Page 63 of The Things That Hold Us

“I figured after yesterday you could use some good coffee, so I got up early to bring you some.”

I don’t know how I got so lucky having someone like Cassie in my life, but I’m beyond thankful that I do.

“How are you holding up?” she asks as we sit on my couch.

I shrug my shoulders. “I don’t know. I feel like I haven't fully processed what’s happened. You know?”

She nods her head, and places a hand on my knee, “We’ll get through this. It’ll work out.”

We sit, drinking our coffees and just chatting, when she gets an alert on her phone.

“Ok so, I wasn't going to mention anything until I heard back, but I have some news.”

I pause mid drink and stare at her.

“Um, ok?” I say cautiously

She smiles, which makes me worry even more.

“After you left, I did some searching online. I know it probably isn't your first choice, but there is a building that came up for lease last week about 2 hours away.”

I deflate, not exactly the news I was expecting.

“Cass..I don’t want to lease a new building. Especially one that far.”

“I know, I know, but just look at it.” she says, and turns her phone to show me pictures.

There’s two large bay windows on the front with natural wood coloring, and brick walls that are painted a pretty sage green. It looks freshly updated.

The inside has wood flooring, and string lights everywhere, and the natural lighting is insanely beautiful.

The entire building is beautiful, and I instantly picture it as Charlie’s Antiques.

“That’s two hours away though. I wouldn't be able to work there every day.”

She shrugs, “So you hire a staff. You run the business part, go in a couple times a week, but have a staff work the days you don't.”

“I don’t know Cass. That seems like a lot of work.”

“Maybe just go look at it? But it’s an option.”

“What if my shop is fixable though? I don't want to just let it go if there's a chance it can be saved.”

“We’ll look into that option too. But I think you should consider this as a backup plan.” she says. And I hate that it's the logical thing to do.

“Ok. I’ll go look at it. But how am I going to get there? I don't have a car, you don't have a car, and I’m not paying a taxi to drive me that far.

Her eyebrows wiggle, and I already know where this is going.

Chapter Twelve

let’s go girls

“Cassie, no. I don't want to be in a truck with him for 2 hours.”

I tell her, attempting to shut down her suggestion.

“But why not? I thought you two got along?” she throws back at me.

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