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Not quite, but I could use some business advice.

There's a longerpause than usual, and I wonder if maybe I screwed up. But finally, a reply comes through.

ThatGuy:

Then I'm your guy. Although I will tell you this is starting to feel very You’ve Got Mail. Please tell me I can be Tom Hanks in this scenario?

LolaB:

Well, I didn’t have you pegged as Meg Ryan. And if I didn’t already tell you this, prepare to go to the mattresses. I own a bookstore.

ThatGuy:

Ha, I knew it! You even provided photographic evidence. You’re Kathleen Kelly.

LolaB:

Pretty much. I do own a small shop. And things could be a lot better.

ThatGuy:

I see.

LolaB:

Do you believe that everything needs to be online these days to have a presence?

ThatGuy:

Yes.

LolaB:

Just yes?

ThatGuy:

Unequivocally, yes.

LolaB:

Uggggg

ThatGuy:

Let me help you.

LolaB:

How?

ThatGuy:

Do you have some numbers for me to look over?

Ihesitate. Now it feels weird. And personal. Like I'm inviting him to be more of a part of my life than I really intended. But of course, he’d want to look at numbers if he plans to help me.

It feels like another betrayal to Daire though. If he knew I was taking business advice from someone else, it would really hurt him. This I know for fact. But my pride won't allow me to admit how dire my situation is. This is something I need to get myself out of. I can't have Daire swooping in and controlling everything because he feels like he owes it to me.

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