Page 10 of It Never Happened
Courtney
Iwake the next morning wondering what the hell is going on. Jack showing up early, asking to try again but still not wanting to give up his work, it’s just all too much for me. We are just days away from Christmas, and I definitely do not need this mental mind fuck that is happening.
Me: good morning beauty, can you stop here before going to the shop?
January: you bet I can. Blossom is opening today. I’ll grab coffee and come by in thirty.
Me:
True to her word, thirty minutes later, we are sitting on my couch together with coffees from Sweets n’ Spice.
“Tell me,” January demands.
I roll my eyes and sigh. “I don’t even know where to start. Actually, I do. Tell me what's happening with Dress Me Up.”
It's her turn to sigh. “Sales are bad. Lief and I have beengoing over the books, and it’s just not working anymore. I don’t know where it took a dive, but we have to make a decision. Either we pour money we don’t have into the place to build it back to what Dad made it, or we give it up.” She chokes up on the last words. This is her last connection to her dad, and it makes me sad that it’s burning out.
“Is that why he called Jack?” I ask quietly. I know Jack is a sore subject for her. They never saw eye to eye on a lot of topics, and Jack was always very vocal with his opinions. From taking off to New York, running a business, and right down to the guy she was dating, he let her know he didn’t agree with her actions. To me, it felt like he was looking out for her as a big brother would, but since Jack is an only child, he didn't understand how to voice his concerns in a way that didn’t come off as bossy or a know-it-all.
And when she got pregnant with Lily, well, he and Lief both lost their minds about it.
She nods. “Jack is actually doing the right thing, or at least I think he is. He and Lief spoke, and he said it comes down to what we want to do. If we want to sell it, he’ll get a buyer with the best offer. But if we want to keep it, he’ll give us the funding at no interest, but he wants to be added to the deed as a silent partner. I don't know what's best … just ending it all and starting new or trying to hold onto the old.”
“I don't want to tell you what to do?—”
“I need you to!”
I laugh and reach for her hand. Dress Me Up is something special. It's the only store in town that dresses you from lingerie to wedding gowns and everything in between. “The only thing I’ll say is that the boutique is a landmark here in Bluemoon. I know it’s a lot of work, but how would you feel walking past that place once it’s turned into a chain shop? Or some other ridiculous store that this tourist towndoesn’t need. Dress Me Up is one of a kind. And if you’re worried about adding Jack as a silent partner, I know he’d do the right thing by you guys.”
“I know he would too. Lief assured me of that. I know he hates me for all that went on years ago?—”
“He doesn’t hate you, January! It’s actually the opposite. He cares about you, aboutallof you, and just wants to do the best thing for you.”
She lets out a deep, weary sigh. “This is our family legacy. I want Lily to grow up in the store like we did. I want her to run it one day. I told Lief I don’t want to sell, but he’s not so sure.”
“What can I do to help? I’m being selfish and don't want to lose my summer job.” We laugh together. When school is out, I work in the shop, helping out with whatever they need.
She shrugs. “Tell everyone you know to shop there.”
“I will. We’ll get a new batch of parents in September. Lily’s group. They’ll want to support you.”
“Oh jeez, I forgot to tell you. Lily is making friends with the new delivery guy.” She laughs.
“What are you talking about?”
“I don't know, Blossom said they’ve got a new guy on the morning route, and Lily loves him.”
I furrow my eyebrows. “A new guy?”
“Blossom said he’s hot, but I’ve never met him. She’s been bringing Lily with her in the mornings so Lief and I can work the numbers out. I’ll have to go in early one day and see what the fuss is about.”
“You should do that.” When she looks away from me, I tap her thigh. “It’sokayto do that. Sean is gone, and you're allowed to move on. Lily and you both deserve to meet a good guy.”
“My life has been nothing but loss since I was eighteen. Dad, Sean, the shop…” She trails off.
“Hey. No. I can’t change the first two, but if you don't want to lose the shop, we won't. I’ll make sure of it.”
“Thank you. You’re the best friend ever. Now, please tell me some of your drama so I can forget about my own.”
