Page 42 of Sweet Dreams
“Anything else I should be aware of?”
“Yes.Nancy’s lawyer says if she complains one more time, he’ll go straight to the cops. I’m doing the best I can, but my hands are tied. It’s the note you wrote that isn’t helping.”
“Allegedly. It’s in Kendall’s writing, not mine. You still don’t have proof I said it.”
“You do know Kendall came forward and said you told her what to write.”
“Snitch. There was a reason I never liked her.” What a bitch, what happened to girls helping girls?
“Teagan, no more threats,” Sam warns.
“Sure. Is that everything? I need to head to the shop.”
“That’s everything. If something comes up, I’ll call.” He stands, walks to the door and opens it for me. “I mean it, no more threats. Nancy isn’t one to be messed with. I can’t help if you dig a deep grave.”
“Thanks, Sam.” Everyone is afraid of that deep grave of Nancy’s wrath. I should’ve known even my lawyer was afraid of Nancy. What does that say about her power in this town? I need to find some dirt on her before I end up in the dirt. She probably smashed a bottle of liquor and blamed me, and I wouldn't put it past her to go to such lengths just to get me off her back.
Two more days and the shop will officially reopen. The nerves are getting to me. What if Nancy doessomething then? I leave the office feeling defeated. I can see where Sam is coming from, telling me to cool my jets, but that woman irritates the living shit out of me. I have a sneaking suspicion she will show up on opening day and cause trouble, and I don’t have any backup unless I call Dad to man the door, but then it looks like security is needed. It’s bad enough that people are talking about my name; do I want Dad to be dragged into it?
I've got a lot on my mind, but asserting my dominance over Nancy’s is at the top of my priorities. It's time to show her who the real boss is.
Being back at my shop, I’m over the moon; John and his crew have outdone themselves. The space is more open without the backroom blocking most of the space. I’m in love with it, but now I’m not sure I want to add the coffee bar; maybe a tiny retail space filled with bookish items would be perfect.
The only thing missing is someone to celebrate this with. When I talked about renovations, it was with Silas; he was supportive, and I looked forwardto sharing this moment with him. Fuck it. Grabbing my phone, I find his number.
Me: I know it’s a long shot, and you probably stopped talking to me for a reason, but the shop is reopening in two days, and I want you to be here when it does. Don’t feel obligated to just because I’m messaging you. I hope everything is okay with you. Anyway, take care Sunshine.
If he chooses to ignore me, it was worth a shot. I’ll finally get my answer and be able to move forward.
I step into my office to a complete mess, paperwork scattered from one end to the other across my desk, boxes of books piled in the corner. I have a delivery coming tomorrow, and I still need to clean this entire place from top to bottom.
At least cleaning will help distract my mind.
I’m working on wiping down all the bookshelves when a knock on the door startles me. I peek around the shelf and see Elma’s face squished against the door, trying to look inside. I see her eyes lock onto mine, and I know I'm fucked. She greets me with a wave, looking so happy, like she hasn’t been spreading rumours about me.
“Teagan, open up. It’s been ages, Hun.” She knocks again and pulls on the handle. Thankfully, I locked the door.
Isit too late to pretend I didn’t see her? She knocks once more. I drop my rag in the water bucket and slowly make my way to the door. She won’t give up, and god knows what she has to say. I turn the lock, and she pushes the door open.
“About time. It’s getting cold out there for an old lady like me. You won’t believe the news, I have to say. I feel like it’s been ages since I’ve told you some juicy gossip. Where have you been hiding out?” She waves me off and walks further into the shop, leaving me behind. “Doesn’t matter; let me tell you what I heard.”
“Elma, can’t this wait? I have a lot to do before I reopen.”
“Nonsense, this won’t take long.” She looks around the empty shop before facing me. “I heard some folks were caught having intercourse in the corn maze.”
My head felt like it was going through a tunnel, and I didn’t hear her correctly. “I’m sorry. What?”
“A group of teenagers took pictures of a couple in the middle of—”
I hold my hand up. “Got it. Who was it?” Sweat forms on my forehead, praying it's not me.
“I’m not sure; it was dark, and they didn’t have the flash on. Who would choose a public place to have sex? You have to be sick in the head.”
“Some people like to have fun, Elma. Even if it’s in public, was this the juicy gossip you were in dire need to tell me?”
“No. I heard no one is coming to your reopening. They are upset about what you did with Nancy.”
“Gee, I wonder where they heard that little tidbit of news?”