To Fall Or Not To Fall, page 3
“So, do you really think that the matchmaking service is going to help us make enough money?” Aria says to Ava, worry in her voice. She’s whispering, but I can still hear her. I don’t look up, though. I don’t want them to know that I’m listening, but I am most definitely interested in what she has to say.
“I hope so,” Ava says to her friend, letting out a huge sigh, a telltale sign that she’s stressed out. “I mean, I’ve got enough savings to get us through the next couple of months, but after that, I’m not going to be able to afford the mortgage. And my grandma co-signed for me, so I can’t let it go into default. I can’t risk her credit and mine.”
“You’re not going to sell it to the corporation, though, are you?”
“Never,” Ava says. “I’ll never sell it to a greedy corporation that just wants to destroy our little town. We have people coming here because they love the uniqueness. They love how quaint and vintage we are. No one wants to go to a bunch of condos with no charisma or coziness.” She sounds annoyed. “I’m not going to let that happen. If I hear from that corporation again, I’m going to tell them to go to hell.”
Aria starts laughing. “And I’ll tell them that they can burn there.”
I stare down at my phone again and press my lips together. There’s definitely no way that I’m going to tell them who I’m affiliated with. They want me to go to hell, and I have a feeling they would kick me there as fast as they could if they knew who I was. They don’t know that I’ve been there and back several times when doing business. I don’t know whether that’s a good thing or not, but I don’t want to analyze my life choices.
I head back towards the front of the store and smile at the two ladies. “Everything okay? I couldn’t help overhearing…. You seemed upset about something.”
“Oh, we’re fine. Thank you very much for asking,” Ava says, looking guilty, which surprises me. Why would she look guilty?
“You’re welcome,” I say. “Are you thinking about selling this place?” I look around the bookstore and pause. I don’t want to lie and be disingenuous as to why I’m asking. “It’s a unique store,” I say, because that is true, and I don’t want to ignore the fact that she obviously loves the place. But I know from her numbers she’s not doing well. In fact, if she continues as she is, she will be bankrupt in about three years.
“Thank you. I really try to put my all into it, and this is the season we go crazy with the decorations.” Ava smiles at me. “If you can’t tell, I’m the fall queen.”
“She really is,” Aria says, nodding enthusiastically as she laughs. They are obviously extremely close. “I mean, she’s never officially been the fall queen at the fall festival, but that’s not because she doesn’t love fall. It’s just because Maribel Laribel is always pushing her granddaughter, Eloise to—”
Ava gives Aria a look, and Aria presses her lips together. “Well, anyway, nothing much to say about that. Would you like to buy any books?” Ava asks hopefully. “Or postcards? I mean, if you’re on vacation, don’t you want to send a postcard to your friends and family? Or girlfriend?” She giggles.
I wonder then if she’s asking me if I have a girlfriend because she’s interested, or if that’s just her way of trying to make a sale. Or maybe both.
“I’m not really one for sending postcards,” I say, shaking my head.
She looks disappointed, and for some reason, I feel bad that she looks so downcast. Like my postcard will save their store from closing. Which I already know it won’t. Maybe I should buy a card to make them feel positively about me, but I don’t want to be too disingenuous.
“Umm, I guess I was looking for The Picture of Dorian Gray, for obvious reasons,” I say, shrugging as I look around the store, pretending I don’t know exactly what shelf it’s on.
Her eyes light up. “Oh, we definitely have that book.” She grins at me. “Anything else?”
I shake my head. “Maybe later. I don’t read that quickly.”
“Oh, it’s okay. I think you’ll really like The Picture of Dorian Gray. I read it a couple of years ago, and I—” She pauses. “Actually, I don’t want to ruin your enjoyment of reading the book, so I won’t say anything else.”
“Okay, then.” I nod. “Well, thank you. How much will that be?”
“That will be $16.99, please.” She grins as she heads to the bookshelf. I watch as she grabs the book and heads back to the register. “Plus tax, of course. Are you sure you don’t want a gingerbread man or—”
“I’m good,” I say. I’m about to take out my credit card but pause as I remember it’s got my real name on it. “Do you take cash?”
“We do, but I don’t know that I have much cash for change. So it depends on the denominations that you have. Aria, do we have more change?”
“Let me check.” The blonde wrinkles her nose like she thinks there is a possibility while I know that she knows that there is no other money in the store other than in the register. “No, Ava, we have none.”
“I’m sorry. Normally, everyone pays with credit cards, so I haven’t actually been to the bank in a while,” Ava says finally and offers me a sweet little smile. She is far too nice. And too beautiful. And too curvy.
“Let me go and see something.” Aria walks away, and I hear her humming as she fiddles with a stack of books.
“It’s okay,” I say, pulling out a fifty and handing it to Ava. “Keep the change. Hopefully it helps.”
“No, I can’t keep all that change. It’s far too much,” she says, shaking her head. “Far, far too much.”
“Maybe it’s my way of paying it forward. People have been good to me this week, so I’m being good to you. Maybe you can pay it forward to someone else.”
She beams at me. “I love that. And I will—free pumpkin spice lattes for everyone that comes in today!”
I raise an eyebrow. “For everyone?” I say softly. “I don’t think that the remainder of my change would cover—”
“It doesn’t matter. It’s the thought that counts, right?” She beams. “You gifted me with a large amount of money, and I’m going to gift everyone with a pumpkin spiced latte—because it’s fall, and it’s wonderful.”
I keep my mouth closed because if she’s trying to save her business, this is the worst way to do it. But I’m not really here to help her save her business. I’m here to ensure that she sells it to me. And at this rate, I don’t have to do much work. She’s the worst businesswoman I’ve ever come in contact with.
“Well, you have a nice day, Miss Ava. Thank you for the coffee.”
“You, too, Theo.” She grins. “Hope to see you again.”
“Yes, me too,” I say. I look over at Aria, who’s grinning, and I give her a small nod.
“Bye, maybe next time you’ll meet our other best friend, Arabella,” she says, waving and playing with the orange chunk of her hair. She’s pretty, as well, but seems even more out there than Ava does. Just in a different way. The two women are very different from the women I meet in New York.
I step outside the store and look down at the book in my hand. I have no interest in reading it. All I read are contracts about my mergers and acquisitions, though I will have to take the book to my hotel room instead of throwing it directly in the trash. The last thing I would want is for Ava or Aria to see that I didn’t really want the book.
I walk casually down the street and pause as I hear a familiar sound. A sound that reminds me of childhood summers with my grandparents. That’s when I notice that I’m almost at the beach. From my vantage point at the intersection of two streets, I can see the ocean waves crashing into the rocks and a lighthouse in the distance. I remember the map of the city from my research. Main Street is right next to the beach. Perfect location.
I’m not dressed for sand and water, but I feel myself heading toward the sound of the waves anyway. I loved the water when I was younger. The water was the one place where I felt at peace from the shouting that occurred between my parents every other hour when I was at home.
Calmness fills me as my eyes gaze upon the turquoise blue water. It’s beautiful here. The sand is a light, grainy white. I slip off my expensive shoes, take off my socks, roll up my pants legs, and head towards the water.
I stare at the sky and take a deep breath, letting the salty air fill my lungs. I look down at the book in my hand.
The Picture of Dorian Gray.
Maybe I’ll read it in my spare time.
I look at the cover for a few moments and then back at the water before turning back around and looking down Main Street. It would be a pity for the town to change. It’s almost perfect as it is. I can see why people love it. My hotel will change the vibe of the town, but progress means change.
I have a plan and a vision, and I don’t want to back down. I have to see this project through. I know I’m stubborn, but once I have my mind on something, I will not stop until I get what I want.
And what I want is for my next hotel to be on Main Street. I can see it now. Even though Ava’s bookstore, Beachy Balls, Biscuits, & Books, is cute, it’s not a moneymaker, so in reality, I’m actually doing her a favor, as well. Better to end her dream now while she still has some money than for her world to come crashing around her due to her own lack of business savviness.
Chapter Three
Ava
“Arabella, I am telling you, that man only had eyes for Ava,” Aria says, laughing as she sips her apple cider. She is giddy, and all I can do is glare at her as she talks about the handsome businessman. “He was all over her.”
“No, he wasn’t,” I say, shaking my head as I sip my vodka cranberry. “He was gorgeous, though,” I admit, looking at my friends. “His name was Theo—well, to be precise, it was Oscar Theodore Wilder.” I grin. “What a romantic name.” I am not going to pretend that I didn’t think he was hot. The man looked like he walked right out of a romance book, and I was very interested in seeing him without his shirt on. I blush at the thought, but it’s the truth. Theo was the sort of man who could give you one wink and your panties would fall off. Not that he’d winked at me, thank God. The last thing I needed was for my panties to fall off in front of him.
Before a first date.
“Yeah, but he didn’t look like a romantic sort of man,” Aria says, still laughing. “He looked like the sort of alpha male that takes what he wants when he wants and tells you to like it.”
“Nothing wrong with that.” I lick my lips, and my friends start laughing. “Ugh, why am I so attracted to toxic men? Not that I know he’s toxic or anything. But he definitely seemed more serious than the regular tourists.”
“Girl, I wanted to ask him what he was doing in Coconut Beach, wearing what looked to be a very expensive suit? Was he going to swim in that?
“Hey, maybe he’s in the middle of a mental breakdown or some sort of early midlife crisis. Or maybe he’s just one of those men who doesn’t know how to dress and needs a woman to provide her input.” Aria waggles her eyebrows at me, and I feel a warm blush rising on my face.
“Well…” I pause. “I don’t know if he needs a woman. He was so hot. I bet he’s close to marriage already. Though I’d be very happy to dress and undress him.”
“Yeah, I doubt it. I didn’t see a ring,” Aria says, her eyes laughing at me. “And I checked for you.”
“Why did you check for me? It’s not like he’s even been in the store again. I don’t even know where he’s staying. And he’s a tourist, so it doesn’t matter if he was into me. He’ll be gone within the week. And I don’t do one-week romances.”
“But maybe he’ll stay for love,” Arabella says, her voice excited. “Maybe you’re his true love and—”
I roll my eyes as I interrupt her. “Really?”
“I’m just saying.” She grins. “Didn’t we say we all wanted to find love?”
“Yeah, but I think we want to find love with men who live in or around Coconut Beach,” I say. I sit back and survey the crowd of people in the bar, looking to see if there are any men I’d like to make my forever. “Oh my gosh, am I really going to do this, guys?” I change the subject as I look at the same familiar faces. None of these men make my heart flutter like Theo.
“Yes, because how is anyone going to know about the dating services we’re launching if you don’t tell them?” Aria says, frowning. “Plus, we know almost everyone here, so you shouldn’t feel nervous.”
“Yeah,” I say. “Did you see Eloise?” I whisper, trying not to gag. I’d noticed Eloise and her bleached-blonde hair and short white tank top almost immediately. I totally wasn’t jealous of her tanned abs that were on display. Nor the fact that several men were ogling her like she was some Baywatch beauty. I was proud of myself for ignoring the fake smile she’d sent my way when I’d walked in looking like her ugly stepsister come to town, wearing my faded blue jeans and sporting frizzy dark hair.
Arabella nods. “I saw her, and I avoided eye contact because—excuse me—I’m not going to pretend that we’re friends just because we went to school together.”
“Exactly. And I don’t really want to hear about—” I pause as Larry, the bar’s owner, comes up to us. He’s jovial, with ginger hair and a wide smile, and I have a feeling he has a crush on Arabella. Though she’s not interested in him, as he’s old enough to be her father and spends the majority of his time talking about fishing or his bar. Neither of which she has a real interest in.
“Hey, Ava. I just wanted to let you know that if you want to make the announcement, you should do it within the next five minutes because we’re going to start trivia night in a little bit. Okay?” He’s talking to me, but he’s smiling at Arabella.
“Thanks, Larry,” I say, nodding. “Let me just finish this drink and get up the courage to speak to a large crowd of drunks.”
“Oh, Ava, the night is young. No one is drunk yet,” he says, laughing. “Come on, get it over with.”
“Okay.” I take another sip and look over at my friends, who both give me big thumbs-up. Like that’s going to help.
I’m not sure why I have a fear of public speaking, but my stomach always races with nerves before I have to speak to a large group of people. I take a deep breath and walk over to the microphone, where Larry will be asking the questions for trivia night in just a few moments.
The bar is packed with locals and some tourists. Larry’s bar is a dive bar at the edge of town, and most tourists don’t come here because it’s just not fun and festive like all the places on Main Street and near the beach. But that’s why we locals love it. The shark heads on the wall and the old anchors feel like home. And five-dollar beers don’t hurt either.
Larry walks up to the microphone and taps it a few times, which elicits a few groans in the crowd. “Hey, guys, we’re going to start trivia in a couple of minutes, so get thinking about your team names. I’ve got Ava here from the local bookstore, who has an announcement. Come on down, Ava. You’re the next contestant on...” His voice trails off as the crowd cheers.
I head over to the microphone, half dancing as I make my way. I plaster a confident smile on my face because you have to fake it to make it, as Granny always says, and then I look out at the crowd. Some people at the front are looking at me, but most are still talking. I clear my throat, but that doesn’t really get anyone’s attention.
“Hey, hey, hey,” I say into the microphone. A couple more people look at me, but still not everyone. “I’m going to strip naked!” I shout, and then the bar goes quiet. I see every eye fly to the front, and I blush uncomfortably. “Just joking, but I got your attention.” I giggle nervously.
“Take off your clothes,” a drunk guy to the side shouts out, and his friends start laughing and egging him on. From the looks of his outfit, I can tell he’s a tourist, so I just ignore him.
I look over and see Aria laughing. “Hi, everyone.” I raise my hand and wave. “I’m Ava. If you don’t know me, I own Beachy Ball, Biscuits, & Books, a local bookstore on Main Street. I have the best coffee, pumpkin spice lattes, apple cider, muffins, cupcakes, gingerbread men—and lots more. And, of course, books. Lots and lots of books. Anyway, I just wanted to say that fall is my favorite season, and if you go past my store, you’ve probably figured that out.” People stare at me with polite expressions, but I’m not seeing any real excitement. My stomach churns uncomfortably.
“But for most of us locals, we know that the fall festival is coming up, and Thanksgiving and Christmas, and then...” I take a deep breath. “Anyway, if you are like me and you’re single, you may have relatives who think you should be in a relationship with someone and attend these events with a significant other.”
I hear some groans and laughs, and I suddenly feel comforted. People can always come together over meddling relatives. They exist in every culture in the world.
“Well, I’m here to tell you that we’re going to be offering a matchmaking service at the bookstore to hopefully help all the singles in town who want to meet someone. In fact, not only are we going to have a matchmaking service, but we’re also going to have a secret crush mailbox. Because everyone, at some point, has had someone they’re secretly into, and we want to help you get the word out there.”
“Take your clothes off and I’ll tell you—” the drunk tourist shouts out, but is stopped by Larry, who whispers something into his ear and shuts him up. I’m very grateful for trout-fishing, IPA-loving Larry at that moment.
“So, if you want to write an anonymous love letter, feel free to pop into the store and put it in our secret crush mailbox, which will be on the countertop. We’re going to have our first event coming up in a week, and it’s going to be a really cozy, fun, pumpkin-carving mixer. If you’re interested, please come and find me at the table over there.” I point to Aria and Arabella. “We’ve got some interest forms that we would love for you to fill out so we know about how many people to expect. If no one has any questions—”
