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“What’s that?”
He puffs out his chest. “I’m a winner. Always have been, always will be.”
“What does that have to do with anything?”
He steps close, almost too close, and I’m thankful for the counter keeping us apart. “I always win.”
“Ok.”
“And for me to invest in the brewery and save the day I need something from you.”
“Me?”
“Yes you.”
I don’t like the sound of this. At all. And I’m afraid to even ask what he needs me to do.
But, I don’t need to because Henry tells me, like he’s all too excited to get the words out, “I want you to break up with Ellis.” There’s a gleam in his eyes, and I know he’s loving this request.
I’m dumbfounded. “How could you even ask that of me?” My face scrunches up with anger. I wish I could ask this ass to leave, but he’s a paying customer, so I tap away at the computer. “That’ll be sixty-five thirty.”
He pulls out his wallet, handing over his credit card. “I’m serious here, Kiki. I can’t work with a company where the owner is fucking my ex.”
“Please leave.” I don’t care if this goes against my own company standards. I wrote the handbook, so I’m allowed to break them.
“Kiki, do you want to see the Atwood’s lose everything they have?”
I don’t move a muscle. “Well, no.”
“Exactly. Now, how serious is this little puppy dog crush you have on each other anyway?”
I don’t want to tell Henry that I think I’m falling for Ellis, and that I think Ellis may be feeling the same way, so I keep my mouth clamped shut.
“Let me tell you something about Ellis. He’s not serious about you.” Henry laughs. “He’s just using you. Do you think a man like Ellis would ever go for someone like you?”
Ouch. “You did,” I spit out, holding my chin up.
Henry doesn’t say a word, just pushes off the counter, checking his watch before staring out the glass door that leads to the street. He watches the cars pass by for a moment before turning to face me once more. “I’m serious here, Kiki. I don’t lose. The only ones who are going to lose from your selfishness are the Atwood’s.” He pushes open the door, glancing over his shoulder. “I expect you to do the right thing.” And then he walks through the door, pushing his sunglasses over his eyes, not even looking back. I definitely won’t be here when he comes to pick up the dog and his soon-to-be-bride, that’s for sure.
* * *
I’ve been in a sour mood for days since Henry left my shop and told me to break up with Ellis. I’ve been over and over it again in my head. I can’t break up with him. I really really like him times a thousand more reallys. I also don’t want him and his family to lose the brewery.
This is a moment for ice cream. Mint chocolate chip to be exact.
But, no. This problem is so much more serious than ice cream can handle. And besides, I can’t pop open a tub right here where I am.
Ugh, I wish I had someone to talk to about this. Lola and Poppi would just tell me to say ‘no’ to Henry and ride off into the sunset with Ellis.
It’s not that easy. In fact, it’s the most complicated shit on the planet. Like I would need a nuclear physicist to try to figure it all out. And still, I don’t think he could even come close.
I care about Ellis. I do. And I can’t let him lose the funding for his projects. I can’t let them lose everything if the brewery doesn’t make it.
But, I also don’t want to rush into things. I made that mistake with Henry, and look where that got me. Ellis lives in Atlanta. I live here.
“Do you have the flowers, Kiki?” Poppi asks when she finds me gazing out over the water. We’re here at the Atwood’s home on the Intracoastal, and trying desperately to get all the prep work done for Doodles and Sparkles wedding.
“Is it weird the bride and groom are brother and sister?” I ask Poppi, handing her the bouquet of flowers.
She laughs. “Is it weirder they have more people attending their wedding than I’ll ever have at my own.”
I continue stringing the lights, making this another spectacular wedding. I need to make sure I get lots of pictures for the portfolio. “Yeah,” I say, absentmindedly.
“You’re awfully quiet.” Poppi stops working. “Want to talk about it?”
I slump my shoulders in defeat, desperate to get a little advice. “If you had the ability to save someone’s future, would you?”
Poppi studies me for a moment before answering, “Is this about the brewery?”
I nod.
“What’s going on exactly?”
I probably shouldn’t tell her, and even saying it out loud is a bit ridiculous, but I do it anyway. “Henry won’t help the brewery unless I break up with Ellis.”
