Page 15 of The Secrets We Keep

“Why, yes... that’s where I work.”

“I knew you looked so familiar. I just knew it.” Jessy is clapping her hands, a little too excited if you ask me but I just smile.

“That’s where I met Evie too.” Landon chimes in as he puts his arm around me almost protective like. I glance up at him before directing my attention back to the jewelry chick.

“Really? That is so sweet. You know, since you said you are kinda new here, we should meet up sometime for coffee. Here is my business card. It has my number on it so just call me when you are free.” Jessy practically forces the card into my hand.

“Thanks, that would be nice.”

“Great! I can’t wait. This is so exciting! Oh, and I make my own schedule since I’m the boss and can take breaks whenever.” Jessy says, still smiling like a little kid with candy.

“Um okay, cool.”

She’s strange. We say our goodbyes and Landon and I walk away.

“She seems nice. I think you could use a girlfriend.” Landon says.

“I suppose, she was a tad hyper, but maybe.”

I know I can really use a friend. One to shop with and talk to about relationship stuff with. We finish up our market shopping with some fresh wildflowers and head for Landon’s.

Sunday comes and goes with us relaxing around the house. I wish it was still Sunday. Work has been really busy today and Sam is stressed. I’m trying to keep up and help him in any way I can, but I’m not an accountant so there’s little I can really do other than some prep work. I’m running the front, filing has taken a back seat, but that’s okay. The bell on the door dings and I look up to see the bubbly jewelry maker walking in. I smile at her as she comes up to the counter.

“Hey Jessy, what brings you in?”

“Dropping off some statements for Sam and I need to make my appointment.”

“Okay let me see what’s available.” I pause while looking through the appointment book. “He has next Tuesday wide open.”

“Perfect, I’ll take 11 am.”

I pencil her in and then hand her, her card.“Okay here is your reminder card, you’re all set.”

“Thanks. Have you had your lunch yet? I was gonna hit the little cafe nearby.”

I shake my head no as it dawns on me that I’m actually hungry. “Let me ask Sam if I can take 30 for lunch. It’s been hectic today and I usually just eat here.” I say as I move away from the counter.

“Okay!” Jessy replies a bit happily. Is she always this cheerful?

I come back with my purse in hand. Jessy practically dances when she spots it.

“I take it he said yes?”

“He did, I just have to put the sign up and lock the front. Sam is hungry himself and wants a break too so it works out.” I tell her while grabbing the sign. I hope she isn’t like batshit crazy because I just committed to 30 minutes of being around her.

We walk to the little cafe up the block and grab a table. Looking at the menu I say, “Everything sounds good. I don’t know what to get. How about you?”

“I’m going to get the crunchy Asian salad. The ginger dressing here is the best I’ve ever had.”

“Mmm, that sounds good.” I reply, still pondering over what I want. The waiter comes over and I tell Jessy to go first. I end up going with the club sandwich with potato salad.

“So how long have you been living here?” Jessy asks.

“Around 10 months or so, what about you?”

“I have lived here about 2 years now. I came down here for college from Texas. Decided I loved it here and have made it my home.”

“That is great.”

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