Page 75 of A Sip of Sherry

“I trust you enough to know that’s true.”

“Good.”I kissed her knuckles again and let our hands fall to the space between us.She didn’t let go, and there was no way in hell I was letting go, either.

An hour later, after we secured Wyatt’s donuts, we pulled into the parking lot and hopped out of the truck.The place was a bit run down, the sign above the warehouse was faded, and one of the letters hung crooked, but the open bay doors revealed rows of vintage furniture neatly stacked inside.A woman with a thick braid and paint-stained jeans approached us, wiping her hands on a rag.

“You must be the ones Murray called about.”

“That would be us,” I said.

“I’m Claire.He said you were looking for something rustic, charming, and available on short notice.”

“Exactly,” Sher said, stepping forward with a relieved smile.

Claire jerked her head toward the warehouse.“Then you came to the right place.Just watch your step.Charm like this tends to come with uneven floorboards and the occasional splinter.”

“Noted,” I said as we followed Claire inside.

Sherry stumbled slightly, and I grabbed her waist, steadying her.

“Found one of those floorboards.”A slight laugh slipped from her mouth as her gaze took everything in.“Wow.This is amazing.No wonder Murray has kept it a secret.”

“I usually don’t rent directly.I’m more of a supplier.Murray said you were good people and wouldn’t trash my stuff.”

Sherry winced.“That was generous of him, considering we just sent him a truck full of damaged furniture.”

She didn’t have to tell Claire that, but that just proved the type of person Sherry was.She was good in a way that wasn’t forced, just who she was.

Claire waved it off.“Murray said it wasn’t your fault.Something about a ‘prick with a grudge’.”She glanced at us.“I didn’t ask questions.I didn’t need to.Murray’s word is enough.”

Which is why I knew Alec had nothing to do with the damage.Murray never would have hired him if he was someone who couldn’t be trusted.I felt bad for practically attacking the poor guy, but that was what my father did to me.I was asking Sherry to trust me, yet I didn’t trust anyone.

Claire turned toward a gorgeous reclaimed wood table.“You can take your pick of whatever is available.There are tags on pieces that are reserved or sold.I’ve got delivery options if you’re ready to move fast.”

“We are,” Sherry said.“I have an engagement party Saturday afternoon, and I promised the bride-to-be something unforgettable.”

“Then let’s make sure you deliver.Come on.I have some gems in the back that not many people know about.”

Claire led the way, and Sherry bumped my shoulder, a smile blooming wide on her face.I kept close to Sherry, maintaining a steady lookout for any of those uneven floorboards.

Her eyes sparkled probably with ideas as we walked past velvet-covered chaise lounges, distressed wood tables with all the imperfections that made them authentic and more eclectic pieces, like license plate-covered bars and lampshades.

We weaved in and out of furniture mazes.Sherry’s hip bumped a table and a stained-glass lamp teetered.I grabbed the table and anchored it before either piece could tip over.

Sherry turned around, completely unaware she almost caused a crash.Her gaze landed on my hands as I slowly eased away from the table.Her teeth clenched, and her nose scrunched.

“Did I do that?”she mouthed.I nodded and laughed at the adorable, oblivious wrecking ball that she was.

We continued until we made it to the back.No wonder not many people knew about this section.It was a maze just to make it back here.

“That one!”Sherry said, pointing to a crushed purple velvet couch with rivets.Her arm grazed a floor lamp, and I caught the chain before it clunked into the glass stem.“The bride’s colors are purple and orange, and that will be the perfect place for her to sit while she opens her gifts.I can place barrels on either side and prop up glass vases filled with orange ranunculus and zinnias, deep purple lisianthus, and trailing eucalyptus to add a touch of green and break up the brightness.”

“I’m guessing you’ll need vases next,” Claire said.

“You have those, too?”Sherry asked.

“Of course.That’s in another room.”She took out a tag and placed it on the lounge.“Do you want delivery, or you think we’ll be able to fit everything in your truck?”

Sherry looked at me.“Why don’t we wait until she’s done?”A smile cracked my mouth.“Right now, I’d say we could fit it no problem, but this place is huge, and her imagination is bigger.”

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