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“Yes. With me.”
Chapter Sixteen
“The shop is really coming along, Laurel.” Aiden walked around the huge space which she’d separated into smaller areas with the skillful use of new walls and pieces of furniture. The wood floors had been refinished, the walls painted, and new lighting fixtures hung on the walls. “Will the soda fountain open at the same time as the flower shop?”
“That’s the plan. I’ve had two high schoolers and a recently divorced young woman apply for work.” She stopped arranging product on a shelf and smiled. “I haven’t even advertised for help yet.”
“There aren’t too many places offering work in Brilliance. Most additional jobs happen in late spring or early summer. They’re filled just before the summer visitors arrive. Your shop will cater to localsandvisitors.”
“Which means, I’ll be able to offer work all year long.”
Aiden nodded. “That’s right. It will be a big deal to those who truly need work.”
Laurel stopped what she was doing to look at him. “You know a lot about Brilliance.”
“Not really. I do understand small towns and the difficulty finding work.” He walked behind the soda counter, bending to take a peek at the shelves. “When will your supplies arrive?”
“As early as this afternoon. Realistically, tomorrow or the following day. I learned a long time ago not to plan around deliveries.”
“What about flowers and food?”
“Not until the day before we open. The freezer will arrive in a few days. The refrigerated display for flowers should be here soon. I won’t schedule the grand opening until the shop is perfect.”
“I figured as much.”
Shifting toward him, her mouth twisted into a grin. “Being picky has always been a blessing and a curse. My late husband used to tease me about being a perfectionist. It took a long time to complete our living room because I couldn’t find exactly what was in my head. It was finished days before he, um…left.” Swallowing the painful lump in her throat, she opened another box.
Aiden couldn’t miss the ache in her voice when she talked about her late husband. He waited to see if she continued. When she returned to her work, he stepped closer.
“Can I make a suggestion?”
Confusion showed in her eyes. “Of course.”
“I’m off duty. Have dinner with me. Afterward, we’ll come back together, and I’ll help you with whatever needs to be done.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
He chuckled. “I know. We both have to eat. Might as well do it together.”
She thought a moment. “All right. But you don’t have to come back here.”
“It’s like this. At home, there’s nothing but a stack of mail to open, emails to read, and a television I haven’t set up. Helping you would be a good way to spend some time.”
Glancing down at her less than chic clothes, she grinned. “I don’t have a change of clothes.”
“No problem. Brilliance is full of casual restaurants.”
“Mexican?”
“Works for me.”
Laurel hesitated a few more seconds before nodding. “Well then, let me wash my hands and lock up.”
His grin mirrored hers. “Have at it. I’ll be waiting out front.”
“Two chicken enchiladas, one carnitas taco, one beef taco, one chicken tamale, rice, and beans. Oh, and a large iced tea.” Sam closed her menu, handing it to the waitress who stared down at her.
“All of this is for you?” The young woman let her gaze move over what she’d written.
