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He needed to figure this out for himself. I’d gotten a few calls this morning about the subscriptions, people saying they’d heard about it at the party last night. I helped them choose an option and sign up.
Then Gia called to tell me that the couple from last night wanted to see the farm. It wasn’t ready yet, but Gia said it was fine for a tour. If I was going to be hosting events at the farm, I couldn’t be tied to the store anymore. I needed someone to work the front counter.
I immediately prepared an advertisement for help and got it in the paper, then created flyers for my window. I hoped I could find someone willing to work here and who’d be excited about flowers. Knowledge about flowers would be helpful.
I called my friends from Shops on Main to meet for lunch. Turning the sign fromOpentoBe Right Back, I felt good about the friends I’d made here in town. The people I’d met. Even if this thing with Jake didn’t work out, I’d be okay.
I had my business, my grandparents’ farm, and their legacy to reveal to others. I was excited for the future of the businesses.
As I walked south on Main toward Max’s Bar & Grill for lunch, my phone buzzed. A thrill shot through me as I pulled my phone out of my purse with shaky hands. It was Jake.
Jake: I’m sorry about last night. I don’t want you to worry about Berta or the GTO. We’re hiring help at the garage, so I’ll have them restored soon.
It was an apology, albeit a weak one, and an assurance that he’d come through for me as my mechanic. Disappointed, I took a few seconds to type out a polite response.
Lily: That’s great. I’m happy for you.
There wasn’t a reply, and I wondered if I was an idiot to expect one. He’d started to create distance between us last night, and now this text was further proof that he was pulling away. I kind of always expected it; I just hoped it wouldn’t be so soon.
I pulled open the door to Max’s, scanning the dining room for Remi’s familiar blonde hair.
“Are you meeting someone?” the hostess asked.
Remi turned and waved me over.
“I just found them. Thanks.” I made my way toward the table. I’d invited Remi and the women from Happily Ever Afters, Gia, Sophie, Abby, Everly, and Harper. Zoe couldn’t do lunch during the week because her break was so short as a teacher.
Remi stood and hugged me. “Congrats. I heard about your first wedding booked on the farm.”
“Thank you, and thanks for encouraging me to take the leap.”
Remi waved me off. “I am a life coach on the side.”
“You’re more than that. You’re a good friend.” I’d faithfully continued attending her yoga classes on Wednesday evenings and had gone out with her and Zoe each week. And I was growing closer to the women at Happily Ever Afters too.
I sat and gave my drink order to the waitress.
“You had a second call this morning about booking a wedding,” Gia said.
“I know. I got your message.”
“Why aren’t you more excited?” Remi asked.
“I’m happy. This is exactly what I hoped for.”
“Are you worried you won’t have everything ready in time? Because I fully intend to pull out all the stops to make sure you are,” Gia said.
“I appreciate that.”
“That’s not it, is it?” Remi asked. “What’s going on?”
I looked around the table at the women who were slowly becoming friends I could count on, and said, “It’s Jake. I think something happened last night. My sister had a grand opening party for her new medical practice. My parents were there, and I didn’t see them say anything to Jake, but it might have happened when he went to get a drink.” I wouldn’t put it past my mother to corner him.
“He didn’t tell you if anything happened?”
“He was supposed to get a drink, but when he returned empty-handed, I could tell something was wrong. His face was just blank. He wanted to leave. I was excited to spend the evening together, but I think he was looking for ways to get out of it. Then he got a call. He wouldn’t say who it was. But he said he had to take care of it.”
Sophie’s eyes widened. “Who could it be?”
