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I’m walking into work, painting in hand. It’s a little chillier this morning than usual. Some of the locals talked about a cold front coming in yesterday. One that could possibly bring some snow. It sounds like Fraser gets a couple of small snowstorms right before spring fully comes in. I’m excited at the prospect because it would make for some beautiful landscapes.
I reach the door just as Charlie pulls up. She hops out of the car with all the enthusiasm of a hyped-up kid who just got their favorite treat. Where does she get all this energy? I’m wondering if she’d be willing to let me in on the secret.
“What do you drink in the morning to be so energetic?” I call out.
“Well, my friend, that’s a family secret. But since youaremy bestie, I’ll tell you.” A mischievous grin spreads on her face.
“Do tell, my friend,” I say, gesturing for her to come closer. She leans in closer, and I wait.
“Oh, hush your mouth! She doesn’t drink anything in the morning. She’s got more pep in her step from being with a man last night!” Irene barks out a laugh behind us, and my cheeks brighten.
I laugh. “I don’t know why I didn’t consider that possibility! Who was it, Charlie? Tell me everything!”
She ushers me into the café, hooking her arm around mine. “Alright. I’ll tell you everything while we prep. He was a hunky one.”
“Oh, wait. Where do you think we should hang my painting?” I hold up the canvas in my free hand. Irene breezes by, grabbing it from me.
“Good grief. You’ve been hiding this from us? This is amazing!”
I blush at her praise and shrug my shoulders.
Irene smiles as she walks away with my painting. “Leave it to me. I know just where to put it.”
“Hey, I have news, by the way. Jack was waiting outside for me yesterday after we got off and walked me home. We talked, and he agreed to let me stay at the garage apartment!” I clap my hands together excitedly, and Charlie lets out a loud whoop!
“That boy knows what’s good for him, I see. Well, thank you, Jesus. I don’t have to worry as much now,” Irene states.
I frown at that because I didn’t know she worried about me. I head in her direction, hugging her briefly. “Thank you, Irene.”
She pats me on the back, then we release each other at the same time. “Anytime, my dear.” She walks off with my painting in hand, looking at it intently.
Charlie dives into telling me all about Levi, a man she’s known forever. He lives in New York, but he’s home visiting family. The two of them catch up every time he’s in town. It sounds like a no strings attached hook up. One that Charlie thoroughly enjoys.
She spills all the details, and Iooohandahhhat all the right parts. It’s one of the best mornings I’ve had in a long time. Everything is starting to look up.
The lunch rush dies down, and I finally catch a break. I head into Irene’s office to call Jack. We were so busy this morning, we barely uttered hellos when I handed him his coffee. I need to make sure he’s okay with me coming over to clean after the café closes today. Pulling his business card from my pocket, I dial his number.
“Jack Lawson,” he answers. His voice is deep and commanding.
Chills run through me at the sound. “Uh, hey, Jack. It’s Andi.” Unlike his, my voice is more unsteady than I would like.
“Hey, Andi. What can I do for you?” He speaks quickly, and I assume he’s probably busy.
Hopefully I didn’t interrupt anything.
“I was wondering if it would be okay for me come over after work to start cleaning the apartment for me to move in?” I squirm and chew my lip. I don’t know why he makes me so nervous.
“Sounds good. I’ll be there to pick you up this afternoon from the café,” he replies. I hear someone enter the room on his end and start talking to him. “Got to go, Andi. See you then.”
The call ends, and I look at the phone receiver for a moment before hanging up. That didn’t go quite as planned. I didn’t need him to pick me up, just to give me the address.
Someone snickers behind me, and I turn to find Irene standing there. “Don’t let Jack make you nervous, Andi. He’s just a man.” She walks over to sit behind her desk.
“Oh, I’m not nervous,” I lie.
“You normally nearly chew your lip off when talking to someone? Okay,” she says casually, shuffling papers around her desk.
A nervous giggle slips through my lips. Irene looks up at me and smiles, shaking her head. I turn to leave, hoping this conversation is over, but I’m not that lucky.
