“What?” I shake my head as I hear my words. “It’s not like that. Like I told you, I noticed Riley is attractive when I first met him. But I’m not into Riley.”
The idea is almost enough to make me laugh. I’m thinking about Riley all the time because he’s threatening my business and acting like a total stubborn jerk. The fact that he is technically hot to me is irrelevant.
When I look to Nicholas, he shrugs. “You do tend to mention his eyes.”
I rub my hand over my face. “Okay. Noted. But as far as romance goes, I’m happily distracted by the fantasy of NotAnOgre wandering into my real life and revealing himself to be a hunky, sweet geek who sweeps me off my feet. Riley is just a business problem.”
Kavya nods and gets us back on topic. “If you need a new strategy, start by taking stock of your strengths. What’s going in your favor?”
I consider her question. “I’m an established business in the community with close ties to many of my neighbors.”
“Public opinion,” Nicholas says with a nod. “That’s your answer.”
“Rally the gayborhood,” Kavya agrees. “You’re not the only business affected by the garage opening up.”
I nod, determined. They’re right.
Ice cream socials can only go so far. It’s time to fight back.
