Page 64 of Maybe This Christmas
“Well, that’s not exactly true.We can help if you want us to.”
She paused chewing.“Who’s we?”
“Ever since we started Loaved Up, Gretchen and I have been interested in expanding the town’s business district.We’ve been fortunate in life.We decided that if the right business opportunity came along, we’d consider investing.”
Could he be saying what she thought he was saying?
She wiped at her mouth.“So, what are you saying?Business partners?”
Her mind trailed back to the strange conversation she and Caleb had had.Mixing business with Sebastian meant that Caleb would be part of her life regardless of their romantic status.
“Possibly.I can draft an agreement.Do you have an attorney?”
“I don’t, but I’m sure you know everyone worth knowing in this part of Virginia.”
“I can recommend a few impartial attorneys.In the meantime, why don’t you think over what we’ve talked about here?I’ll work on getting you a draft agreement by close of business Monday.”
This all seemed too easy.Where was the catch?“Monday’s Christmas Eve.”
Sebastian shrugged.“It’s one of the busiest days of the year for us.So, if I can’t get the agreement to you by then, I’ll be in touch, okay?”
She nodded.“I appreciate the offer, Sebastian.I’m not ready to give up on this dream just yet.I’m glad to know that it isn’t quite a pipe dream after all.”
He slid out of the booth.“I’m glad to hear it.I’ll be right back so we can wrap up things.”
She finished her cinnamon roll.This was good news—her dream was one step closer to becoming reality.So why couldn’t she shake the feeling that she was about to make a huge mistake?
Chapter Twenty-Two
Caleb watched from the street as Emma and Sebastian wrapped up their meeting.He’d awkwardly puttered around the office, half-heartedly working on notes for his meeting with his dad.He felt as if he was chasing ideas around his brain—his thoughts more on what Emma and Sebastian were talking about next door.
It hadn’t felt appropriate for him to sit in on that meeting.Especially after that awkward but much-needed conversation they’d had going down the mountain.
He’d half hoped a sinkhole would’ve appeared under the van during the drive.He’d meant to show his support for her decision.The word salad that had come out was more of a panic-stricken rant.
Why couldn’t he be normal?Why did the words always find a way to get mixed up on the journey from his brain to his mouth?
They’d left on a good note, or so he’d hoped.As Emma looked up and caught him creeping under the streetlight, he wasn’t so sure.
Her expression was clouded over.Perhaps the meeting hadn’t gone well.Sebastian walked over to the door and unlocked it.
“Are you going to stand there like a stalker, or do you want to come in?”
He frowned.“I didn’t want to interrupt.”
“You’re not.We’re about done.Come in.”
He followed his brother inside.Emma gathered her belongings, her expression still grim.
“You okay, Em?”
She looked up.“I have a lot to think about.I’m okay, though.”
“Oh, before I forget, I do have the key to the space if you want another look before you head back.Caleb, you’ve never been inside, have you?”
“Um, once, when it was still the running store.I was more concerned with the shoes than eyeing up the space.”
Sebastian produced the key.Emma stared at it.“How did you get it?”
