Page 54 of Falling Back to You

“We’re still working on the logistics when it comes to staffing.”

“Well, you’ll need a really good general manager, that’s for sure.”

Convincing my father that we should hire someone else for the day-to-day operations in Texas would be damn near impossible. When that man set his mind to something, it was hard to dissuade him. And I suspected he saw Texas as a test, a chance for me to prove his legacy was in good hands.

Dial absent-mindedly twirled a loc that had fallen from her bun. “So, I did a thing.”

“Uh-oh.”

“Remember I told you I’d been looking into classes?”

“Yep.”

“Well, I’m officially a part-time student at Three Rivers Community College.”

“Look at you! That’s great, Dial.” Leaning forward, I said, “I want the deets.”

“It’s just two classes, Intro to Accounting and Strategic Talent Acquisition. They’re both online, so I don’t have to worry about driving over an hour to campus.”

“When do you start?”

“I enrolled in the summer semester. So I still have some time to get my textbooks and figure out how I’m gonna juggle everything.”

“Anything I can do to make it easier, just let me know.”

She worried her bottom lip, and the happiness from a second ago seemed to have been doused by water. “You don’t think it’s silly going back to school at my age?”

“Last time I checked, learning didn’t have an expiration date. Figs and Twine is an enterprise, and it makes sense that you’d be thinking long term. I think it’s smart, whether it’s a couple of classes or a full curriculum.”

“Thanks.”

“Luckily you have Shelton to help you with your homework.” I stood, collecting her plate.

Dial followed me to the kitchen with the drink glasses and condiment bottles. “How do you figure?”

“You two are an item, a pair, a set.”

A squeaky laugh rang out from her direction. “Shelton and I are far from official.”

“Rumor has it he’s out here calling you his girlfriend.”

“He hasn’t asked, and I am certainly not in the habit of claiming random men.”

“Damn, you’re strict.” I loaded utensils and bowls into the dishwasher.

“What about you? I’m surprised you didn’t have plans with Melodie tonight.”

“We broke up.”

“When did that happen?”

“Uhm… the night of Fancy and Edison’s party.”

“Sorry to hear that.”

She wasn’t sorry, just like I wouldn’t be losing any sleep over the status of her and Shelton’s relationship. Rummaging in the freezer, I pulled out three half-full cartons. “I say the pursuit of higher education calls for ice cream.”

“Yes, please.” She grabbed two bowls that looked like waffle cones.