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“Yeah, gorgeous,” he agreed… While only looking at me. Cute.
I, however, looked around at my oasis. I pointed to the two smaller pools that overflowed into this full-size one for laps. “Both have control panels, one meant to be a cold bath and the other a hot tub. There’s one for this pool too including the jets.”
“How did you wait a week to use it?” he asked, looking at the setup with interest.
I shrugged. “Some part of me didn’t feel it was mine or I’d earned it really until today.”
“Yeah, I get you.” He frowned. “I hoped that feeling would have gone away sooner.”
“My situation was different than yours, and I incurred a bunch of debt getting help in my mind while Thora thought it her duty and really built up the debt she owed me.”
I shrugged, not sure how else to put it. I decided to focus on how cool my place was.
“The firepits are gas and the slats above the area over there lower to make an awning in the sun. It’s all on that panel there.”
“Once you get the furniture, it’s like the ultimate party setup.”
I chuckled. I couldn’t imagine it given how I was always the odd duck or the one who didn’t fit at the parties I’d been to. Granted, I was normally there working as a caterer to help Thora for one reason or another but still, that was a far cry from just having a party.
“Klara has an indoor pool and gym and said she worried I was part fish how often she found me there.”
“Thora said it was my first priority wherever we went.” I smiled as I floated along, careful of the sun. “There’s just something so damn peaceful. I might die in the Louisiana summer, but getting more chances to use the pool might be worth it.” I glanced over at him. “Could you help me set up a gym? I have no idea what I’m doing there.”
“Would you use it?”
Instantly, my fun was over.
Him too? Wow, apparently, I was just going to get torn down by any man lately. Awesome. That was really awesome for a woman who loved sex.
My phone rang and it saved him from me saying something snippy like not to be an asshole if he wanted to live with me. I went for the stairs and didn’t even look at him. His comment was forgotten when I saw it was Meave, worried something was wrong.
“Hey, what’s up?” I answered.
“Hey, congrats on the big win,” she praised.
“Oh, thanks. Is everything okay?”
She chuckled. “Yeah, I’m good. Thora told me what happened, so I wanted to get with you for deets and to start the next phase of your rollout.”
“Huh?”
She burst out laughing. It took her a bit to calm down. “Thora didn’t tell you she asked for my help, did she?”
“Um, no. I was shocked to see your name appear on my screen.”
“Yeah, we’ve not overlapped much. I wish we had as everyone speaks highly of you. I had so many targets I was always worried of people stepping in the path.”
“I know, Thora had me help on a few.” I waved off the memories. “What’s the next phase? I mean, I have social media. Help with that? Because she said she wanted me to have a store here like Sia by the end of summer.”
“Yes, with that, but it would look fishy if I just randomly promoted you, so we need a bit of ramp-up. The buzz was good, and people have posted how great your stuff is already and you sold out.
“Awesome, now we have a launch party. Think of it as a housewarming party you’ll invite potential partners to instead of neighbors.
“The popular and trendy ice cream shop there can use your jam as toppings on a signature sundae. Bakeries could certainly have a display at their stores for you or use it in their cookies.
“Thora said she’s addicted to your swirl brownies with it. Donut shops? Yup, they can use it too. Even restaurants and you’ve got that bruschetta jam too.”
“Meave, that sounds like a lot, and a lot I’m not ready for,” I admitted, wishing I had chairs so I could sit down. Instead, I plopped down on one of the stone walls facing away from Finn. “Klara sent someone to help but—”
