Page 9 of Room One Hundred and Twenty

From the large desks against the walls with people answering phone calls, people I assume are more workers move about. There is also a freaking coffee shop tucked away in the corner. With a line of four customers waiting, I can bet the business is constant. Hell, the smell of coffee grounds is appealing enough to make me want a cup myself.

Jake leads me over toward the shop, making it harder to deny the craving for something sweet. Knowing I shouldn’t, I shake away the urge to make the request.

“Right here,” Jake starts back up as we hover right next to the shop, “is where you will be.”

Blinking, I can see there is already the start of construction. With Jake leading the way inside, I see a few men in lime green shirts using power drills. The whirl of machinery makes me raise my voice.

“I’m surprised to see something already in the works. I hate to ask, but what happens if I say no?”

Much to my surprise, he shrugs. It’s like the thought hadn’t crossed his mind. A golden opportunity like this would only be denied by an idiot.

“I suppose the man at the top might kill me, but I’d rather not start planning my funeral if it’s possible. Therefore, I will be trying my hardest to convince you otherwise.” He steps around the sawdust scattered across the ground. “It’ll take a few more weeks before this place will be up and running. You’ll have to pick out your equipment and I’ll deal with the deliveries.”

He goes on and on, from writing up contracts and a bunch of business talk that would’ve made me fall asleep if I weren’t wired on life.

“As I mentioned in the email, I’ll cover the moving costs. There are plenty of living options that should do the trick.” Pursing his lips, he thinks for a moment. “I think I’ve gone over most of it. Any questions or concerns I can take care of to move this along?”

“Yes, actually.” There’s only one thing stopping me from taking this deal and it’s the woman who has stuck at my side. “I have an employee I’d like to take with me. Of course, I’d have to talk to her first, but I’d like for her to be moved here as well. That won’t be a problem, will it?”

“As I implied earlier, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get you here, Eloise. If it gets the ball rolling, then I will happily take her on as well.” Shoving his hands in his pockets, he agrees with ease.

Charity won’t believe me when I tell her. Seeing as she’s lived in her mother’s basement for ages, I’m sure she’d take the offer of moving to the city without thinking twice.

The last hurdle in my way is acknowledging howIfeel. Returning to Seattle is like facing the past I left behind.

All I want is to run a bakery. I thought it would be easier in a small town without any competition. Turns out, it’s easier to ruin your reputation when everyone in that town hears about everything that happens.

In this building, plenty of people are possible customers. If I rework my menu, start from scratch and never slip up like I have in the past, I can do something here. I can have what I want with the aid of this man.

Even if he wants a percentage of my profits in return for having my business here, I’m sure the safety net will make this better. It’s a good offer, and I know I won’t have to take much time to think about it.

Jake leads me out of the construction area, taking me back to the lobby.

“How about a tour? I am pretty curious about this place.” Noticing the way people pass by with tablets in hand, I’m more than interested to learn what this place is all about. Sure, I can do my research, but where is all the fun in that?

For the first time today, this man looks hesitant. Rubbing the back of his neck, his smile almost falls off of his face.

“I would rather wait on that. If I’m going to be honest with you, you’re a secret in a sense. I want to surprise those on top.” His shoulders sink slightly, “though I can promise one in the future. I hope that is alright.”

A bit disappointing, but expected.

“How about I treat you to a delicious coffee and get you back home? I don’t want to be greedy here and take up all of your time.”

He’s right. I don’t want to leave Charity alone forever. Plus, I can’t wait to tell her about everything, including what we have to offer her. I’m guessing Jake is a busy man as well.

Walking with him, he goes on with the small details. With time being the only thing in our way, I know the next few weeks will feel neverending.

Nicolas

Whatever Jake has planned, I know he’s up to no good. Seeing as our offices are right next to each other, I know for a fact that he could find me with ease if he really wanted something.

For whatever reason, I continue to humor him every day. With how deep our friendship runs, it has to be what is keeping my sanity in check.

After a trip down to the lobby, my hunt for him begins. As always, I smell my favorite scent of coffee beans in the air. Before I hunt down my friend, I may have to indulge.

Alongside the coffee scent, something new lingers in the air. Something sweet. Assuming the shop decided to add a few new additions to its menu, I head over to take a closer look.

It’s only once I am standing in the middle of the lobby that I see the new addition added right next door.

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