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“Sure,” she says, and we go to the end.
“Do you know what you’re gonna get?” I ask Owen. There are at least fifty designs to choose from, way too many for indecisive kids.
“Captain America!” he confirms with a fist pump.
I nod. “That’s a great one!”
Soon, he’s plopping down in the seat, and Katie and I watch as his entire face is covered in red, white, and blue paint. After it’s finished, I give him a high five, and Katie pulls out her phone.
“You two get together. Let’s take a picture.”
Before she can snap it, someone walks by and offers to take one of the three of us. Katie happily stands next to me, and we smile wide.
“It turned out great,” the woman says, handing Katie her phone back.
With a smile, Katie turns the screen around and shows us.
“Our first family photo,” I say, and I think I see her emotions take over for a brief second.
“It’s perfect,” she says.
We stop and grab a hot dog, slathering on the mustard like there’s no more left on the planet, and eat at the picnic tables set up in the parking lot. The sun beats down on us, but honestly, the weather is perfect. A few lingering clouds and a constant breeze help so we don’t bake.
Tyler and Gemma walk around as calm as can be, and they greet everyone who passes them. When they come closer to us, I ask if they need anything, and Tyler shakes his head.
“You’re off the clock today,” he says with a grin, then glances at Katie. “Y’all enjoy yourselves.”
“Yes, sir,” I reply just as Katie’s parents walk over. Owen runs toward them and gives Katie’s mom a big hug. Face paint smears on the side of her shirt, but her smile never fades. It’s obvious how much she loves Owen.
“Hey, kids,” Mrs. Walker says to us.
“Mom, can I hang out with Memaw and Papa?” Owen asks without hesitation.
Katie scrunches her face and looks at her mom for approval.
“Yeah, I’d love to take him around. All the arts and crafts like sand art and necklace making, and I think I saw a dunking booth too,” she says.
“A dunking booth? I must’ve missed that one. Gemma really did go all out,” Katie replies, and I agree.
“Sometimes, she can be a little extra,” I say with a laugh.
“Call me when you’re exhausted,” Katie tells her mother and gives her dad a hug. Soon, Owen’s leading them through the crowd back toward the kids’ activities.
After the mayor gives a speech about new businesses and the Lawton Ridge community, Tyler’s handed the giant pair of golden scissors and cuts the ribbon in front of the door. The crowd cheers with excitement, and he thanks them all for coming. Soon, Gemma gives people a tour of the inside of the gym.
“This is amazing,” Katie leans into me and says. She’s seen the progression of what we’ve done, but now, all the finishing touches have been added.
“I’m actually impressed by how well it turned out, though I had no doubt it would be anything other than great,” I admit. One of Gemma’s new employees is whipping up samples from the juice bar and passing them out to people. Katie and I stop and try a few flavors.
“Well, hello to you,” I hear a woman say from behind.
Immediately, Katie’s face splits in half. “Ruby! Stephanie! Y’all came!”
“Wouldn’t miss it. Actually, I think Tyler would’ve divorced me as a friend if I didn’t show up,” Ruby admits and pulls Stephanie close.
“You’re damn right,” Tyler says from behind.
“Told ya,” Ruby says with a wink. “How’ve you been, Noah?”
“Great,” I admit, and she smiles wide when she notices my fingers are interlocked with Katie’s.
Moments later, Everleigh meets up with us, and Gemma comes over too. Soon, we’re all trying to talk over each other, laughing and cutting up. When I glance at Katie, she takes the opportunity to pull me to the side.
“I think the juice bar got to me. My stomach is kinda messed up and gurgling. I’m gonna run to the car and get some Pepto,” she says.
“Okay, I’ll come with you,” I tell her.
She shakes her head and looks around at everyone. “No, no. It’s fine. I’m only parked a few blocks away by the deli, and plenty of people are around. I’ll be right back. Have fun. Enjoy yourself,” she says, then walks away before I can protest.
“The juice bar is fucking fantastic,” Ruby says, grabbing my attention when she rubs her hand across the countertop.
“Right? Noah did all the cabinetry work.” Tyler eagerly gives me credit, showing her the other side with all the storage space.
I smile. “I actually really enjoy building things, so I had a good time. The top is a live oak edge. Smith did that part,” I admit.
“The workmanship is incredible. You should start a business,” she suggests.
