Page 14 of Out of Bounds
I nod with gratitude. “I really needed to hear that.”
“It’s true. So, tell me this idea.”
“A day spa. I wanted to set up a day spa. Down these parts the closest you’d get to anything like that is the resorts on the beach or you’d have to go to the city.” I find myself smiling when her face brightens. “I thought the serenity of the scenery here would be great. I wouldn’t be in competition with anyone if I did that. Even if another person or two were to come up with the same idea, it’s not the same as competing against twenty hair salons on one road.”
Okay it’s more like ten salons and the rest are scattered. The point is there’s a lot.
“That’s an amazing idea. I didn’t know that was the dream before.”
“It was. I just didn’t have the finances to do it.” And my mother stopped me in my tracks because she told me I wasn’t capable. “I won’t go into that though. Because you helped me so much I was able to put some money aside for a rainy day. Since it’s raining now, I think I should use it before things get more out of control.” I have fifty thousand dollars I’m glad is still safe in my savings account. I think if I’d told Liev about that I wouldn’t have it anymore. “I don’t have much for what I have in mind, but it’s a start and if I do this, I’d want to buy a place.”
“Oh my gosh.” Her smile radiates enthusiasm. “You have to do this.”
“I’m going to try. I spoke to Shelby about it and she’s still excited to join me. I think that’s what’s pushing me.”
“I think you would do so well. A day spa is exactly what’s missing from this area.”
“I thought so too. It’s taken me a while to accept I’m not going anywhere with the business I have.” Accept and suck up the consequences. “The first thing my mother is going to say is if I’d gone to college I’d have better options like an office job.”
“You can’t worry about your mother now. You have find strength to focus. This whole Liev thing is a big deal. Try to move past that so your mind is clear for your business venture.”
“I don’t know where the strength will come from, but you’re right. I have to find it.”
“Did you love him?” she looks curious.
“No.” It’s bad I can answer that question so effortlessly.
“Well, that’s good.”
“I guess. I just feel like a fool and damn it the one thing I did need him for has been blown to smithereens. The engagement party is on Saturday. We’ll all get to meet Prince De Longsell.”
“Sounds like fun. Do you need me to go with you?”
“No, I couldn’t do that to you. I want you to rest.”
“Bree, I’m pregnant not sick.” She laughs. “And I’m only a few weeks in. I can do stuff.”
“Okay.”
“So, I’ll go with you. and I would love to help you set up business too. The way you helped me set up mine.”
I smile the first real smile of the day. “Would you, really?”
“Of course. Does this mean I’ll have to find myself a new pianist?”
I shake my head. “No. That’s special to me. I’m only here a few evenings anyway.”
“All right. Looks like we have a plan.”
“Looks that way. Now I just need to find the right building.” And pray this whole thing with Liev blows over.
I don’t really want any more contact than I do with Ethan for more reasons than one.
He confuses me way too much. One moment he’s the asshole from high school, and the next he’s checking out my ass.
I know that’s what he was doing last night. It’s not the first time I’ve caught him looking but then he always does something to throw me off his scent.
Confusion is the last thing I need now so the best thing to do is avoid him at all costs even when we have events where we have to be around each other.
