Page 24 of We Can Forever

“No, no. I?—”

“Flick,” I say, voice hard. “I’ll close.”

“You’re not feeling well either.”

It’s true, and the thought of being here for four more hours makes me want to sob, but what else can I do? At the end of the day, I’m the only person who’s responsible for Knit Happens.

“Your date…”

“I’ll reschedule,” I say.

“No, you won’t. Hang tight, and I’ll call you right back.” She hangs up before I can answer.

Putting my phone down, I sigh. I should probably be going on a date just as much as I should be working all evening, but if Michael and I do something chill, like dinner or a movie, then I’ll be okay. Some warmth and sitting down will serve me well.

The minutes tick by while I do some light straightening up. The thought of wrapping my coat around myself and taking a nap on the floor is tempting, but if I do that, I might not wake up when a customer comes in.

Fifteen long, slow minutes pass, and I’m about to text Flick when the door opens. Maya and Alexis come in with a gust of wind, Alexis carrying a bag of to-go food.

“We’re here to close for you,” Maya announces.

My jaw drops. “What?”

Alexis puts the bag on the counter and takes off her coat. “We were having dinner down the street when Flick called.”

“But… That’s…” I can’t even formulate a full sentence. I barely know these women, and they’ve dropped what they’re doing to come and save my butt.

“We got this. Go home.” Maya pats my shoulder.

“Do we have this?” Alexis’s face scrunches. “I don’t even know the first thing about running a shop.”

“It’s pretty straightforward.” I blink back tears of gratitude. “You just need to know how to run the register. I’ll show you.”

Maya’s phone rings. “Oh. Hold on. It’s Flick.” She answers the FaceTime.

“Is she still there?” Flick asks right away.

“Me?” I look over Maya’s shoulder.

“Go!” Flick shoos me. “Get ready for your big night.”

“I need to show them?—”

“I’ll stay on the phone and show them everything they need to know. You need to rest for a while before you go out.”

Because I don’t want to have an argument, I just nod. “Thank you, guys. So much.”

“Anytime, girl.” Alexis gives me a hug.

After another round of thanks, I grab my things and head outside. It’s chilly, though not more than I can bear since I have my warm car and house waiting for me.

Once home in my little cottage, I skip taking a nap and jump right into getting ready. At this point, it makes more sense to keep going and not give my energy a chance to lag.

One quick shower and a makeup application later, I pull on wool leggings under my plaid skirt and pick out some earrings that go with the gold rim of my glasses. My head still feels heavy, and my whole body aches, but with the way my stomach is dancing, I hardly notice.

Stepping back, I inspect myself in the bedroom mirror—right as there’s a knock on the front door.

My heart leaping into my throat, I cross the living room, frowning at its condition. Both because I’ve been busy and not feeling great, the house could do with some tidying up. Unfolded laundry sits in a pile on the couch, and mail is spread across the coffee table.

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