To Fall Or Not To Fall, page 6
“Well, we’re about to change that,” I say, laughing. “We’re matchmakers extraordinaire.”
Arabella smirks. “Are we really, though? If we’re all single, haven’t had a date in months, and, well, I can’t even remember the last time I had sex… who are we to set people up?”
We stare at each other. Then we all burst into laughter.
“I cannot believe I started a matchmaking service.” I giggle. “I’m the last person who should be setting people up.”
“Well, no one’s questioned us,” Arabella says. “So we’re just going with it.”
“Yes, we are,” Aria agrees. “And look around; it’s working. People are mingling, laughing, and talking. This is good, Ava. Really good.”
“Maybe it is,” I whisper, my heart swelling with hope.
“The Triple A’s can do anything,” Arabella reminds us, grinning.
“The Triple A’s can do anything,” we echo in chorus. We've been muttering this phrase since first grade, and I’m sure we’ll be doing it until the day we die.
The bell above the door chimes again, and I automatically start my welcome speech.
“Welcome to Beachy Balls, Biscuits, & Books,” I say, and my heart stops as I see who’s standing there.
His face is slightly brooding as he looks around the store. He’s wearing a dark gray cardigan and brown corduroy pants, which takes me aback because he looks like he’s in a 1960s sitcom as opposed to the businessman he really is.
“Hi, Theo,” I say, waving at him.
He frowns slightly as he steps toward me. “It’s really busy,” he says, looking surprised.
“Yeah. Cool, right?”
“Yeah, I guess.” He nods, and then he must realize that he’s coming off a bit pessimistic because he suddenly smiles. “I’m happy for you. What a great turnout.”
“Thanks. I think so. Can I get you something to drink?”
“What do you have? Actually, don’t tell me. Pumpkin spice everything.”
“I have other things. I’ve made a really good mulled wine you may like.”
“I’ll try that, then,” he says, as he types something into his phone.
“Hello, ladies,” he says to Arabella and Aria, who are both standing there, grinning at him like fools.
“Hey, Aria, come and help me grab more pumpkins to carve.” Arabella grabs her by the arm suddenly.
“Huh?” Aria says, and I see Arabella looking at Theo with a knowing smile. I want to groan out loud at how obvious she is being.
“Oh, yeah, yeah. Let me come and help you. See you in a second, Ava.”
“Okay. Don’t be too long.” I stare at Theo, and he gives me a wry smile. “I like your sweater. Very festive.” He nods toward my top, and I smile.
“Yours, too.”
“I am the fall queen. I’m surprised you’re not in a suit.”
“I thought that maybe the suit wasn’t really appropriate for a small town like this. I come from New York City.” He shrugs. “We dress differently there. But I am here to relax, and so relax, I shall.”
“Cool,” I say. “How are you enjoying The Picture of Dorian Gray?”
“The what? Sorry?” He looks confused.
“The book you got.” I wonder if he’s teasing me.
“Oh, yes, yes, yes. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.” He runs his fingers through his silky hair and looks away for a second. “It’s very interesting. He is a very talented painter.”
“What?” I say. Is he joking?
“What?” he says back.
“Who’s a talented painter?”
“Oh, I’m just making a joke,” he says quickly. “So, as you’re a bookstore owner, I have a question for you.”
“Hmm, sure.”
“What’s your favorite book? I mean, you must have so many, working in a bookstore.”
“Actually, my very favorite book is Little Women. It’s really sentimental to me. My grandfather used to read it to me as a kid, and I just fell in love with the sisters and the family. And obviously, my heart broke when Amy died.”
“Hey, spoiler alert.”
“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry. Have you not—?”
“It’s okay,” he says. “I’m not much of a reader, if you haven’t gathered.” He shrugs. “So, Little Women, huh?”
“Yeah, Little Women. I’m guessing that you’ve never read it or seen it.” I try not to be judgmental. “Sorry, I get passionate about this book. I think it should be required reading and viewing.”
“No. I mean, I don’t know what gave me away.” He leans forward and chuckles. “But your grandfather read it to you, huh?”
“Yeah. He and my grandma were the best grandparents, and I owe them everything. In fact, I wouldn’t even have the store if it weren’t for them. My grandma co-signed on the loan, and my granddad gave me the deposit, actually. So that’s why I really want to ensure that I can make this work.”
My lower lip wobbles, and I can feel myself getting teary. Why am I bringing it up to him?
“Oh, wow.” Theo looks unexpectedly unhappy for a few moments. “Hey, it’s okay. I mean, it’s going to work. Look how many people are here. You’re going to save your store.” He clears his throat. “And if not, maybe it won’t be such a bad thing.”
“Of course, I will.” I frown. “I’m not going to sell it to any assholes who live in the big city and want to—” I pause. “Oops. I guess that’s like you.”
“What do you mean it’s like me?” he says, frowning slightly. “I am not—”
“No, I just mean someone who probably lives in New York or Chicago or some big city like that. I don’t even know where the corporation is located, to be honest, because after the first couple of letters, I just ripped them up, because I’m not interested.”
“Good for you,” he says, raising an eyebrow. “Good for you. I mean, if you did happen to sell it, I’m sure you could find another job. Something else you’re passionate about or somewhere else to work. But whatever you think is best for you.”
“Yeah, I guess. But this is my dream. This is my love.”
“I suppose it’s really nice to have dreams,” he says. “Sometimes I dream a little myself.”
“Oh, yeah? What are your dreams?”
“Just business stuff. Making more money, closing deals that no one ever thought was possible. It makes me buzz. It’s an adrenaline rush.” His eyes sparkle, and I see real life in his face. He’s animated as he talks about business.
“So, what is it that you do exactly?” I ask him.
“Oh, ooh—” He frowns slightly. “Well, right now, I’m a professor.”
“A professor? Where?” I tilt my head to the side. “What business deals are you making as a professor?”
“I work at NYU. I used to, umm, work at Morgan Stanley.” He licks his lips. “But let’s not talk about me. I’m on a break right now, and that’s the last thing I want to talk about.”
“Okay.”
“So, Ava, are you looking for someone at this event?”
I’m surprised by this change of subject, and I can feel myself lightly blushing. I don’t know if he’s asking because he’s interested in me or what, but my heart is racing, and I am kind of hoping that he wants to know because he secretly wants me.
“I mean, I am the host of the event, so I wouldn’t say I’m actively looking. But I mean, if I find someone… My grandma wants me to find someone for the fall festival because her best friend’s granddaughter, who is my arch nemesis, is engaged and is taking someone to the festival. He’s supposedly really successful, and I have no one. And even though my grandma is best friends with Maribel, they still have this competitive streak, where each one wants to be better than the other, and well—” I pause. “I’m sorry. I’m talking way too much. I don’t mean to bore you.”
“Not at all. So, is this what it’s all about, then? You want to meet someone so that your grandma doesn’t lose a competition with her best friend?”
“No. Well, partly. I mean, I want someone… but I also want to be in a relationship. And I hope that these events will help me make money so that my bookstore doesn’t fold.” I let out a deep sigh. “It’s just a stressful time right now. I mean, I love my life, and I’m really grateful for everything, but it could be just a little easier. I don’t want to be so stressed out.”
“Yeah, life isn’t fun when you’re stressed,” he says, nodding slowly. “But I feel like everything happens for a reason.”
“Me, too.” I smile at him. “You do sometimes say things that surprise me, Theo Wilder.”
“Oh? Like what?”
“That everything happens for a reason. Do you really believe that?”
“One hundred percent. If you end up having to sell your store, I’m sure it’ll be for a reason.”
“Oh,” I say, throwing my head back and trying not to cry. For some reason, I thought he was going to say that our meeting had happened for a reason. But I watch way too many romance movies and am far too into this handsome man. Obviously, I’m only focused on hoping that he’s interested in me, but he does not seem to be.
“So anyway, I guess I should get this party started.” I smile at him. “We have pumpkins to carve.”
“That you do,” he says, nodding. “Thank you for the mulled wine,” he says sarcastically, nodding at his empty hand.
I burst out laughing. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry. I forgot to get it. Hold on one moment.”
“Sure. I was just joking, by the way.”
“No, I’m so sorry. I got caught up in our conversation and completely forgot.” I hurry to pour some mulled wine into a glass, and hand it to him. “Here you go.”
“How much do I owe you?”
“You totally can have that for free. I made you wait, after all.”
He frowns slightly. “Free?”
“Yeah, it’s good customer service.”
“But aren’t you trying to save your store?” He looks confused.
“Yeah, but customer service is number one.”
“You’re too nice. That’s your problem, isn’t it?” he says softly, his eyes looking into mine like he’s unlocked some secret.
I frown. “Excuse me. What did you say?”
“Nothing,” he says. He lets out a deep sigh and gives me a big smile. “Nothing. It all happens for a reason, I suppose.” He nods to himself and looks at his watch. “I think you should get this party started, don’t you?”
“Yeah,” I say, not really sure what just happened. But there’s a weird, odd tension between us. Is he judging me for giving him a free mulled wine? Really?
I’m slightly annoyed at the look he gave me. Am I a bad businesswoman? Is it dumb to give him a free glass? But I am kind, and I am a good business owner. The customer comes first, and he had to wait because I was too busy talking to him when my first priority should have been giving him the drink.
But maybe I could have given it to him for half price.
The devil inside my head whispers: You’re never going to pay your bills, giving stuff away for free, Ava.
I shush the voice inside my head, but I know that voice is right. I need to figure out how to get my act together because if I don’t, I would be desperately single, broke, and out of a bookstore.
Chapter Six
Theo
I don't know what to think or what to do next. As I walk down the picturesque Main Street, I know I need to figure out a way to convince Ava to sell her business—and it's not just because I want to buy it. I’m not completely capitalistic, even though that’s the main reason why I came to this town. However, now that I’ve gotten to know her, I’ve seen that she doesn't have a head for business, and I can't see her being successful and making a profit anytime soon. The last thing I want is for her to lose all her money and for her grandmother to also become bankrupt with bad credit. She seems like a nice lady, and maybe I’d be doing her a service by buying her out.
The red and orange leaves that frame the street sway in the wind, and I smile as I see two kids throwing a ball back and forth. The youngest one holds it close to his chest and runs as quickly as he can toward a fountain in the middle of the square. His sister chases after him, and when she catches him, they both squeal and start laughing. Now this is what a good childhood looks like.
My phone rings, and I notice that it's my business partner and Chief Operations Officer Chris Whittaker. I don’t want to answer as I know he doesn’t understand why I came to Coconut Beach, but I know I can’t keep ignoring his calls.
"Hey, what's going on, Chris?" I answer the phone. “The office still standing?”
"You tell me. I haven't heard from you in two days. You sign the deal yet?" His tone is clipped, short, and brusque. There’s no small talk or how are you doing here. Such a different vibe to the people in Coconut Beach.
"No. It's proving to be a little more complicated than I initially thought it would be."
"Didn't you say they were practically bankrupt? Offer them fifty grand more and call it a day. I need you back in the city. I just found out that Siemens is going out of business, and I think that we should make an offer."
"Siemens, the kayak company?" I ask, confused and slightly annoyed. I am not ready to leave, and I don’t appreciate the way he’s talking to me.
"Yeah, they’ve been doing shit the last three years, but they still have name recognition in all the big box stores. They're just kind of pricey. If we can get manufacturing costs down, we can make a shit ton of money. Louis says that one in every four Americans has an interest in kayaking and boating. This is a great way to expand the business. I’m talking over 300 million in profit in the first five years."
"Okay, well, I am concentrating on the hotel deal right now."
"I know, but that's not really a big deal in the scheme of things.”
“It’s a great deal, though, if we can get the buildings.”
“Normally, I have you here, and we work on the bigger deals.”
“This is a big deal.”
“That's a million-dollar deal, Theo. This Siemens takeover has the potential to be a billion-dollar deal."
"I get it, but I'm also relaxing.”
“You have other people there, as well. I heard the investigator is there. You really don't need to be there.”
“But I wanted my eyes on the prize." Why does Ava’s face flash in my mind? Is she the prize in my mind? Hell no. I immediately dismiss the thought. I’m here for her business. Getting to know her is a by-product of my trying to find out what makes her tick.
I know what he's saying is true. I don't normally spend time on small deals like this, but something made me come to Coconut Beach and want to see the bookstore in person.
"It's really otherworldly here," I say, finally trying to explain myself.
"What the shit does that mean?" Chris says, sounding annoyed.
"I just mean, it's like I am finally experiencing what small-town Americana is like, and it’s not so bad. I think that—"
"Hey, I’ve got to go. Call me later," he says, and hangs up. I don't blame him. I'm starting to sound airy-fairy, and that is the last thing that I want to be.
I look around, studying the wide streets and colorful storefronts. It’s hard to explain to anyone what I’m feeling. I don’t even know if I understand it myself. I need to decide whether or not to head towards the bookstore or towards the beach. I need to convince Ava to sell. She's sweet. She's funny. But she's clearly sentimental to a fault. I noticed that she gave away books as well as drinks at her pumpkin-carving party. The woman is practically allergic to profit. It is crazy to me. And yet, I still want to be in her presence.
I know I wouldn't let her near one of my businesses if she paid me. I just need to figure out what else makes her tick. She's never left Coconut Beach from what I can tell. So maybe she'd want to travel to England or France or other places where she could feel inspiration. Maybe she could see where her books were set and live in the real world and enjoy real experiences instead of just pages in books.
I'm about to pull out my phone to text Christopher and tell him that I’d been joking, when something runs right into the back of me. Hard.
"Hey," I say, turning around, thinking I’m about to see a little kid, but instead, I look down and recognize Popsicle. She's jumping on my legs, looking like she's the happiest dog ever. I stare down at her, trying not to grimace as I see her wet paws and the mud on my pants. Popsicle’s cheerful brown eyes indicate that she sees nothing wrong with getting my tailored suit pants dirty, and I can’t help but smile.
If Ava's dog is here, she has to be somewhere close behind. I look around and see Ava running towards me, her long, dark, curly hair flowing in the wind. She's laughing like this is one of the most delightful things that's ever happened, and I wonder if she thinks it's funny that her dog has muddied me and is jumping on me like I’m its long-lost best friend.
"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry, Theo! Popsicle, naughty girl!" she says, grabbing her dog. "Sorry. She pulled away, and I accidentally dropped her leash, and I guess she saw you and wanted to say hello." She scoops her dog up and kisses her forehead. Popsicle wiggles against her and doesn’t look like she’s learned any sort of lesson. "How's it going?" she asks with a wide smile. She looks me up and down, her eyes widening as she sees the mud, and I just shake my head and purse my lips.
“Aside from being attacked by that little killer there?” I say sarcastically, and she laughs. Her brown eyes are light and teasing. She looks genuinely happy to see me. She's wearing a bright red wool sweater that clings to all the curves of her body and a pair of blue jeans that leave nothing to the imagination. She has a body on her, and if she knew how much I wanted to peel her clothes off, I'm not sure she would be as friendly toward me.
“Oopsies.”
"I am going to have to get these pants dry-cleaned now," I say through gritted teeth. Why is she not taking this seriously? Why is she just smiling at me, like she’s happy to see me and we’re long-lost friends meeting up after time apart?
She looks down at my legs. "Ah, you can just put them in the washer," she says. "Just use some Tide."
