Page 12 of Loving Josy
Together, we approach the entrance where the peeling paint on the door offers a stark contrast to the vision in my head. Inside, the space greets us with a faint musty smell, the air heavy with the scent of old wood and neglect. The floors are scuffed, the walls dull, and the lighting dim, but I don’t see any of that. Instead, I see possibilities.
Mr. Hill, the owner, greets us with a warm smile. His easy demeanor puts me at ease as we discuss the asking price and my plans for remodeling. He listens attentively, nodding thoughtfully as I share my vision for the space.
While Amy and Mr. Hill talk logistics, I take a moment to wander through the empty shop. The high ceilings and open layout catch my eye, even if they’re marred by cracks and water stains. My fingers itch with the urge to bring this place to life. I imagine walls coming down to open the space, glossy tiles replacing the dingy floors, and sleek counters lining the kitchen area.
This isn’t just a business decision, it’s the next step in a dream I’ve nurtured for years. Standing here, in the middle of this dusty, neglected space, I can already feel it becoming mine. The vision is vivid and it feels right, like the beginning of something incredible.
I burst through the door of my coffee shop, barely able to contain my excitement. The leasing papers for my new place are clutchedin my hand, and I head straight for Violet. She’s behind the counter, taking orders from the afternoon rush, so I hang back, practically bouncing on my feet as I wait for the customers to clear out.
As soon as the last one walks away with their drink, I can’t hold it in any longer. “I got it!” I exclaim, my voice bubbling over with excitement.
Violet’s eyes widen. “You got the lease?”
I nod so hard my hair bounces. “Yes! It’s official. I’m opening a new Josy’s Sweet Shop in Sweet Springs!”
Violet squeals, and before I know it, we’re both jumping up and down like kids, laughing with uncontainable excitement. Just then, the unmistakable figures of Mrs. Mirtha and Mrs. Henrietta appear at the counter. These two are the undisputed gossip queens of the town, and their arrival is as dramatic as ever.
Mrs. Mirtha, a petite woman with a hunched posture, adjusts her oversized floral hat, which sits slightly askew atop her neatly curled silver hair. Her cat-eye glasses adorned with tiny rhinestones, glint in the shop’s light as she peers at us with an expression of amused curiosity. Clutching her ever-present beaded handbag with one hand, her fingers adorned with rings that catch the light when she waves the other hand in the air, clearly ready to make a point.
Beside her stands Mrs. Henrietta, taller and sturdier, with a shock of white hair styled into a perfectly rounded bouffant. Her large, round glasses magnify her sharp blue eyes, which dart between Violet and me with the precision of someone gathering every detail for a later discussion. She wears a brightly patterned dress that clashes wonderfully with her bright red lipstick, giving her the air of someone who refuses to blend in. She leans on her intricately carved cane, but the glint in her eye makes it clear that she doesn’t miss a beat.
“Well, well,” Mrs. Henrietta says, her voice a mix of curiosity and delight. “What’s all this commotion about? A little early for a dance party, isn’t it?”
Mrs. Mirtha chimes in with a knowing smirk, “Or is there something we should know? You know, purely for community awareness purposes.”
Their curiosity is almost tangible, and I have to stifle a laugh. Whatever story they weave from this moment is sure to be the talk of the town by dinner.
I can’t help the huge grin that spreads across my face. “I just signed the lease for a new shop in Sweet Springs! It’s going to be amazing!”
The two old ladies clap their hands in delight. “Oh, that’s wonderful news!” Mrs. Henrietta says. “We can’t wait to visit your new place.”
Mrs. Mirtha turns to her with a smirk. “That is, if you can even get there. Remember, Henrietta, your license was revoked for bad driving.”
Mrs. Henrietta huffs, her cheeks turning pink. “That was just a misunderstanding. And you’re no better. You’ve never passed a single driving test in your life!”
“That doesn’t mean that I can’t drive, you old hag.”
“Woman, if you try to drive, you will end up dead. And if you die, I will be left alone. So do me a favor and don’t even try it,” Mrs. Henrietta says while she hugs Mrs. Mirtha.
“Okay, okay. I won’t.”
Their playful bickering makes me laugh, and I’m reminded once again why I love this town so much. The quirky characters and the way everyone knows everyone—it’s what makes this place feel like home.
After Mrs. Mirtha and Mrs. Henrietta finally wander off, still trading jabs, Violet turns back to me with a grin and pointingat the two old ladies. “That’s us when we grow old. I can now imagine it.”
“We can be the mean old ladies of this town and embarrassed all the teenagers,” I say with a laugh.
“Of course we would be. You know what I think?” Violet say with a huge grin.
“What do you think?”
“I think this is going to be epic. I’m already brainstorming ideas for marketing the new shop. We need to make sure everyone knows that Josy’s Sweet Shop is coming to Sweet Springs!”
I nod, my excitement flaring up all over again while Violet continues, “I can’t wait to get started. This is going to be our best shop yet!”
"I know. I need to call Esteban and schedule a meeting. The place needs to be renovated, and I’m not sure if they have the availability to start soon," I say to Violet, trying to keep my excitement in check.
Violet flashes a mischievous smile. "I'm sure that if you just ask Noah, he’d accommodate you and start working tomorrow."
