Page 43 of The Fiancé Hoax
It was a good bonding opportunity. We watched countless kids’ movies. I grew to love Eva’s funny takes on the characters, as well as Lily’s sweet, empathetic reactions.
By Wednesday, we were cuddled up together on the couch and laughing at the funny parts when our stomachs didn’t hurt too much.
On Thursday, I woke up feeling much better. So did the girls. I went to work, and they went to school.
That morning, I parked my Plymouth in the employee parking area behind the boutique and unlocked the doors. Part of me was excited to get back to work.
The other part of me felt it was a lost cause.
The only emails and voicemails the store had gotten in my absence were from life insurance companies. I wondered if I would have had any customers even if the store had been open the past three days.
As I organized the retail section and my sewing materials in the back, I felt a nagging fear. What if Moonstone couldn't be saved? After two hours, I still hadn't seen a single customer.
The bell on the front door jingled, and I looked up hopefully. Instead of a customer, Lauren waltzed in. My shoulders slumped.
“Don't look so happy to see me,” she said, clicking her tongue.
I met her by the cash register and gave her a hug. “I am happy to see you, Lauren. I'm sorry. I'm just throwing myself a pity party. I haven't had any customers this morning.”
“Well, I'm sure that will all change as soon as Mr. Big Daddy works his magic.” She winked. “I mean, his magic on the store. Not just on your lady parts.”
I laughed. “That's not going to happen again, remember?”
I had already filled Lauren in on the awkwardness between Cooper and me after our time in his bedroom.
She scoffed. “I don't believe that for a second. From what I can tell, you two can't keep your hands off each other. Now that you're not puking your guts out every half hour, he'll be all over you again.”
Secretly, I wished she was right. But I shook my head sadly. “That ship has sailed. I think I pushed him away for good.” I shrugged, trying to sound cheerful. “It's for the best. I need to focus on my business anyway.”
“Business, schmizness.” She flipped her red hair over her shoulder. “I give you three days before that bad boy is making you see stars again.”
“Lauren, you're incorrigible.”
She gave me another hug, then turned to head toward the door. “I know, I know. Just keep me posted. I better get to the flower shop before Ernie gets there. He's always looking for some reason to fire me.”
“Okay. Talk to you soon.” I blew her a kiss as she walked out.
Returning to my laptop at the desk, I sighed. The numbers for this month’s revenue weren't looking good. I just hoped Cooper was a miracle worker.
By lunch, I’d had two customers. One bought a shirt from the clearance rack, and another purchased a strapless dress from my summer collection. Both were thrilled with their purchases and promised to return. It gave me a little hope. Seeing people fall in love with items I had designed and created always made me feel like a million bucks.
Still, it wasn't enough. A few customers a week wouldn’t keep my boutique doors open.
With a sigh, I opened the food delivery app on my phone. My appetite had returned, but my stomach still felt a little wobbly. Just then, the door opened. I looked up with surprise to see Cooper walk in.
My face opened into a big smile. Seeing him in my store filled me with excitement and pride.
“Welcome to Moonstone Boutique.” I stood from my desk.
He took in the space, getting an overview of the store. “I thought you might like some soup.” He lifted the bag he carried. The aroma of the chicken soup hit my nose, and my stomach growled.
“God, yes. I’m starving. I was going to order a sandwich, but soup sounds much better.” I watched as he unpacked the containers on my desk. “Thanks, Cooper.”
He grinned at me. “No problem. You were a big help with the girls the past few days, so it’s the least I could do.”
I shrugged. “I just watched movies with them. It was fun.”
His blue eyes locked on mine, and his mouth curved into a smile. “Yeah, it was.”