Page 67 of The Charming Checklist
“Even when we went on vacation, every day, every hour, was planned. I’ve honestly never had this much time to myself. Ever,” her mother said. “Honestly, Ava, I truly envy your life.”
She almost didn’t recognize her mother. They were getting to know each other in a way they never had before. And if Daddy didn’t want to know this woman, or at least remember who she’d once been, then he was an idiot. Because Katherine Long wasfun. She wasn’t judgmental and condescending. And for the first time, Ava wondered whose childhood and life philosophy had been adopted in their family. Because it had been her mother who’d hired Nanny Lucia, after all. It had been her mother who brought that slice of life and joy into their home for the sake of her children.
And as it worked out, Ava didn’t mind spending afternoons after work with her mother.
But nights? Her nights were for Max. His nights were for her. Dates were a bit harder to arrange since she had Mom for now, and her college course; he had Adam. But they fell into an arrangement. Max had come to expect her every evening, no later than eight. And if she was late, he blew up her phone with text messages.
So, every day after dinner, she’d get her mother settled, arrive to Max’s, and spend a little time with both him and Adam watching TV or a movie. She’d do her homework there sometimes and Max helped. Then, she and Max would crawl into bed and spend the entire night together. They were discreet, of course, but Adam still couldn’t resist teasing them.
“Max, you might want to check for raccoons in the rafters,” Adam said one evening from the couch. “That’s the critter that moans, right?”
Ava would blush, and Max would call Adam “hilarious,” but it was all in good fun. He was a good guy, hardworking and a great addition to the staff at the Salty Dog. Everyone already loved him, and half the waitresses had crushes on him, especially now that both Cole and Max were taken.
Yes, Max wastaken. She let that knowledge settle over her daily. It had become obvious to everyone who saw them together and they’d made no effort to hide it.
Far less obvious, but also terrifying, Ava was falling in love. She didn’t quite know what to do about that, but it was happening anyway. He was so good, strong, kind, and in her mind deserved everything he’d ever wanted. And more.
On Wednesday morning, she’d just finished attending the Chamber’s Business Focus Meeting held monthly at the Community Bank. She’d arranged the group to facilitate the networking between home-based business owners offering services. Sometimes the member who sold life insurance could work with the member selling legal insurance. Or the member who created websites could help a member who needed one.
“Ava, do you have a minute?” Bill, the loan officer, said.
“Of course.”
She wondered if he’d want to ask about her business plan. Max still had it, having made some changes that he’d already talked to her about. Considering she’d just learned everything there was to know about ROI, and then some, she’d agreed with them.
Bill walked with her from the glass-walled conference room to his office.
“I wanted to talk to you about your loan.”
“Don’t worry. I considered what you said about collateral and I’m working on it.”
He quirked a brow. “You’re in good shape. We took a look at your changes and we’re ready to give you a line of credit.”
“Wh-what?” Confused, her hands shook, and she pressed them together.
“Max brought it in with the suggested changes and we’re good to go. We can get the paperwork set up within thirty days or so.” Bill looked ready to burst. “I’m sorry, I should have waited, but I saw you here and I was too excited... I’m so happy for you, honey.”
“Oh, thank you. Thanks, Bill. This...it’s amazing, right?”
He stood to shake her hand. “You’re the lifeblood of this town and I’m so glad we could make this happen for you.”
She floated back to the Chamber offices, a little stunned by the news. So, after all this time, this would happen. Her coffee shop. Thanks to Max and his help. She’d have to thank himproperlytonight. But she didn’t have to wait to thank him because just before lunch, Max showed up.
“Hey, beautiful. Can I take you to lunch?”
“You’ll never believe what just happened. Bill told me the loan is approved, thanks to your changes!”
He pinched the bridge of his nose. “I wanted to be the one to tell you about that.”
“What’s going on?”
“Listen, come with me.” He reached for her hand. “I have something to show you.”
While that sounded a little ominous, she went with him, and strapped into the passenger seat of his convertible, they drove to the outskirts of town. Max pulled over in front of a small abandoned plant. Tall grass grew in tufts along the sides of the building.
Max reached for her, hand on the nape of her neck, stroking the hairs there. “I’m asking you to use your imagination.”
“What is this place?”
