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“Let’s do this,” Jake said, but I knew he was more interested in getting the celebration over with than getting it started.
Gia moved to the receptionist desk. “Hailey, when people come in, you’ll greet them, and hand them a goodie bag.”
I knew the bags were filled with coupons for an oil change and tire rotation, advertisements for the free classes, and a routine list of things to check on your vehicle.
“After the guests have been greeted, they can mingle. The TV will be flashing images of the work you’ve done over the last few months. Music will play softly in the background. Jake and Ryan, you’ll be in the garage to answer any questions people have.”
Jake shifted uncomfortably on his feet.
“Don’t worry, I’ll handle most of the questions. You just stand there and look pretty,” Ryan teased.
Jake socked him in the shoulder.
It was good-natured ribbing, and I reveled in being here with both my brother and my boyfriend.
“What can I do?” Corey stood in the doorway between the garage and the waiting area.
“Hmm. Why don’t you assist Jake and Ryan if they need to demonstrate anything?”
I loved that Jake and Ryan included Corey in everything at the garage. It showed they trusted him. He’d really matured over the last few months. Football was the catalyst, but I suspected knowing this was his home, and that his mother was talking about having visitation here in Maryland was comforting to him. He didn’t need to worry about being sent to Texas or starting a new school. This was his home—Annapolis—with Ryan and me.
Gia pursed her lips. “I think that’s everything. Remember this is a celebration of your opening. You’re excited to welcome everyone and introduce them to your garage.”
Jake swallowed hard, and Ryan nodded. “Thanks for everything, Gia. We couldn’t have done this without your help.”
Gia beamed. “This was fun. Weddings can be complex and tricky, but parties are relaxing.”
“If you say so,” Jake murmured so low I almost didn’t hear him.
The door opened, and a woman in a long maxi dress with blonde hair walked in with her arms holding a large vase of flowers. “Sorry, I’m late.”
Jake was already moving toward her to help when she tripped over the mat or the bottom of her dress. The vase flew out of her hands.
Ryan made a grab for it, water sloshing onto his hands.
“That was close,” Ryan said as he placed the vase with flowers askew on the desk and grabbed a paper towel.
Jake steadied her with a hand on her elbow. “Are you all right?”
She brushed her hair out of her dazed eyes as she scanned the room and stepped away from Jake’s hold. “I’m not too late, am I?”
“Just on time,” Gia said, moving to fuss with the flowers. “Everyone, this is Lily, she owns Petals on Main and the Rose Farm.”
“I love your shop. It’s so inviting.” I stopped by just to browse and breathe in the smell of flowers.
“Thank you,” Lily said, sounding flustered. “I have a few more arrangements in my van. Let me grab them, and then I’ll get out of your hair.”
“Let me help you.” Jake held open the door for her as she ducked under his arm. “This is your van?”
Jake followed her to a vintage baby blue VW van.
When they were gone, Gia clapped her hands together. “As soon as Lily gets the flower arrangements on the tables, we can open the doors.”
The next couple of hours were a whirlwind. It seemed like everyone in town had stopped by to see the new waiting room, the garage, and to eat Max’s appetizers and Sophie’s desserts. I greeted everyone until my face felt like it would crack from the pressure of my smile. Gia kept the food and drinks replenished. For once, the smell of oil from the garage was overpowered by the scent of flowers and food.
By the time my friends, Brooke, Remi, Zoe, Savannah, and Sophie, all walked in with their respective boyfriends, Colton, Max, and Ethan, I was ready for a break. The guys headed to the garage, and I asked Corey to cover the front door so I could walk around with the girls. We grabbed some appetizers, watching the photographs cycle through on the TV. Then we headed into the garage too.
Ryan was showing a customer how to check something under the hood.
