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We walked to the opening, wanting to enjoy the evening and the town we loved. Rounding the corner, I was surprised to see a crowd outside already waiting to go in. “They’re here early.”
He squeezed my hand. “They can’t wait to see what you’ve done with the place.”
Since I’d shut down the store for the renovation, I updated everything inside. The floors were redone, the paint fresh, and the shelves brand new. I purchased nicer plush furniture for the seating area by the storefront and more seating outside. I had a feeling the Tavern would attract college kids, families, and business workers, and I wanted to meet the needs of everyone.
As we approached, people mentioned how beautiful I looked and how they couldn’t wait to see the place, so I held up my hand. “Let me get inside and see if we can get the party started early.”
A cheer erupted through the crowd.
“What are you doing?” Ben whispered into my ear as I unlocked the door and slipped inside.
“Trust me. Gia’s ready for this.”
Gia must have let my family and friends inside because they were already gathered. Max was behind the bar with a few of my trainees. He’d volunteered to man the event to get them ready, and I was beyond grateful for his support. Lily provided the flower arrangements, which were on the tables and hanging from the ceiling. The place was adorned with twinkling white lights, giving it the perfect ambiance.
I’d hired waiters and staff for the event, hoping it would exceed my expectations, and it already looked like it would.
Gia nodded toward the crowd outside. “I think the break-in and delay in opening only enhanced people’s interest.”
“All good things,” Ben said, his arm around my shoulders.
“Let’s do a toast before we let everyone else inside.” Max poured champagne into a line of glasses on the bar.
I was so happy to be there not only with Ben but with all my friends and family.
When the champagne was in our hands, we cheered, clinking glasses. “To friendship and business. To being there for each other in our times of need and in celebration.”
“Here, here,” Easton said.
We clicked glasses and drank. The bubbly liquid felt good going down, but I set my glass aside after a sip, not wanting to be tipsy.
“You ready to open early?” Gia elbowed me lightly in the ribs.
Ben stood to my back, a warm, comforting presence.
“Let’s do this.”
Ben leaned down to kiss my temple as Gia made her way to the door. “I’m so proud of you,” he murmured in my ear.
I kissed him lightly on the lips as the first guests came in. Then I moved to the front door so I could greet everyone. I smiled until it hurt, happy to be in a position where I could start over. Excited at the prospect of a new challenge. I was grateful that Ben moved back home, not only because it brought us together, but because he made me realize I was stagnant with the coffee shop. As he had in the past, he pushed me out of my comfort zone.
I eventually moved away from the door and moved from one group to the next, answering questions and chatting. I was in my element, back with my customers, who I loved. Everyone seemed excited about the changes.
Sophie provided the desserts and arranged them on one of the tables. A man moved through the room, his gaze fixed on Sophie like he was on a mission. His hair was trimmed short in a military cut and his T-shirt was fitted to his muscular body. I wondered if it was her ex-boyfriend. I think she said he’d enlisted after high school.
Without looking up, Sophie asked if he wanted a dessert and moved to hand him a plate.
The man cleared his throat. “I’m actually here to see you.”
The hand that held the plate shook as she looked up at him. “Mark? What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to see you, and Mom said you’d be here, catering the event.”
She placed the dessert back on the table, seemingly at a loss for words. Finally, she said, “It’s good to see you.”
I couldn’t hear his response because his broad back was to me.
Sophie moved around the table so that she stood in front of him, a foot of space between them.
