AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Alba and Leah plop down on the bed. "So, we have some news," Leah says.
I turn in my chair. "Oh. What's up?"
The two friends look at each other with big smiles and then back at me. Alba speaks up. "Leah and I have decided to open a bookstore."
"Are you serious!?"
"Completely!" Leah can barely contain her excitement.
Alba adds, "Well, you know we've mentioned a time or two how cool it would be if we did, so Leah and I got to talking, and we figured, why not."
I jump up. "Oh my god! This is great!"
"I know!" Alba gushes. "I can't believe we're going to do it."
"It's going to be amazing." I pull Alba in for a hug. "And don't be afraid to ask me for help. Seriously, whatever you two need."
"We're glad you offered." Leah stands. "Because we wanted to ask if you'd come with us to look at a possible space for the store. We have to meet the realtor in thirty minutes."
"I'd love to. Just let me put my shoes on and grab my purse." I spot my boots beside the bed. "Where's it at?"
"It's that empty building down the sidewalk from the bakery," Alba tells me.
"Oh, the place that used to be a flower shop?" I grab my purse from the back of my chair.
"That's the one," Leah chirps.
Blake pulls up on his motorcycle just as we exit the clubhouse and approach Leah's car. The girls smile and wave, which earns them a nod. "Ladies."
I, on the other hand, keep my eyes forward and my feet moving. That doesn't stop me from feeling Blake's heated gaze burning a hole in the back of my head.
"What was that all about?" Alba boldly asks once we get on the road.
I pretend not to know what she's talking about. "What?"
Alba rolls her eyes. "You suck at playing dumb, Ember."
I sigh. "It was nothing."
"Sure didn't seem like nothing," Leah mutters.
"Blake is complicated."
"Well, no shit," Alba snorts. "The man is a mystery, and he's also wound tighter than anyone I know." Alba twists in her seat. "The way that man looked at you back there had me blushing."
I snort. "You're crazy."
Luckily the subject of Blake and me is dropped, and a short time later, we pull up to the building where Alba and Leah are meeting the realtor. I will admit it makes me feel special.
"So." The woman who has spent thirty minutes showing us around the space clasps her hands together. "What do you ladies think?"
I smile at Leah and Alba. "By the look on your faces, I'd say this is it."
"What do you think?" Alba asks me directly.
"It's perfect. I especially love the open window space at the front, which gives the right amount of natural light. You can put a big comfy sofa and a table there." I walk over to where Leah is standing by a set of stairs. "And this loft space could serve as a reading nook. I mean, it can be whatever you two decide. I was only thinking out loud." I wave my hand, feeling embarrassed. "Ignore me."
"No, no." Alba steps forward. "I love your ideas. Leah and I want your opinion. That's why we asked you to tag along. Neither of us has your kind of style or vision."
