AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Basically, in one way or another they’ve all given me the inspiration to challenge myself, though I’ve never openly admitted that. Not to them, anyway. Part of me is intimidated—their successes are a lot to live up to—and part of me just plain isn’t ready to share. Well, not about Deacon.
I already know they won’t approve. They’ve seen his antics with the tourists up close, so they’re unlikely to think he can take a woman seriously. My plan, which I think has a lot of merit, is to let everyone see how helpful he’s been when it comes to my business venture. That will ingratiate him to lots of people, and hopefully make them more accepting of the two of us together. He doesn’t know that of course—he still thinks helping me is a backup excuse if people see us together when they least expect it—but in my mind it's laying the foundation for more.
“So,” Sloane begins as I get settled. “We know you’re working on some new project, but no one will tell us what it is. Spill.”
Though I’m sure Cora’s up to speed since Cade hounded me for information after he learned Deacon was helping me, she must have kept that to herself. And Lennon’s not the type to share without permission. That means this is it—time to put my idea into the world and see how it goes.
“I’m building an online referral service to help match families to the activities their kids want to do.”
It’s quiet for a beat as the girls digest my news, then Ali speaks up. “How is this different than just going to the rec center’s website or the resort’s website and finding programs there?”
“My site won’t be limited to the programs one particular facility offers, so it’s more of a one stop shop kind of thing. And it will include individuals like piano teachers and tutors so pretty much any service you need for your child you can find in one location.”
“Sounds interesting, but how will you make money off it?” Hailey asks.
“I’ll charge a listing fee for inclusion on the site. Or a referral fee. I’m still working on the financials.”
“Is there enough business in town? I mean, doesn’t everyone pretty much know everyone and what they do?” asks Becca, who’s well acquainted with the rumor mill here seeing as she’s part of the first polyamorous throuple in town. As far as I know the talk hasn’t been malicious, just unsettling in the sense that it became common knowledge almost as soon as the three of them made things official.
“If you’ve lived here for years, sure,” I agree. “But there will be new people moving here now that the resort is expanding, and there’s always tourists or seasonal residents. Plus, there are still some things we don’t have in Katah Vista, like karate classes, and I could make referrals to nearby towns for those. And for teenage kids maybe I’ll include internship opportunities or job openings.”
“Seems like you’ve put a lot of thought into this.” Sloane gives me a warm smile before sipping on her wine.
“I have, although I can’t take all the credit.” I pave the way to bring up my…whatever he is. “Deacon has been really helpful as far as helping me organize all the jumbled thoughts I have and making it sound like a viable plan.”
“So, that’s why the two of you keep getting spotted together?” Ali smirks. “Although, I don’t understand why you didn’t just ask Lennon for advice. Or any of us really.” She points to everyone at the table.
“It’s not like I asked Deacon for help, either. We were just at the same place and the same time and he offered to help. I think he might secretly enjoy the process of building out a business plan. That or he’s really bored since the ground is still too wet to start some of his landscaping projects.”
I force myself to take a drink before I keep rambling and ruin the nonchalant vibe I’m going for.
“And he’s been helpful you say?” Lennon arches an eyebrow in my direction. She already knows this, so she’s either digging for more or giving me the opportunity to set the record straight with everyone else. I choose to believe the latter.
“Yes, actually. He’s given me some great sources to look at to find market data, and referred me to an accountant and web designer.”
“Well, I for one am happy for you.” Sloane raises her glass for a toast. “Here’s to your new venture, may it be a success.”
We all tap glasses and echo “cheers.”
“Okay, moving on to other business,” Ali’s eyes light up as she quiets us all down. “What are we wearing for the bike race this year?”
Each summer our town hosts a charity bike race where the participants dress in costume, and Ali makes it her personal mission to win bragging rights for the best costume each year. It’s sort of a pain to be part of her group since the preparation is intense, but I have to admit we look damn good.
“We’re discussing this already?” Sloane groans. “It’s over two months away.”
“Yes, but whereas before I only had to dress like six people, now there are over ten.” She gestures around the table, no doubt thinking of each of the women here and their significant others plus Deacon and me. “Do you have any idea how long it will take to make ten costumes?”
“Uh,” Sloane falters.
“Exactly. So, let’s hear it. Costume ideas for ten, and…go.” She leans back and crosses her arms across her chest, tapping an impatient finger on her arm.
“Star Wars.”
“Star Trek.”
“The Witcher.”
Ideas are thrown out left and right, Ali dismissing all of them as too outdated or overdone.
