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“Okay,” she declares, coming to a stop on the bottom step. “Now I’m ready.”
“It’s about time,” I tease.
“What’s the rush? We still have a week until we open. Plenty of time to get stuff done.”
“They’re putting the name on the front window this morning and I want to be there to see it,” I say, preparing for her to freak out.
She’s silent and when I turn around, she’s running back up the stairs. I call after her, but she doesn’t stop. When I reach the top of the stairs, I find her bent over the toilet, puking.
“Are you okay?” I ask once she seems to be finished.
“Yeah. I have no idea where that came from. I feel fine.” Tilting my head to the side, I smile at Addy and shake my head. “What?”
“You know what,” I reply.
“No, seriously, what?”
“You’re pregnant, Addy.”
“The hell I am. There’s no way in hell.”
“Oh, I’m sure you know there’s a way. I’m sure you’ve ‘practiced’ making little Addison’s a lot since you and Jones have moved in together.”
“You know what I mean. We’re careful. I haven’t missed my period or anything.”
“Humor me and take a test later. After they unveil the new storefront. If I’m wrong, I owe you a bottle of wine. If I’m right, you owe me a home cooked meal.”
“Deal,” she says, extending her hand. Pulling her to a standing position, Addy lurches forward and pukes in the toilet again.
“I was thinking pot roast and maybe apple pie for dessert, in case you were wondering.”
“Remind me why we’re friends again,” she says as she wipes her mouth.
“Because you love me and you were there for me when I was in your shoes, the same way I’ll be here for you.”
The window decal is already in place by the time we get to the store. The contractors are waiting for us to arrive to reveal it. As soon as both Addy and I are standing in front of the window, the paper is removed, leaving behind only our logo in bright blue and teal letters.
Hometown Happenings
Live. Local. Fun.
Clapping my hands vigorously, Addy pats me on the back.
“This is going to be great, Chloe. I’m so proud of you.”
“You too, partner.”
“I’m a silent partner. This is all you. I can help with the financials and schematics, scheduling and graphics. You are the people person, the planner, the face.”
“Yes, but I wouldn’t have done it without you. What could be better? Me, you, little babies running around the office while we work.”
“Um, that’s still to be confirmed.”
“If you say so,” I tease.
“Any new leads?” she asks as we walk inside to see how much progress has been made in the last few days.
“No. I figure we’ll plan the wedding and use that as a prime example of our work. I don’t want to focus on big events, I’d rather do smaller things, bring the little guy into the spotlight. I was thinking maybe Wyatt could have an open mic night and we could promote that and hopefully pick a few of the artists to promote later on. It’ll be slow to start, but that’s okay. It’s not like we need the money.”
