He looks like he’s debating whether to continue the conversation, and I brace myself for his words. He obviously knows something, and I need to be willing to accept the advice if it could save my business.
“Go on.”
“I was coming here this morning and heard a few people standing out here talking about your place, trying to figure out what it was. I’ve mentioned to a few people about your coffee shop, usually using it as a landmark to describe where things are, and most people are confused and haven’t heard about a ‘coffee shop in town.’”
My frown only deepens. “What are you talking about? Aren’t they able to smell the coffee from here?”
He takes a slow breath. “Maybe, but that could mean many things. It could just be an office building with a coffee machine. Honey & Harbor sounds like a gift shop, or maybe something to do with tea.”
All my defenses rise immediately, irritation burning through me. I fold my arms across my chest and ask, “Anything else?”
It’s not the most mature response, but it’s all I’ve got right now.
“I think you should take down the reflective glass and put in blinds instead. You could get one of those easel signs that detail your specials. Change the name to something that clearly denotes coffee. Maybe even put a couple of tables outside so people can enjoy the beach while sipping their drinks.”
“You have a lot of opinions for someone who’s going to be sleeping on an air mattress tonight,” I say, trying to lighten the mood.
The hard part is that everything he’s saying sounds reasonable. Worse, it sounds like it might solve many of my problems.
Am I happy about it? No.
Because I’ve been run over a lot in my life, and I don’t want that to keep happening.
But he’s not pushing, and that’s significant.
He gives me a small smile before looking down and nudging a rock with his shoe. “I’ve had to do a lot of business evaluations in the past, and I just wanted to give you a heads-up. Any changes now, before the busy season starts, would be best for your business. If people don’t know for sure that you’re selling coffee, they probably won’t come in.”
I breathe out, trying to keep my composure. “I appreciate your honesty,” I say, fighting the emotion in my voice.
He studies me for a moment. “But you don’t like it.”
“Am I that readable?”
“I just know from past experience that people feel protective over something they’ve built.”
I let out a slow breath. “I’ve been in situations where people tried to take away all of my opinions and replace them with their own.”
“Like what?”
“My ex-boyfriend tried to dictate everything. He ordered for me at restaurants and criticized my wardrobe.” I have to choke back a bubble of anger when I say, “He tried to temper me atwork, saying I was too emotional or I couldn’t handle the bigger clients.”
Max’s jaw tightens and he shifts from one foot to the other. “I promise I’m not trying to do that. I just don’t want to see you suffer because your business isn’t running successfully. There are only so many months, weeks, or days a shop can survive if it’s not profitable.” His voice softens and he takes a small step closer, reaching out to touch my hand with his. “I won’t take offense if you don’t agree with any of the things I’ve said or don’t want to take them into account. But as someone who’s come to care about you, I wanted to say something that might help.”
My stomach flips at the combination of his words and his touch. It’s gentle and sends a zip of something up my spine.
“I appreciate that,” I say, genuinely meaning it.
We’re so close. Our eyes are locked until I glance down at his lips, which I shouldn’t have done. When I look back at him, he’s glancing at my lips too, at least that’s what it looks like. Maybe I’m making the whole thing up.
“Good afternoon, Avery!” a voice calls from the other sidewalk.
It’s Eliza, who I met just a few days ago. She looks like she’s getting ready to paint another mural in town. Her talent is unmatched, and I’m grateful for her work on them. They definitely brighten the town.
Her greeting breaks whatever is holding Max and me together, and I turn to wave at her.
Max lifts the bag in his hands. “I’m going to go make sure this air mattress blows up. Let me know if you need help with anything.”
I laugh. “What do you mean by that? It’s brand new.”
