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I could put him in a box labeled fun and sexy. I could go into it without any expectations or pesky emotions.
“And you think that’s going to work?” She tipped her head to the side.
“It has to. That’s all I can handle.”
Hailey’s expression fell. “It doesn’t sound very healthy.”
“I want to have fun. Don’t I deserve that after everything I’ve been through?”
Hailey’s expression was pained. “You do.”
“And this is what I want. What I need to protect myself.” And my heart.
Hailey sighed. “I just want more for you.”
“I know you do.” My eyes prickled with tears.
Sometimes I wanted more for myself, too, but then I remembered what it had felt like to find out my marriage wasn’t real. I couldn’t go through that again. I’d rather be alone than be made a fool.
Morrison Construction sent a small crew to get started. Cade said they had a new contractor, Sam, a cousin of his who recently came to work with them.
There would be shelves in the back to carry specialty items like local history and guidebooks, everyone’s favorite popcorn from the beach, some snacks, and Hailey’s grandparents’ spices. Hailey sold the store, but the recipes for her grandfather’s specialty spices had remained with her family.
The front would have a small area with high-top tables and stools. An area by the front window would be for relaxing in couches and armchairs, and there was even room for small two-person tables outside. We’d serve wine and some beers with the hopes of expanding into appetizers.
We’d still serve coffee in the morning, but the specialty store would be open all day, and in the afternoon, we’d add wine, beer, and appetizers. The plan was to hold book clubs and trivia nights. Hopefully, customers would be more willing to hang out if we offered alcohol and food.
I hoped it wasn’t a huge mistake to add a commercial kitchen.
As close as I felt to Ben the night we hooked up, I couldn’t tell him about my plans. He was still my stiffest competition. It would be awhile before the renovations were complete. Plus, I wasn’t positive he wasn’t using me for his gain. I hated feeling like that, and he’d given me no reason to believe it. But then, Levi hadn’t given me a reason to think he was lying either.
I needed to be smarter.
I was no longer out of control. I had a plan. It eased my anxiety and gave me hope for the future of my business. The wine market had to work. It was my only option.
Ben had responded to my text on Monday, saying the machine had been fixed and everything was good. He didn’t offer anything more, and we were only friends with benefits, so it wasn’t my place to delve any deeper.
He was busy with his business, and I was engrossed in renovations that he knew nothing about. It was already difficult to keep it a secret with half of the store cordoned off. It was obviously under construction, and I told customers it was a face-lift, not an entire remodel. No one questioned it. I’d probably have to shut down for a period of time to do the front area, but it would be worth it in the end.
I was staring at the blueprints, wondering if it was the best or the worst decision I’d ever made, when Hailey popped her head into my office. “Everything okay?”
I chewed my lip. “We need to change the name.”
“What are you talking about?” she asked, sitting across from me.
“Java Coffee doesn’t make sense with this.” I gestured at the blueprints laid out on my desk.
“Hmm. You’re right, but it’s what you’re already known for.”
“It sounds like a coffee shop, not a wine market. I’ve never been to a place that offers what we’re planning.” That made the change even scarier.
Hailey leaned a hip against the door jamb. “What are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking we need a complete rebranding. Inside and out. You don’t think it’s a good idea?”
“You’d be throwing out the last few years. You’re no longer Java Coffee. You’re something new.
Instead of scaring me, I was excited about the prospect. “That’s what I want. Remember when you said you weren’t passionate about selling spices?”
