Page 52 of One Month's Notice

“We’re just friends.” Lexi turned back to emptying the box, but her words lacked conviction and she wouldn’t meet Nat’s gaze. “Anyway, he seems to spend all of his spare time marking student work and running their extra-curricular clubs. Plus, this shop has been my life for the last few weeks.” Lexi gestured to the space around them. “We haven’t had time yet.”

“Yet!” Nat clapped her hands together. “So you are planning on meeting up?”

“I… well…” Lexi stammered, biting her lip as she shrugged. “I’m not sure. We’ve got a lot in common and I like him.”

Nat couldn’t help the broad smile forming on her face. She couldn’t remember the last time her friend had been shy about anything.

“Well, this has to be a first!” Nat opened her mouth to interrogate further, but Lexi held up her hand.

“Enough! There will be no more discussion on the matter. I have a world famous music cafe to launch and boys are an unnecessary distraction right now.” Lexi eyed Nat carefully. “You, of all people, should know that.”

“Fine, point taken.”

“Come on, give me a hand getting the till up on here.”

The till in question, a vintage brass beast of a thing, sat on the floor beside them. It was one of the special touches that made Nat’s style so unique. They heaved it onto the counter, its polished surface gleaming under the shop’s spotlights. Stepping back together, they crossed their arms in unison and surveyed their work. The shop’s layout was near perfect—open and inviting with the corner stage for hosting live music nights and a scattering of comfortable chairs and tables under suspended lights with individual lampshades. Records lined the haphazard shelves, and an assortment of eclectic instruments and antiques graced the walls.

“Looks like we’re almost done here.” Nat reached into her handbag, feeling around until her fingers clasped the edges of the surprise she’d been holding on to. “I’ve got something for you.”

“What is it?” Lexi’s eyes glinted with curiosity.

“Why don’t you open it?” Nat presented a small package, wrapped in earth-toned paper and tied with a simple twine bow.

Lexi undid the knot, peeling back the wrapping to reveal two antique gold door signs. One commanded ‘Open’, while its counterpart stated ‘Closed’, both words in ornate lettering. Tiny musical notes were etched delicately along the borders, catching the soft light of the shop.

“They’re beautiful!” Lexi held them up against the rustic wood of the door. She hung them from a tiny hook in the frame and adjusted them until they fell perfectly.

“Come on, let’s take a look from outside.”

They stepped out onto the pavement and admired what stood before them. The former rundown laundry had been transformed into a place that was appealing and full of character. The navy blue paint of the wooden frames contrasted beautifully with the gold-tone signage hung over the door—a cleverly stylised mix of musical notes and coffee beans welcoming customers to ‘Java & Jazz’. Large windows invited potential customers to get a glimpse of the warm and welcoming interior of the shop with its antique furniture and quirky ornaments. It was a perfect reflection of Lexi’s vibrant personality.

“Well?” Nat broke their silent admiration. “What do you think?”

“I think…” Lexi paused, stepping back to take in the entire view. “I think it’s absolutely perfect.”

“It really is, isn’t it?” Nat found Lexi’s hand and gave it a squeeze.

“I couldn’t have done this without you.” Lexi wrapped her arms around her, holding on as tight as she could. “You’re amazing, you know that?”

“I’m so happy you like it.” Nat allowed a delicious sensation of pride to wash over her. It wasn’t often she allowed it, worrying that it might come across to others as arrogance. But today, side by side with her best friend, she knew she deserved this feeling, and she wanted to savour it.

“OK, that’s enough standing around. Let’s run through Friday night.” Lexi rattled off details of caterers, live bands and timings as they walked back into the shop, settling down in one of the plush armchairs in the window. “But the most important thing to discuss is what are we going to wear?”

Lexi whipped out her phone and tapped on the screen before showing Nat an array of stunning dresses.

“This is definitely in the top ten.” She pointed at an off-the-shoulder fitted red dress that finished just above the knee. She scrolled to another, a black jumpsuit with a high neck and long sleeves.

Nat peered at the images, making approving noises. The red one was definitely Lexi—bold, sassy, confident. The black one was a touch more reserved, but still stunning in its simplicity.

“Look at this one!” She turned the screen towards Nat so she could see the sleek, black dress with a plunging back and swirling silver embellishments. “Isn’t it just perfect?”

“They’re all beautiful. But you would make any dress look incredible.”

“What about you?” Lexi carried on scrolling through, frowning as she tried to make a final decision.

“Me?” Nat hesitated, her fingers twisting a lock of hair as she ran through a mental inventory of her wardrobe. It didn’t take long. “How about some skinny jeans and a nice top?”

“Absolutely not!” Lexi’s face twisted into a look of complete disapproval.

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