AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What would have happened if she hadn’t turned you down?” He leaned his elbows on the desk.
I wasn’t sure I would have stopped wherever we were heading. After finally having my chance with Brooke, I wouldn’t have backed away so easily. I should have been grateful that she put a stop to the madness, not hurt that she found me lacking.
“That’s what I thought. It’s not black and white.”
I shook my head. “She was pretty clear where she stood.”
“Uh-huh.”
“She’s not wrong.”
“If you’ve liked this woman for a while, and I have a feeling you have, then it sucks you’re going to ignore it.”
“Maybe when the business is profitable.”
His eyes widened. “That could take months, hell, even years.”
“I need to focus on what’s important. Bean Rush and Cammie,” I said, ticking my points off on my fingers.
Christopher just shook his head in dismay and got up to leave. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“Hey, there’s something else I wanted to discuss with you.”
He sat back down. “What is it?”
“When I stopped by Brooke’s store the other day, I noticed families at her shop. I don’t see them here.”
Christopher nodded. “She has games and some toys for the kids. So, moms and families like to go there. Keeps kids occupied while they sit and chat. But you can’t do that here. Your vibe is different.”
“I’m getting the attorneys after court and the work-from-home crowd that needs a change of scenery.”
“It’s not bad. It just sets you apart from her business, which is slightly more casual.”
“Her store is warm and inviting, and mine is—”
“You have pictures of kids running lemonade stands. You have photos depicting Annapolis and the history of coffee beans. I think you’re warm and inviting.”
I was quiet for a few seconds, wondering what else I could do to make the business successful.
“You created a brand for yourself. I’d stick with it before you make any changes.”
I considered his statement for a minute. I’d hired him because he had experience, but I wasn’t naïve enough to think he wouldn’t move on eventually. “That’s good advice. You ever have thoughts about going into business yourself?”
He shook his head. “Hell, no. I couldn’t handle the responsibility.”
“You do a pretty good job as manager.” I wondered where the trepidation was coming from.
“That’s different. I’m not shouldering any of the financial risks.”
“I can respect that.” Not everyone was cut out for the inherent risk being a business owner entailed.
“If that’s all you have for me, I should check on the front.”
“Thanks. I really appreciate the work you’ve done getting the store ready for opening. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“You’re welcome. I’m happy to be part of it.” Christopher left, and I wondered if I’d made a mistake in acquiescing to Brooke’s demand that we back off. Had I been too hasty?
I’d taken her words as a rejection, but in hindsight, I could see I’d compared her to my ex, which probably wasn’t fair.
