“What’s got you smiling so big?” Frank asks when I come around to say hello.
I lean against the counter, twirling a lock of hair around my finger. "Just had a great holiday, I guess.” I’m trying to play it cool, but I’m feeling too giddy inside to succeed.
Frank chuckles and gives me a knowing look. "That boy treatin’ ya well?”
“Better than anyone ever has,” I admit. I slide my hands into my pockets and take a deep breath. “I’ve got something to tell you, but it’s a secret, okay? At least for the next few hours.”
Frank turns, giving me his full attention. “I can keep a secret.”
“Rowan leased a space in Riverbend Mall for me. I’m going to open up my own bookstore. Today, I’m giving Brett my two-week notice.” I’ve probably looked at that lease a dozen times since Rowan gave it to me. Who would have thought a legal document could give me so much joy?
Frank’s eyes widen. “You’re kiddin’.”
I bite down on my lip and shake my head.
Slowly, a giant grin spreads over his face, and he scoops me into a hug. “I’m so happy for you, darlin'. Congratulations. That’s fantastic news.”
I hug him back, my cheeks hurting from all the smiling I’ve been doing recently.
As we pull apart, Frank looks at me with fondness in his eyes. “I always knew you were destined for bigger things than this place.”
“I can’t wait,” I admit. “I’m so excited to get to work on it. I haven’t seen the space in person yet, but I’m supposed to go with Rowan after work today.”
“I’ll be your very first customer. Stock some thrillers for me.”
“Give me the names of all your favorite authors, and I’ll make sure I have them.”
When Carly arrives, I share the news with her too. She’s even more enthusiastic about it than Frank, picking me up and spinning me around until I beg her to put me down. The lunch customers give us weird looks before going back to their meals.
All day, I’m bursting with energy. It’s the best day at work I’ve had in a long time, which is ironic given I’m about to quit.
Brett walks in during the late afternoon and gives me a wave as he moves past the bar, but he doesn’t linger. Nerves buzz beneath my skin.
Carly shoots me a look as she loads a few drinks onto her tray. “Does he know already?”
“Not yet.”
“He’s not going to be happy.”
She’s right. Brett’s not going to take me quitting well, but I just have to get it done. It’s the last thing I have to get through before I can throw myself into my new business.
A half hour before my shift wraps up, I walk into Brett’s office.
His eyes snap up to me as I close the door. “Blake.” He pushes aside the papers he’d been poring over.
“Can we talk?” I ask.
“Of course. Have a seat.” His tone is light and friendly. A bit too much so.
The look he gives me makes me uneasy, but I straighten my back and push through. “I’m giving you my two-week notice.”
A second passes. Then another. He doesn’t say anything, doesn’t react until a small, barely there smirk appears on his face.
“You know, I finally figured out who Rowan is,” he says quietly.
I blink at him. “Did you hear what I said?”
He opens his desk, pulls out a manila envelope, and slides it toward me. “See if you still want to resign after you take a look at what’s inside.”
