Page 40 of Reckless (Adventures in Love 3)
“If we can make it happen, I say let’s go for it,” Cybil says, and I look at Liam.
“I think I love the idea, but we will have to sit down and go over the exact details of everything and see if it’s even possible to join the spaces together.”
“I’m going to make a few phone calls,” he tells me, then looks at Cybil and Tanner. “It was nice meeting you both.” He heads for his office, and I watch him go while shaking my head.
“Well.” I turn back and meet Tanner’s gaze. “Do you think that wall is load bearing?”
“Even if it is, the cost of putting in a support beam would be worth it.” He wraps his arm around Cybil’s shoulders.
“I have no clue what he’s talking about. I couldn’t agree more.” Cybil leans into her husband, and I laugh. Then we all look at the door when a customer walks in. “We’ll let you get back to work, but call me if Liam says anything.”
“I will.” I kiss Claire before they go, then get the man who came in his drink, which is just a coffee with cream and sugar. As he hangs out at one of the tables working on his laptop, I restock everything, and then not long afterward, Tony and Katie arrive, bringing with them a crowd of their friends. Thankfully the two of them are quick behind the counter, so it doesn’t take long to get everyone served.
With the shop full and Katie and Tony chatting with their classmates from school, I hang in the back and listen to them, realizing that nothing much has changed since I was a teenager. Who’s dating who and where everyone is hanging out for the weekend are still two of the most important topics of conversation. One thing that is different is the constant photo taking and the sending of messages even to people who are sitting right next to you. That is something I will probably never really get on board with.
“Jade.” I look toward Liam’s office when he calls my name and find him planted in the doorway. “Can you come in here for a minute?”
“Sure.” I notice Katie and Tony share a worried look. “It’s fine,” I assure them, setting down the rag that was in my hand before I head to the office. When I get inside, I close the door behind me and then lean against it.
“I’ve made a few calls, and we are all set if you’re really serious about this.”
“Really?” I try to keep my composure when I really want to jump up and down. I know having other girls selling items out of the store will help us to gain more customers and hopefully come out ahead each month budget-wise, but having the coffee shop, which is already established, attached would be huge for us.
“Really. Now, we will have to sit down with a lawyer and work out all the details, but I don’t see that being a problem as long as we agree that we will only be joined in space, not in profit or loss.”
“I agree with that completely, and I know Cybil will as well,” I say quietly, and he gives me a soft smile.
“One more thing.”
“Yeah?”
“I’d still want you to work for me. You’re the first person I’ve hired who’s been reliable and who’s gotten along with my grandkids. I don’t want to lose you.”
“I love this job,” I tell him quietly. “And as long as it doesn’t become too much for me to work at both the store and here, I’ll stay.”
“Good.” He stands and gives me a hug. “I have a good feeling about this.”
“Me too.” I let him go, then step back so that he can open the door. When we get out front, he hugs Katie and gives Tony a pat on the back before saying goodbye and taking off. I look at the clock and notice that it’s time for me to take off as well.
“Is everything okay?” Katie asks me quietly, and I feel Tony get close.
“Absolutely, just talking to your grandpa about some business stuff. I’m sure he will tell you about it.”
“Cool.” Tony nudges my shoulder. “Do you wanna practice the dance I was trying to teach you before you take off?”
“I think I’m good.”
“Come on, don’t you want to be famous?”
“I have absolutely zero desire to become famous,” I assure him as the door dings. My eyes go to it automatically, and my heart starts to pound as I watch Maverick walk in.
“Your guy is here,” Katie tells me, like I didn’t notice.
Ignoring her, I take off my apron and hang it on one of the hooks, then grab my coat and put it on, saying to Tony, “Don’t forget to take out the trash tonight.”
