Page 120 of The Things That Hold Us

I sigh, trying to remember everything I have to do.

“Could you get the shelves and cases ordered? I’ll give you my card.”

“Absolutely.” she answers without hesitation.

“Thank you, I have to send out the new address to all my vendors and everyone so they know I’ve moved.”

“You should print a sign and put it at the old shop with the new address, so locals know.”

“That's actually a good idea. I’ll do that today.”

I walk over to my purse, grabbing my card out and handing it to her, along with the measurements and info for the shelves I want.

“Make sure you tell them delivery, I have no way to pick all of these up.”

“You got it.” she says, grabbing the card from my hand.

“What would I do without you?” I ask her, putting on a light smile on my face.

“You’d be lost without me.”

She laughs, and pulls me in for a hug, “Don’t stress too much about things today, ok? Everything that's supposed to happen will fall into place.”

“I know. I’ll try.”

Cassie leaves, and I go to my computer, typing up a quick poster stating that I’ve moved, and add my new address so people know where to find me.

I grab my keys and Pudding, deciding to bring him with me, then head out.

Just as I come around the corner, and see my shop come into view, I see Mr. Reeves standing on the sidewalk in front, staring up at the burnt building.

“Mr. Reeves, what are you doing out here?” I ask him as I get closer.

“What happened to your shop?” he asks with a voice so sad.

“Oh, it caught on fire..I’m moving.” I tell him, and he frowns.

“Moving where? Hopefully not far.” he says, and I feel instantly sad.

“Sage Valley.” I say with a small smile and a shrug.

His frown deepens, “How will I get my clowns?”

“How about I bring them to you. That way you don’t have to travel. I’ll bring you one a week.”

He smiles slightly, then pats my shoulder, “I’m sorry, about your shop. I know how much it meant to you.”

I look down at Pudding, who’s minding his own business sniffing the ground, blinking trying not to get emotional again.

“Thank you. It does mean a lot to me.”

“I loved coming here and chatting with you and Sam in the beginning. He was such an amazing young man. You got lucky with that one.”

I feel tears burn my eyes, and quickly blink them away.

“He was, wasn't he?”

“That Logan fellow reminds me of him in a way.”

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