a mental shake. I’ve never felt possessive over anyone before, not even Cooper.
Over the years, he’s had plenty of girls he’s brought home. Hell, I once watched him basically dry-hump a chick at a bar.
But that was before he kissed me and everything changed.
“He’s not my man,” I argue. “We’re just friends.”
Another glance exchanged.
River lifts a brow, hiding a grin behind her to-go coffee cup. “Whatever you say, babe. Whatever you say. Now, let’s get back to the event next month.”
We finish up the business talk and head to our respective duties in the shop, Maya to the inventory in the storeroom and River to the back office. I make sure the storefront is in tiptop shape, flip the open sign on, and take my spot behind the register.
When there’s a slow stretch in the afternoon, I check my phone.
Cooper: Momma B called. She’s putting together a care package this weekend. You want anything special?
Me: Oh! Tell her I want some of those double chocolate brownies she makes. It’s been way too long since I’ve had some and I’m craving chocolate.
Cooper: What’d I tell you about talking about your period with me? That’s a hard line in our friendship.
Me: OMG. I bleed from my vagina. Get over it.
Me: Also, I’m not even on my period, so you’re the one who brought it up, not me.
Cooper: Whatever.
Cooper: Anything else you want?
Cooper: Also, why didn’t she just text you? Why do I always have to be the middleman?
Me: Why do you say that like you’re some drug dealer?
Cooper: Because her baked goods are like drugs. Proof: Neither of us are even sugar fiends and we love them.
Me: I swear she puts cocaine in her brownies…
Cooper: That’s powdered sugar. We’ve been over this.
Cooper: Don’t roll your eyes at me, Caroline.
Me: Don’t boss me around, Cooper.
Cooper: You love it when I boss you around.
Me: I also love it when you stop talking.
Cooper: Sorry. Can’t hear you.
Me: We’re texting. You don’t need to hear me.
Cooper: Damn this bad connection.
What a nerd.
I roll my eyes at him. He always uses the “bad connection” excuse to get off the phone.
“What has you smiling? Oh, is it one of those alien comics where they talk all proper and it’s so awkward it’s hilarious?”
“Huh?” I glance up from my phone. “No. It was Cooper.”
River smiles knowingly, and I have the urge to roll my eyes at her too, because she’s reading way too much into it when I’m sitting here thinking how nice it is to text like things are normal between us.
“Anyway,” she says, resting her arms against the counter. “I wanted to talk to you about something…”
I hold back my sigh because I have a feeling I know what’s coming next.
I steeple my hands together, resting my chin on them. “Shoot.”
“So, you know how we have the Harristown Jubilee in a month…”
She pauses, probably waiting for me to interrupt her.
I don’t.
“I was thinking…it’s a huge community thing, and people love supporting each other here. They want to buy local and buy handmade. So…”
“River,” I say when she pauses again. “We both know where this is going. Just get to the point already.”
“Right.” She flashes a quick smile. “Well, since we both know, I want you to put your pieces up. Like, I want you to showcase them at the festival. Front and center. I want it to be what everyone sees first when they come to our truck.”
I push my shoulders back, sitting up straight, surprised.
I knew she was going to ask me to put a few pieces in the lineup, but this? This is big.
We’re both well aware that this event is the event of the year. It’s what paid for the rest of the mobile truck we saved all year for. It’s what pays for our Christmas bonuses.
Asking me to put my stuff out there is big. Asking me to put it front and center…wow.
If I fail, we fail, and that’s an important thing to shoulder.
I’m sure you’re talented, Caroline, but your silly hobby isn’t going to pay your bills. You need a real career.
My dad’s words float through my mind like they always do when I get excited about designing.
I like to think I’m a decent designer, but front-window-worthy? There’s no way.
Sensing my hesitation, River reaches across the counter, covering my hands with hers.
“Look, I know it’s a big ask, but you’re a fantastic designer, Caroline. Don’t think I don’t pay attention to what you stroll in here wearing.” She nods toward the top