AllFreeNovel
Share Us
HAILEY
The few weeks after the hearings were surreal. We were officially a couple. I’d become a regular at Corey’s games and even helped Ryan pick him up from practice on occasion.
I could stop into the garage and drop off lunch and desserts for the guys anytime I wanted. Ryan had finally convinced Jake to place an advertisement in the paper for a receptionist. Between the free classes and the improvements to the waiting room area, Ryan and Jake had seen a rise in female customers. I suspected it would only increase as word got around that they were trustworthy and did good work.
It would take some time for Jake to get used to us being together. He’d given his blessing when he’d helped Ryan get me back, but I knew he was watching things carefully. He wanted me to be happy, but he still worried I’d get hurt.
Mom must have left town after her impromptu visit because we hadn’t heard from her again. I didn’t expect her to stay away forever, but I was better able to deal with her coming and going. I was stronger now and knew I didn’t need her in my life. I’d only let her in if it was healthy for me and my family.
The inside of Harbor Garage’s waiting room smelled like sugar and dough. Red and white balloons were bound together in the corners, tables held pastries from Sophie’s Treats on Main, and bows were placed on the framed photos on the walls as if it were a gift to unwrap.
I’d spun in the middle of the room, my dress flitting around my legs.
“You made it,” came the gruff voice.
I stopped, my head a little dizzy as I took in my boyfriend.
He wore black dress pants and a white polo with red lettering,Harbor Garage & Service Repair Center.
“It’s your grand opening.”
He crossed the room in three steps, gathering me in his arms. “I’m so happy you’re here.”
I wouldn’t have missed it for anything. “Everything looks amazing.”
Ryan’s arms tightened around me. “Gia did a great job.”
When we’d discussed the idea of a grand opening party at the last Shops on Main meeting, Max referred Ryan to Gia, the owner of Happily Ever Afters, an event planning company that specialized in weddings and parties.
“Hey, enough of that,” Jake said as he entered the room.
Ryan loosened his hold on me, even though Jake’s tone was good-natured.
“What do ya think?” Jake asked me, his expression surprisingly vulnerable.
I stepped out of Ryan’s arms and hugged Jake. “It looks great. I’m so proud of you.”
The garage was everything Ryan and Jake had dreamed about in high school. Word was getting around that they did good work, and they weren’t out to screw anyone over, so business was steadily increasing each week.
“The receptionist starts next week,” Ryan said.
I’d been helping out at the garage and at Brooke’s store since Nana sold the Spice & Tea Shoppe to an older couple who’d retired early to fulfill their dreams of owning a business. It would give Nana some money for her retirement, and it lessened my guilt that her store wasn’t my dream. The dream might live on, just with someone else as the owner.
“I’ll miss seeing you here every day,” I said to Ryan.
“I’m not going to miss you two all over each other.” Jake pretended to gag, reminding me so much of when we were younger.
“You’ll understand when you find your person.” Ryan’s words were for Jake, but he was staring down at me with so much affection in his gaze and voice, I couldn’t look away.
I heard Jake snort. He wasn’t interested in finding his person. His life was the garage.
“I’ll miss you too, but I’ll have more time to focus on my writing.” I’d written a few scenes completely out of order, but I loved the process of writing, the act of words falling onto the page. I wasn’t sure I was doing it right, or that anyone would ever read it, but for now, I was excited for the possibilities.
“I want you to have this time to follow your dreams. I have the garage, and I want you to have everything you want, too.”
Warmth filled me at his words.
“Are you ready to get this party started?” Gia came into the room, bringing a charged energy with her.
