Page 4 of Wounded Fox
"Thank you."
"You're welcome." She smiled. "Want to talk about it?"
I gave a half laugh. "I'm not sure I have the time to fully explain my history with Aaron." Or that I could without wanting to bawl my eyes out. I liked to put on a tough exterior, but every time I thought about all that I missed out on while waiting for him, it made me so mad that I cried.
Yes, I was one of those women who cried when she was angry. It was so darn annoying too because people thought I was upset or hurt when really I wanted to murder them. The fact that I never acted on that impulse was a shocker.
"Oh, I know a thing or two about long stories," Maisie chuckled. "You can tell me when you're ready or never at all. That's the beauty of being friends with me. I won't push you into something you don't want."
A genuine smile took over my lips. "Has anyone ever told you that you're nothing like the rest of the people in this town?"
Maisie tossed her head back and laughed so hard that when she looked at me again, there were tears in her eyes. "I'll take that as a compliment. Don't get me wrong, I love it here but Icould do without all the gossip I'm forced to listen to on a daily basis."
It was in that moment that I knew I made a dear friend. "That just might be the best thing I've heard in years."
"I'm Maisie, by the way. You probably already know my name due to all the gossip aboutmylife."
"You could say that. You also happen to have some kick-ass desserts in your shop. My customers are always bringing me your treats. I swear they're trying to fatten me up like a Thanksgiving turkey."
I wouldn't go as far as saying I was vain when it came to my figure, but I always liked how I looked. Too many desserts from Wickedly Delicious and I was going to look like Rolie Polie Olie.
"I wish I could say I returned the favor and shopped here but . . . " Maisie looked down at her black jeans and oversized band tee, then shrugged. "I have a unique style that most people don't carry."
I chuckled at her honesty. "It's okay. My style isn't for everyone in town. That's why I finally took it online so that I could get a bigger clientele."
"I heard. How's that going?"
All thoughts of Aaron were forgotten now that we were talking about the second thing in life I loved more than anything. "Amazing, actually. Better than I hoped. I'm considering opening another physical store outside of Willow Creek since it's doing so well."
"That's awesome!" Maisie sounded genuine in her response. Something I was quickly learning was exactly who the woman was. She didn't appear to lie or say things just because they were socially acceptable. Brutal honesty seemed to be Maisie's way of life and I was all for it.
"I'm only in the planning stages at this point and trying to find a manager who I can trust, but if things fall into place like I hope, a year from now I will have a second store."
"Where are you looking?"
"Dallas or Austin. I want to stay in Texas but I'm torn between competing with big box stores and keeping the small-town-charm feel. I want to be in the city but not get lost, if that makes sense?"
Maisie was the first person I’d spoken to about this since I started to give it some serious thought. Despite living here my entire life, I didn't have anyone who I felt close enough to to discuss business with who would understand.
"I know exactly what you mean, and I'm here if you ever need someone to talk things out with. I might not know a single thing about fashion but I've learned a lot in a short time about being a business owner, and I've lived in many places over the years."
"Thank you. I appreciate that."
It looked like this morning turned around pretty quickly.
CHAPTER THREE
Aaron
I walked into my place of employment and was immediately greeted by Annalee's smiling face and an overeager "good morning!" I didn't have the heart to tell her it wasn't a good morning at all, so instead I mumbled the same response back and headed through the glass door to where our workstation was.
"Why do you look like someone pissed in your Cheerios?" Hendrix was the first to speak to me and I wanted to punch him in the face for merely being so damn happy while I was miserable.
"Because they did and that someone was Maisie," I snapped back.
Hendrix's evil laugh and response was exactly what I should've expected from my friend. "That's my girl. I knew there was a reason I loved her so fucking much."
I rolled my eyes and walked away before I could say something I would regret. My give-a-damn filter was clearlybusted after my interaction with Valerie. So instead I headed straight for Maverick and found him talking to Nolen.
