“You’re not already laughing?” I ask with a grin.
“No, because I know there are other options. They’d just involve staying outside of town and commuting in the car that betrayed me by running out of gas.”
I bark out another laugh. “Yeah, they need to fix that car. You weren’t too far from town.”
His gaze grows more intense. “It was a good thing someone stopped to help me, or I might still be walking.”
We both laugh.
He stands, letting go of my hand as if he’s reluctant too. I know I am.
“Thank you, Avery. I appreciate the distraction tonight.”
“Let me know if you need anything. Breakfast or whatever—we’ll do what we can.”
As he walks toward the door, I ask, “Are you planning to go to the test run this weekend?”
He turns, frowning. “What’s that?”
“Well, since The Season starts next week, the community gets together and test-runs some businesses. I know there’s a new restaurant taking part, as well as the go-karts and a few other places.”
He studies me. “That’s a great idea. You work out the quirks before large crowds come and also bring the town together. It sounds almost like a carnival.”
“Except it’s all free. Well, we pay at the restaurants, but it’s more the cost of the food than the actual prices.”
“You should put your coffee shop in it if there’s still availability. We could get a sign made.” He pauses. “I mean, if that’s something you want to do.”
I hadn’t thought about that. But a chance to show people that we’re here and we make coffee? That might be worthwhile for when tourists need directions.
“The windows look good without the reflective film on them,” he adds.
I smile. “Good, because it took way longer than I wanted to get it all down.”
He turns the handle to open the door.
“Do you really think I should change the name of my coffee shop?” I ask.
The question surprises even me. I haven’t asked for a man’s opinion on something important since my ex left, yet Max somehow feels different. Less controlling. More thoughtful.
He shrugs. “That’s totally up to you. I just think, as it is now, it sounds more like a tea shop than a coffee place. Since you’re a new business, you want visibility and recognition to be easy for people. If you created a name and logo that hinted more toward coffee, I think it would help.”
I try to keep a smile in place. “Thank you. I appreciate your feedback.”
He chuckles. “Change of heart? You didn’t seem thrilled when I first suggested it.”
“I’ve shared some about my controlling ex, and about how he made me doubt so many things,” I admit quietly. “To the point I stopped making a lot of decisions on my own. After we broke up, I promised myself I’d stick to my opinions and choices. But…you made me realize that sometimes what I think is best isn’t always the right answer.”
He smiles. “Don’t thank me yet. Let’s just hope you can pivot and do well this summer.”
He leaves, and I stand there staring at the closed door for several moments.
Not only did he not judge me for leaving law, but he also didn’t mock my dream of owning a coffee shop.
He’s different from most of the men I’ve known. He’s gives me space and isn’t pushy about my phone number. And he’s willing to fix the sink even when that isn’t part of his jobdescription. I’m grateful for that. For once, I’m not as worried about the future, but wanting to soak up the present.
There are so many good things happening in my life, and I’m excited to see the results.
The dangerous part?
