Maybe I need something like this in my life more often. Otherwise, my body is going to deteriorate from sitting behind a desk all day.
“What do I need to do for the flooring?” I ask, remembering what Avery mentioned earlier.
“Frank has several samples in the hardware store. If you want to get it in quickly, try to pick something that he has in stock. Then for the others we can order in something to be delivered.”
“Sounds great. What do we need to do now?”
Talia moves a hand to tuck some stray pieces of hair behind her ear. “Let’s let the primer dry for a bit, and then we can start on the first coat of regular paint.”
She glances toward the door. “I’ve got to run and check on another project really quick, but I’ll be back in about two hours. Head down and look at the flooring.” She walks over and sets down her mask and the paint.
“What other project do you have?” I ask curiously.
“I have some furniture pieces I need to finish before people come pick them up tomorrow.”
She must see something on my face because she raises both hands reassuringly.
“Everything is lined up. The heating guys will finish tomorrow, and the Sheetrock crew will come right after that. I’m balancing this while working on my other projects.”
“That’s a lot.”
“It’s out of necessity,” she says quietly. “My dad has a lot of debts, and I’m trying to work through them one at a time.”
My chest tightens for her.
It just goes to show how much a difference listening canmake. I’ve always tried to listen to my employees, especially after spending years not being heard by the people who were supposed to listen, care, and love me.
“That’s good to know,” I say. “And don’t worry. I trust you.”
She lets out a small laugh. “You look like you’re still waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
I blow out a breath. “I’m sorry if it feels that way. You’re doing a much better job than Rusty did.”
“That’s not the greatest compliment in the world,” Talia says, though she smiles a little. “But I guess it’s something when no one else would give me a chance.”
She waves goodbye and heads out the door.
I walk outside and start down the street, glancing toward the coffee shop as I leave. It’s closed, and I wonder where Avery is right now. She needs a few more signs and a great logo to help her business thrive.
I grin as I think about her stubbornness fading as she took down the reflective paper.
I can still feel her hand in mine, fitting perfectly like a puzzle piece. And for the first time in a long time, I want something that has nothing to do with business, expectations, or the Bauer name.
I want her.
24
AVERY
Do we have a line around the block? No. But do I feel a lot better about the number of people coming through our doors? Absolutely.
I’ve already heard from so many people saying they didn’t even know we were here, and it almost feels like our opening day redo. I’ve come up with some ideas for what to call the shop, and I’m hoping to narrow it down by the end of the day.
We have two more days until our test-run slot. I liked Max’s idea of putting our shop on the trail. Sure, it’s not the most organized thing I’ve ever done, but if I’m going to make lemonade out of this, I’ll just make sure we have a nice big sign, then get the new one designed and delivered before the busy season officially starts.
I’ve already ordered an easel to place out on the sidewalk to catch people’s attention. The blinds should be in at the end of next week, and I spent a little of my savings to get a few more tables for outside. A small awning might be something to think about in the future, but for once, it feels like this place has life to it.
I was so blinded by what I thought was important that Iwasn’t looking at the overall aesthetic of the whole place. I’ve been more focused on function and making sure things ran well than I have making it look nice.
