Page 43 of Shine: Sins of the Father
Over lunch I tell her all my ideas. They spill out of me in a rush, my excitement bubbling over.
“I thought I’d paint it all pink with cream wide stripes. I saw these really pretty awnings online. They were my inspiration. I want people to drive by and notice the place and want to stop and come in. Maybe someday I’ll have a line out the door for my cupcakes.
“There’s a back room I thought I could turn into a place for kids’ parties… well, little girls, anyway. I want to make it look like an Alice in Wonderland Bakery. I want to serve tea and cupcakes, maybe lemonade, juice, and smoothies. I want to make a dress-up area for princess photos. And maybe offer hair and makeup or facepainting. I have so many ideas, Mom.”
***
A month later, I’m standing outside my newly painted building, watching my pretty awnings being installed. They cost a mint, but Dad thinks I can write them off as a marketing cost.
Janey helped me design a logo with a drawing of a cute little building and my name in cursive.Fiona’s Bakery. I thought about making it something easier to remember, like The Pink Bakery, but Dad put his foot down and said I needed to have my name on it.
My phone rings, and I pull it from my pocket. It’s Dad.
“Hey, baby girl. How’s it going? Did the awning people show up?”
“Yes, they’re here now.”
“Good. I’m sending a couple of prospects over tomorrow to help you with painting the interior. Do you have the paint, or do they need to stop and get it?”
“I have it.”
“Did you get brushes and rollers and paint trays?”
“Yes, I even got drop cloths.”
“Okay. They’ll be over around 9am. Hopefully, they can knock it out by noon.”
“I think so. The primer coat Janey and I put on last week is dry.”
Once I disconnect, I stare at my awnings. I’m so excited I want to jump up and down, but I’m too exhausted. Janey and I have been working our butts off to fix the place up. Yesterday, she painted my pretty logo in the storefront windows.
Within the week, my actual sign should be delivered.
As Janey and I stood outside and admired her work, a woman stopped and asked when we were opening. Which reminded me, I need to start marketing the opening day.
There’s so much to do. If I didn’t have the help of my BFF, my family, and the club, I’d never get it all done.
Last weekend, Mom, Dad, and my two brothers helped me move into the little apartment upstairs. I spent my first night there last night.
It was weird being on my own. It’s the first time I’ve had a place all to myself.
It’s exciting, but a little scary as well. I think I lay awake forever, listening to every strange creak and groan the building made. Mom says I’ll soon get used to it, and it will begin to feel like home.
Soon, the awning company finishes and packs up their truck. I lock everything and climb the stairs to the apartment. Mystomach rumbles, but not with hunger. I feel like I’m going to be sick.
I run to the bathroom, but the feeling subsides.
Staring in the mirror, I’m suddenly counting back to my last period.
I can’t remember when it was, but I’m pretty sure I’m late. Likereallylate.
How did I not notice? Because I’ve been so busy and so excited about this place.
Now I count back the weeks to when I was with Shine.
Pulling up my phone, I check the dates. It’s been two and a half months.
How did I let this happen?
