Page 12 of Finding You
“You’re welcome.”
“And the company wasn’t half bad either.” She smirked.
Kiss her. Kiss her. Grab her and kiss her.My brain was spinning as we stood on the tiny porch. I needed a game plan, and I had nothing. Was this a date? Was she interested? Before I could get my head out of my ass, she gave me a quick peck on the cheek and walked through the open door.
Ginger gave me a look. “I know, girl,” I said, walking back toward my house. “I like her too.”
6
ASTRID
I loved downtown Havenport.Along the cobblestone sidewalks, historic buildings were sandwiched between farm-to-table restaurants and kitschy shops. There were people everywhere, even on a Tuesday afternoon. And delicious smells wafted through the air. I wanted to browse all the shops and soak up the lively town vibe. However, I was on a mission. I had to get some normal clothes. Emily had dropped me off while she ran errands, and I had to finish up quickly so she could pick Jacob up at preschool. So I had to stay focused.
I was going to enjoy this time off. I was going to embrace Havenport and all it had to offer, especially if that involved my sexy neighbor.
Jeanius Bar was a large storefront in an old brick building. I opened the doors and was assaulted by more jeans than I had ever seen in my life. The store was huge, with airy cathedral ceilings and large chandeliers hanging over an industrial space. There were colorful couches and tables piled high with denim.
I considered turning around and going home to order stuff online. This was so not my scene. I was not a shopper. I had no time to just browse around and try things on. Twice a year, I met Lara, my personal shopper, at Neiman Marcus, and she pulled a few things for me. I spent twenty minutes trying them on, chose a few things, and she charged my credit card while I was getting dressed. So I had a well-planned wardrobe consisting mainly of black and gray with carefully selected accessories. Every morning I just got up and put on a dark suit or a shift dress. It saved a lot of time and energy and suited my lifestyle just fine.
Before I could escape, a loud, curvy woman appeared from behind a display of sweaters.
“Hello.”
“Hi.” I tried to give her a smile, but it probably looked like I was having a stroke. Years spent behind a laptop and in meeting rooms had not done much for my social skills.
“You must be Emily’s cousin! I’m so happy to meet you.”
I gave her a strange look.
She waved a jeweled smart phone at me. “She texted me you were coming in and I had to help you and do it quickly. I’m Nora.”
God, information traveled quickly in this town. “I’m Astrid.” I stuck out my hand and gave her a firm shake. She smiled at me, clearly thinking I was mentally ill. She was pretty and vivacious. She had a short, curvy body that was highlighted to perfection by a pair of dark wash, high-rise jeans and a pink wrap sweater that looked soft to the touch. She had long dark hair and wore bright red lipstick, the kind of shade I was way too chicken to ever try.
“First of all, wow, you are gorgeous. I am going to have so much fun dressing you.”
I smiled weakly. What was I supposed to say to that?
“And second, what are you looking for?”
I laughed. I had no idea what I was looking for. A new life? A way to get my old life back? A time machine so I could go back and become a dentist instead of a lawyer?
She gave me a kind smile. Maybe Emily had warned her that I was an awkward mess. “Do you want some coffee? I really need caffeine right now.”
“Yes.” This woman was speaking my language.
“Follow me.”
I watched as Nora led me to a lounge area in the back near the fitting rooms. There was an oak-topped bar with a huge copper espresso machine, likely handmade in Italy. Someone who consumed as much caffeine as I did could spot a fine piece of machinery at a distance. “Is that a La Marzocco?” I was amazed. It was a thing of beauty.
“Yes. Good eye. My family owns a bunch of Italian restaurants. I got it through one of their equipment reps. I drink a lot of coffee, plus I think it adds something to the space.”
“It certainly does.” I was liking Nora more and more.
“What can I make you?”
“Cappuccino.”
“Does almond milk work?”
