A Guide to Being Just Friends, page 12
“Interesting. Noah has been trying to get ahold of him for a while.”
“Your brother looking for more real estate?” Aidan asked.
“Always. Right now he’s shopping for my other brother but he’s never really not looking at commercial properties.”
“You have your hands in many pies,” Ana said.
Wes smiled. It was his polite one, not the one that made his blue eyes dance with laughter. “We like to be busy.”
Their dinners arrived shortly after and they were able to shift the conversation to casual topics. Aidan and Hailey got wrapped up in some Hollywood gossip. She couldn’t help it. She’d left that life behind but she still loved knowing who was dating who, not that Aidan could say much since his business was protecting his clients.
When the meal came to an end, Ana lifted her wineglass. “A toast. To friendship, to business, and to long, profitable relationships.”
It seemed like an odd toast to Hailey but she was on her third glass of wine so she clinked happily, warmth spreading through her belly.
As they waited for the valet to bring Wes’s car, she leaned her head against his shoulder.
“Have fun?” His voice was low.
She closed her eyes, soaking in his solid presence, the breeze that danced over her skin.
“So much fun,” she whispered.
“I think Aidan likes you,” Wes said.
Hailey tipped her head back. In her heels, she was close enough to see his gaze darken. “Funny. I think Ana likes you. Maybe we can double date them.” A giggle escaped at the idea of them showing up at the same restaurant but with opposite dates.
“You’re drunk.”
“Tipsy. There’s a difference.”
“Still want a movie and dessert?”
She straightened, looked around like he was hiding it. “Do you have the dessert?”
His chuckle was low and familiar. It warmed her stomach like the wine. “Right here.” He lifted the brown paper take-out bag.
“Phew.”
“You make me laugh.”
She smiled at him under the darkening night, the stars dancing over them. “That’s what friends are for.”
15
Wes was so relieved to have the contract signed, he’d texted his brothers while waiting for the valet to fetch his car. Hailey had leaned against him the entire time, making it hard not to notice the scent of her perfume, her contented sighs, and the way she smiled with her eyes closed.
She was still doing it as Wes set a glass of water in front of her where she lay, cheeks flush, on his couch. He didn’t like the way Ana and Aidan had pushed the final meeting more than once. You have it now. That’s all that matters. The contract. Not the way Aidan looked at and flirted with Hailey. He did his best to push that from his brain, unsure why it bothered him when he was so happy with their friend status.
“You okay, there?”
She opened her eyes, smiled up at him. “You’re upside down.”
Or he was standing at the end of the couch. “I promise I’m not.”
“Don’t worry, you look good either way. Right-side down or upside … wait.”
Wes laughed, moved down to her feet, picking them up so he could sit. He’d never felt quite this much ease with someone. Even with girlfriends, he’d never been a naturally affectionate man. But Hailey didn’t have the same boundaries he did. It had taken him a few hangouts to get used to the way she hugged or gave casual touches so easily.
It was the way Hailey worked. She burrowed. Dug a hole into someone’s heart and stayed there. There were moments he felt the absolute opposite of ease—more like a spark snapping tension. But then one of her twenty-two alarms—alarms she’d set in an effort to be more organized after teasing him about his multiple scheduling apps—would ring, reminding her of the thing she’d definitely forgotten even though she swore she wouldn’t, and he’d remember how different they were. How nice it was to have this to count on. He could tell her things he didn’t tell his brothers and he sure as hell wouldn’t tell a woman he was dating.
“I’m glad you came tonight. This is a big contract for our company. I didn’t want to let Chris and Noah down.” He kept one hand on her ankle absentmindedly.
Hailey sat up, reached for the chocolate cake instead of the water or the Tylenol he’d set beside it.
“As if you could.” She pulled herself into a seated position next to him, close enough their thighs touched.
“The only thing about dining with fancy people is you never want to eat more than they do. Though, I was impressed that Ana ate. I can’t tell you how many dinner parties I’ve been to where I was the only woman taking advantage of the delicious food.”
He’d been to his share of those parties, too. Hated them. “It’s a waste. Do you ever miss catering on set?”
She pulled the fork out of her mouth slowly, her eyes closed. She hummed with pleasure. Snap. Like a lightning-quick shock to his system that reminded him she was a desirable woman. One who was talking to him because he’d asked a question and zoned out for the answer.
“I’m happy where I am. It doesn’t have the same job security but it’s working out great. Speaking of. I think I’m ready to talk to your friend, Leo. You mentioned he was looking for work a while ago but I’ve only just gotten to a point I think I can take him on. Especially with my new plan.”
Wes sat up. He was too full from dinner to eat his cake. “That’s great. What’s the new plan?”
She’d changed into a pair of loose sweatpants and a baggy sweater when they returned to his place. He’d suggested she bring them when he picked her up. That had been another one of those spark moments. She looked exquisite in that dress, but he liked it better when she wore what she did now. It put him at ease. Made it easier to think.
“I’ve been turning down some catering jobs because I’m always at the shop but with the Christmas season coming, it would be a great way to get some extra cash. I’m in a catch twenty-two. I can’t say yes to more work without help and I can’t hire help without securing more work. I’m going to interview Leo and say yes to some bigger jobs.”
His heart muscles tightened, squeezing him like one of Hailey’s all-in hugs. She was doing it. One salad at a time, she was building her business into what she’d imagined. “That’s fantastic. I can update your website so the delivery option is live. Have you considered a preorder app? Most restaurants have that now, especially with outside delivery services. It’s not a bad idea to hook up with one of those either. It would save you—”
Hailey held up a hand, set her half-finished cake down, the fork beside it. She took the pills with a long swallow of water. “Slow down. Geez. Were you just waiting to get all that out of your brain?”
He laughed, ran a hand through his hair. “Not really but they’re all excellent ideas. Business is about seizing opportunities and acting at the right moment.”
Her brows furrowed. “It’s also about not overextending myself so I don’t go under.”
“There are loans you can get. Actually, there are probably grants you’re eligible for, especially if you’re hiring local youth.” Hell, he could float her a loan.
She huffed out a breath. “I don’t want a loan.”
Excitement welled. She could push this to the next level easily. With a little help. “My brothers and I invest in businesses—”
“Wes. Stop.” Hailey shook her head and he realized her tone was clipped.
Sitting up straighter, he pressed his lips together tightly.
“I appreciate that you’re happy for me. I know you and your brothers could buy my store a million times over.”
“A million might be overstating it,” he said, dryly.
“I’m doing this.”
Her quiet smile and determination made his heart clench. His grandfather would have loved her. “I love that you and your brothers use your wealth for good. That you want to lift small businesses up. But I want to do this on my own or not at all. Plus, it’s not a good idea in this case.”
“Why?”
“Friendship and business don’t go hand in hand. You must know that. I’ll take the catering jobs. I might actually need two employees. I figure it’ll give me more flexibility with my own schedule if I hire two part-timers.”
“There’s no harm in taking a small loan to cover you. Especially when what you’re using it for will yield results and income.” Sure, business and friendship didn’t mix but Squishy Cat was created for this very thing. It was the essence of Chris’s plaque.
It startled him when she stood abruptly. She grabbed the plates. “I don’t need saving.”
Wes sucked in a breath, watching as she walked to the kitchen, set her plate in the sink. She was comfortable in his space. And he was comfortable with her in it. Another first. Maybe she was right. Some lines shouldn’t be crossed.
“I know that, Hailey.”
She sank back onto the couch and Wes shifted, unsure how to smooth things over. He’d meant to help. He felt intrinsically tied to her success or failure the way he would with … someone he cared a great deal about. Like Grace or Everly. She’s your friend.
His friend still looked irritated.
“Piper asked if you wanted to come for Thanksgiving dinner. They’re doing it early so they can go to Nick’s parents’. I said I’d ask.”
“That sounds nice. Does that mean you’re free on the actual day?”
She nodded. “Yup.” Still short.
“Good. You can join us at Noah’s.”
Hailey twisted her lips into a smirk. “Presumptuous.”
He laughed, picked up the remote. “I know Grace already invited you.”
She flopped back on the couch. “Argh. You know too many of my secrets.”
Wes didn’t comment. He scrolled through Netflix, not really registering anything. The tension between them was making his skin itch. He started to say what was on his mind, stopped.
“Are you mad?”
She turned her head, gave him half a smile. “No. I just don’t want you to think you can fix everything because you’re rich.”
“Ouch.”
“You’re my friend. You’re supposed to believe in me.”
He sat up, irritation of his own rising. “I do believe in you. Do you think I would put my money into something I thought would fail?”
“Your money has nothing to do with me. I don’t want it. I want your words of encouragement and support. I care about your opinion. I don’t care about your money.”
He didn’t know what to say about that. Wealth was part of who he was and yeah, it smoothed a lot of damn roads. Was it wrong that he wanted to make things easier for her?
“You don’t want your dad’s name or money, right?”
Clasping his fingers together, he said through gritted teeth, “Right. Speaking of knowing too many secrets.”
“There’s a hell of a lot to be said for doing it on our own.”
She had him there. He sighed. “I get it. I’m sorry.”
“You don’t need to be. I don’t need anything other than friendship from you, Wes. I’m not a project or an investment.”
He cursed low under his breath. “I never meant to make you feel like you were.”
Show her. He pulled open one of the four drawers in his coffee table, his heart rate picking up. Little beads of sweat formed near his temples. Damn. Get a grip. Wes passed her the black sketchbook, held it a moment when she put her hand on it.
“What is this?”
“I believe in you. Your friendship matters to me. I don’t want to screw that up.”
“You didn’t. You just think you know everything,” she said with a teasing wink.
Wes laughed, released the sketchbook, ignoring the uncomfortable tightness in his chest.
Hailey opened the book, gasped. “Holy shit. I knew you doodled but Wes, this is gorgeous.”
The first page of the book was an old drawing of a character he’d created and re-created a dozen times since his teens. He said nothing as she flipped the pages, making appreciative comments, running her fingers over the drawings like they were delicate, something special. He hadn’t shared his art with anyone in more years than he could count.
“Wes, these are breathtaking. You can feel the characters’ personalities coming off the page. And these worlds! They’re so detailed.”
Her words filled him with something he couldn’t name. Pressure built in his chest. “Thank you.”
She looked up from the pages, held his gaze. The oddest thing happened: the pressure in his body released and he was left with only happiness. She meant what she said; he could see it in her eyes.
“Thank you for sharing this with me.”
He twisted his lips, didn’t let himself hesitate too long. She’d given him a gift with her words. “It’s a video game idea. It really is just sketches but the story, it’s a game I sometimes design in my head.”
Hailey’s hand flattened on the page before what he’d actually intended to show her. “What’s stopping you from designing it outside your head? Or at least on a virtual design program?”
He shook off the longing her words brought, unable to separate the reality that he was a grown man from the fact that his father’s opinion still hovered over him like a damn rain cloud.
“My brothers and I are trying to build something together. This is just a hobby. A way to settle my brain, really. Getting into the gaming industry would require a lot of time and I’ve committed it elsewhere.”
She was quiet so long, he wondered if she was going to say anything. “I’m sad you think that. You’re very talented. You have the know-how. It seems like a waste to keep your gift in a drawer in your coffee table. And, as your friend, I don’t mind saying, you’re selling your siblings short by not sharing this with them.”
Wes’s mouth dropped open. “Guess this friendship thing comes with no-holds-barred honesty.”
She grinned. “That’s the way it should be. But honesty, not cruelty. There’s a difference between being able to say what’s on your mind and thinking you can say whatever you want.”
He didn’t get a chance to respond before she turned the page. And squealed. She actually bounced in her seat, her laughter filling the room.
“You made our guide! That’s me! That’s you!” She pointed at the character sketches he’d done of them, as if he didn’t know who they were. Her delight fueled his own.
“This is adorable. I can’t believe you did this.”
He watched as she looked over the little sketches he’d made of their “just friends” guide. He’d done it in the form of an infographic with Hailey explaining how things worked—stacks of chocolate bars sat under a sign that said MUST HAVE, they both wore shirts that said TRUST ME, YOU MUST, and there was even a sketch of brown sugar with a tag on it that said SECRET INGREDIENT. Over the last several weeks, he’d added more doodles and sketches. It would be a fun thing to transfer to his computer, add pops of color. But for now, watching her happiness as she explored it, he didn’t need more.
“This might be the coolest thing I’ve ever seen,” she said, her voice reverent.
“Your friendship matters to me, Hailey. I might cross the line sometimes with my need to fix things but I have the best of intentions.” Had he ever been that honest with anyone?
Going up on her knees, she held the book in one hand and wrapped her other arm around his neck, squeezing him tight. “You are the best friend a girl could have.”
He hugged her back, unsure why her kind words sat uneasily in his stomach.
16
The San Verde Shop Association was an eclectic mix of people. The majority of them were in their late sixties or beyond. Other than Tara, the only person her age was Becky, who ran the bookstore. I need to ask her about some books for teens. Some of them seemed merely cordial, like Esther, who ran the Old Time Five & Dime, while others were gregarious, like Ricardo, who ran Yesterday’s Treasures, a little vintage shop. Hailey needed to give each of the shops a closer look. If she hired Leo and maybe one other, she could spend a couple hours being a tourist in her own town.
“How are you?” Tara asked Hailey, coming up beside her and passing her a bottle of water.
“Thanks. I’m good. How’s it going, Becky?”
The petite brunette shrugged. “I’m nervous. I don’t like surprises. Oh, Tara, our books arrived.”
“Excellent. We’re starting a book club,” Tara told Hailey.
“My cousin has one too, only they drink wine instead of reading books.”
Becky laughed, her nerves seeming to fade. “That happens a lot but this one will be at my store. You’re welcome to join.”
“I’d love that. I’d also love to chat with you about some recommendations for a teen book club I’m hoping to start at the community center.”
More people entered the room from the stairwell. The loft area over Baked was open, with a modern, industrial feel that Hailey wasn’t sure was intentional. Brick walls and exposed beams could have been aesthetics or just an unfinished space.
Hailey glanced around, loving the feel of the space. “Some of these upper spaces are apartments, right?” Like Wes’s, though his was farther down the square. Probably out of her price range, especially with her plans to hire, but a girl could dream.
“Yes. The ones on this side are stupidly expensive but they’re gorgeous, like penthouses.” Becky looked around too. “I’d love to live closer to work but I don’t want to live in an apartment.”
“I basically live at my store,” Hailey joked.
“I heard you’re doing interviews. That’s great. Business is picking up?” Tara asked.
“Yes. I’m hoping it’ll work out. I’m taking on some outside catering jobs so I need the help.”
Esther, who’d so far only nodded in greeting when they arrived, joined them. “My grandson is looking for volunteer hours in the food industry. It’s for workplace credits for school.”
Hailey’s gaze widened. “Seriously? Like, he works for free?” Free was right in her price range.
