to everyone that you're open and better than ever."
I nodded."I remember Belle doing two of them."
"It's a great way to get the word out."
"We'll see," I said, not quite ready to agree to another thing on my to-do list, even if Aspen was offering to assist.
Aspen touched my arm."I can't wait until everything's done.It's going to be amazing."
I smiled as she got into her car.
"Don't forget; we have to go to that yoga class at the inn soon."
"As long as it's not in the morning, I can go."
"I'm holding you to it," Aspen said as she closed her door.
Despite her assistance, I felt the list of things I had to do churning in my gut.Would I get everything done?Would the bakery be what I wanted?
I got in my car and drove home, feeling stressed.
In the kitchen, I got out ingredients to make cookies and got to work.Baking never failed to make me forget about everything else.I focused on measurements and lost track of time.
When the front door opened, I had several racks of cookies cooling on the counter.
