Page 55 of Unexpected Love
Jules
“Okay, this should be the last of it,” Maggie says, placing a platter of cookies on a stand.
It’s a beautiful Saturday morning, and I am deliciously sore after a night in Cal’s bed. And deliciously sated after being woken with his talented mouth this morning. It was hard to drag myself out of his cozy bed, and I missed the heat of him immediately when he pushed me toward the shower with instructions to get my ass moving so I could “slay market day.”
The cherry on top was the way he stopped me on my way out the door, sending me off with the most tender of kisses.
Spring is in full swing. Flowers have emerged from their winter hibernation. The air is cool and brisk, but the sun is already warming. It’s the perfect morning for treats and coffee, and fingers crossed, Main Street will be filled with craft shoppers.
We’ve been wholly focused on setting up our booth for hours, and it’s decorated with a combination of StickySweet and Daily Brew Two branded cups, giveaway goodies, and cutesy decor. It’s cozy and fun and everything I’ve been imagining all these months.
I take a step back and admire everything we’ve accomplished in a few short hours.
“What’s that look for, girlie?”
Maggie has been amazing to work with. We hit it off like long-lost friends.
And all of this hard work coming to fruition feels like an accomplishment. This feels like success.
I grin at her. “Things are finally looking up.”
“Oh yeah? That’s awesome.”
“The construction is finished, and I got the building inspection scheduled.”
“Oh hey, that’s exciting. I’m so stoked we’ll be able to collaborate.”
Icing on the cake? Since Lissette was able to find my replacement, I haven’t had to help cover at her shop anymore. Most days, Cal and I wake up, work alongside each other, and go to bed together. Charlie is happy and healthy. Life feels really good right now.
Our booth is really just a ten-by-ten tent with three tables in a U shape. Maggie has two tables, and I have one. We have banners and business cards. As well as printed copies of both of our menus.
The only thing I’m waiting on is that final certificate of occupation to complete my business license registration, and then I can hang an Open sign on my door.
With the first customers straggling down Main, I step out onto the street to grab a photo for social media. The street has been closed to allow for maximum foot traffic, and tents line both sides. Down the road, an ambulance and firetruck line the outer perimeter of the park forthe Touch-A-Truck. Giant blow-up jumpy houses fill the rest of the park, where a DJ has started playing music.
It’s festive and fun. Gratitude fills me because this is my future. And knowing it, I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face.
“Juju.” Charlie’s little voice has me turning. She and Cal step out to the road. He releases her tiny hand, and she barrels across the street to me.
“Well, that’s new. Good morning, Charlie-Belle.”
I haven’t seen her in a day or two because I was prepping for the festival, and she was asleep by the time I got in from Maggie’s. But whether I haven’t seen her in a few days or a few hours, Charlie will launch herself at me. And the nickname she’s given me melts my heart.
“Looks good, babe.”
Maggie pokes her head around the corner at Cal’s words and then joins us. “Hi, you must be Cal. I’m Maggie. I think you might work with my friend Jackson. And you must be Charlie. Would you like a muffin?”
“Yah,” Charlie screams and launches herself at Maggie.
Cal shakes his head. “She just demolished pancakes and bacon. She can’t be hungry.”
I grin and slip an arm around his waist, leaning up on tiptoe to press a kiss to his jaw.
“It’s about the treat, not about being hungry.”
His arm drapes over my shoulder, tucking me in tight as he surveys the display we’ve put together. “It looks fucking good, Jules. I hope you sell out today.”
Technically, I’m working under Maggie’s business, and she is the one offering Daily Brew coffee since I don’t have all of my permits yet. But I figure it’s not going to hurt to start getting my name out there.
