Page 11 of Whisk Me Away
"I'm good. Thanks for asking. It's so nice to have a genuine conversation where someone ask how I'm doing,” he placed a hand over his chest in a dramatic manner while shooting a smirk in Mia's direction.
“Oh geez, give me a break,” Mia rolled her eyes before stomping toward the checkout counter. "Just get your book of the week so we can get this over with."
There has got to be more going on that I was unaware of. The pang of guilt hit me right in the chest. I’d been gone for so long, I didn’t even know what was happening with my best friend. I should have made more of an effort to come home or at least keep in touch with people back here. But I was determined to make up for all the time lost.
"Is she always this lovely, or is it just with me?" Brock stage whispered as he sauntered by.
"I think it's just you," I responded with a chuckle, walking to meet Mia behind the counter.
"Don't encourage him!" Mia screeched while swiping her arm out to hit me as soon as I was within reach.
"Ow! Hey! What was that for?" I feigned innocence, even though I knew exactly what her reason was.
"Couldn't you tell by the tone of my voice I didn't want him here? Then you have to go making small talk with the big lug,” Mia was now whisper yelling at me as if Brock couldn't hear her. The bookstore was otherwise empty, so I was sure he could make out our conversation from his position in the stacks.
"Sorry. I was just being polite to a paying customer. What's the deal with you two anyways?" I nudged her shoulder with mine.
"No deal. There is no deal. I don't know what you’re talking about,” she blew out a breath before turning her gaze from where Brock was standing to meet my eyes. "He comes in here at least once a week and just annoys me. I think Brock does it to be funny or because he thinks it's some big joke. I bet you he doesn't even read the books he buys. I mean, what guy do you know that reads a book a week?"
"I don't know, maybe he gets really bored working as a firefighter in a small town. I bet he has plenty of downtime to read books,” I snickered, enjoying this conversation more than I should. I had missed this, talking about guys and sharing everything that happened in our day-to-day lives.
"True, I bet he is a slacker and makes his guys do all the work,” Mia huffed.
We must have been so caught up in our speculation we didn't hear Brock's footsteps approach. He cleared his throat, causing Mia and I to nearly jump out of our skin.
"I'll take this one,” he slid a mystery novel across the counter toward Mia.
He stood patiently without saying anything while Mia rang him up and bagged his book. His fingers grazed hers when he grabbed the bag, causing Mia's eyes to shoot up to his. He leaned forward slightly before saying, "I'd be happy to show you what a day at the firehouse looks like for a slacking fire lieutenant."
Mia yanked her hand back and rolled her eyes. Brock turned on his heel and sauntered out the front door without looking back.
“Wow…That was something,” I laughed.
"That was nothing, and we aren't talking about it anymore. Let's go see your store. I’ll put the sign up and take an early lunch,” Mia bustled around the store, grabbing her things before placing a closed sign on the front door and slipping outside. Once we were both on the sidewalk, she locked up, and we headed down Main Street to the storefront that was now mine.
One of the things I loved about the location was its proximity to Hansons. Mia and I could pop in and see each other often. I paused to take it all in as we approached the front door. This was all mine. That thought excited and terrified me, but one way or another, I would be successful. I would put in all the hard work required and leave the rest up to God.
As I fumbled with the old keys, the anticipation of unlocking the door to my dream bakery flooded my senses. The building stood there, looking a bit weathered in an area of thriving businesses. The once vibrant paint on its exterior now flaked off, revealing the stories of the years gone by.
Beside me, Mia bounced on her toes with excitement, her eyes scanning the worn facade. "Karis, can you believe this is finally happening? Your bakery is going to bring life back to this place!"
I smiled, the key finally turning with a satisfying click. Pushing the heavy door open, a waft of dust and stale air greeted us. Sunlight filtered through the dust particles, casting a warm glow on the worn wooden floor.
"I didn't expect the tables and chairs to still be here. I wonder if they are still stable? We could refinish them to save money instead of buying all new furniture,” Mia's eyes were wide with wonder, her voice hopeful.
I surveyed the space, imagining the aroma of freshly baked goods filling the air.
"I think that's a great idea. I also want to build a floor-to-ceiling bookcase on the back wall, with comfy chairs for my customers to snuggle up with a book and read while they enjoy my coffee and treats,” just voicing my vision out loud took away some of the fear I'd been experiencing since signing the papers.
Mia nodded in approval, her enthusiasm matching mine. "Oh! I love that idea! I have to say, you've got the vision, Karis. This place is going to be the talk of the town."
I chuckled as we continued discussing layout and design. The dusty windows seemed to sparkle with the promise of a new beginning, and the creaking floorboards beneath our feet echoed the excitement of what was to come.
"What's the damage, Liam? Give it to me straight,” I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth and waited for his professional opinion.
We’d spent the last few hours walking the bakery, taking notes, while I shared my vision for this space. Liam was a man of few words, apparently. He spent most of his time responding in grunts and head nods. But this was the moment of truth. Liam was about to make or break my dreams. Okay, that may be a little dramatic, but I was kind of freaking out.
"It's not bad. I recommend updating the electrical since the building was built a while ago, and then the fact that it sat vacant for months doesn't help. The kitchen has water damage, and the roof needs some patching,” Liam shook his head before turning his gaze to me. "I'd say a few months, and you should be able to open."