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“Not yet. The area businesses are still picking their bachelors. Isn’t it exciting?”
“Definitely.”
Before either of them could say more, another customer called Carol aside to show her one of Suzanna’s clay figurines. Suzanna looked over everyone’s heads to Jillian and smiled broadly. The opening was off to a great start. Nothing was going to ruin this day.
Chapter Five
This would be no big deal.
So then why was he nervous?
Avery pulled his pickup to a stop a few spots down the street from Tangled Charms. He cut the engine and then rubbed his palms over his jeans. He assured himself his uneasiness was due to the fact he didn’t have an alternate plan should Jillian reject the idea of mentoring him. It had nothing to do with seeing Jillian again.
Avery glanced out the pickup’s window at Jillian’s brand new shop. He recalled Jillian mentioning that she wanted to open her own shop someday. Avery just never expected it to happen so soon.
Was it wrong that he was a little bit envious of her? Beth had filled him in on how Jillian had risked it all by selling the house she’d bought with the money she’d inherited from her father. She’d moved into her mother’s garage apartment in order to invest as much money as possible into this venture.
He was happy for her. He truly was, but it reminded him of his own unattained dreams. By this point in his life, he’d planned to own his own place like the Crooked S Ranch on the outskirts of Marietta. And if he hadn’t been a guardian for the past six years, his dream would be a reality.
Avery drew his thoughts up short, ashamed of himself for thinking such a thing. He loved his family with all of his heart. And he would do anything for them—hence his presence today at Tangled Charms.
With Jillian’s help, he hoped to make a respectable showing at the Bake-Off. Jillian was so kind and patient. He’d witnessed her many times helping his brother and sister with their homework and showing them how to do basic cooking in the kitchen.
Jillian had always been a real lifesaver. But would she be willing to do it again? Was it even fair of him to ask her? He paused, not sure what to do. But then his phone buzzed with a new text message:
Beth: Did you ask her?
Avery: I will.
Beth: Hurry up.
Avery: Stop pushing.
Beth: Let me know what she says.
Avery climbed out of his pickup. His movements were slow and labored as his knee was not as mobile as he’d been hoping. Not all of the swelling had gone down. And the bruising was now dark and ugly. Today, he’d opted to wear the brace on the outside of his jeans. It was definitely not as comfortable. But he just couldn’t bring himself to go about town in his sweats. And with the temperature below freezing, he couldn’t wear shorts.
He greeted people he passed. A few stopped him to ask about his knee, but thanks to the weather, no one tarried too long.
At last, he arrived at the entrance to Tangled Charms. It had a fun yet elegant style. Wine, gold, and white colors adorned the outside of the store, from the front door to the sign hanging overhead. Clearly a lot of thought had gone into this place.
Once he stepped inside, his gaze was immediately drawn to the jewelry displays and all of the fantastic decorations. He knew he’d come to the right person. Jillian could take the plain and make it fancy. And that was exactly what he needed. He didn’t need to just bake a cake. He had to make it stand out—in a good way.
Suzanna glanced up from where she was working behind the counter. “Well, look what the wind blew in. How are you doing, Avery?”
“Not too bad.” He cleared his throat. “The shop looks really nice. I hope it goes well for you and Jillian.”
“Thank you.” Suzanna moved to the display case. “Did you stop by to pick out something for Beth?”
“No—”
“Oh, do you need a present for a special lady?”
He inwardly groaned. Why did everyone seem to think he had to be linked up with a woman to be happy? What was wrong with being a bachelor? For the first time in years, he could come and go as he pleased without worrying about a nanny. He was enjoying his alone time. At least that’s what he kept telling himself when he’d catch himself talking to Marshmallow.
“Nope. No present needed. I actually came to speak with Jillian. Is she around?”
Suzanna’s brows rose beneath her bangs. “Actually, she just stepped out. Can I give her a message?”
