Page 14 of Loving Josy
My stomach twists at his words. “Where’s this new place?”
“It’s in Sweet Springs,” he replies, still grinning. “She’ll text me the address, and I’m supposed to meet her tomorrow at 3 p.m.”
“You meanI’llmeet with her at 3 p.m., because you’ll be busy working,” I correct him, my mind already racing with possibilities.
“That’s right. I’ll be tied up tomorrow,” Esteban says, knowing full well I’m not letting him go. If Josy wants to play hard to get, I’m all in. This remodel is just another way to break through her defenses. And if she thinks she can avoid me, she’s got another thing coming.
I arrive ten minutes early for Josy’s appointment, using the time to scope out the place. The building is old but sturdy, with worn brick and a faded awning that gives it a vintage charm. It’s sandwiched between a boutique selling handcrafted candles and a stationery shop, both buzzing with midday shoppers. The street hums with the chatter of locals. It’s almost like stepping into Honey Springs with it’s quaint storefronts, friendly faces, and the blue haze of mountains looming in the distance.
Josy’s new coffee shop is going to fit right in. It’s easy to imagine her name in bold, stylish lettering above the door and the inviting aroma of coffee spilling onto the street.
As I study the building, I see someone getting out of their car, and there she is. She walks to the building, her keys jingling as she unlocks the door, oblivious to my presence. I can’t help but watch her for a second longer than I should. She’s wearing a flowy skirt that sways with each step and a crisp white shirt tucked neatly at the waist. Her curls are pulled back in a ponytail, but a few rebellious strands frame her face. She looks beautiful. And annoyed, as usual.
When she spots me approaching, her face tightens into a scowl. Great. This is already going well.
“What areyoudoing here?” she asks, her voice sharp enough to cut glass.
“Hi, Josy. Lovely to see you too.” I keep my tone deliberately casual. “Esteban couldn’t make it, so he sent me instead.”
Her hands fly to her hips, and she lets out an exasperated sigh. “Oh, of course, he did. And he couldn’t call to let me know?”
“Wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise,” I say, flashing her my most charming grin.
Her eyes narrow, unimpressed. “Next time, skip the surprises. I hate surprises.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I say, nodding solemnly as if I’m taking notes. “Now, are you going to let me in, or are we doing this consultation on the sidewalk?”
Josy mutters something under her breath—probably a curse—and steps aside just enough to let me through. The inside of the building is dim with beams of sunlight leaking through gaps in the old newspaper plastered over the windows. The air smells faintly of dust and forgotten potential.
As Josy starts talking me through her plans, I follow her around the space, making notes on my phone. She’s all business, her tone clipped, but there’s a spark in her voice when she describes her vision.
“I want these walls taken out to open the space,” she says, gesturing emphatically. “The bathroom is a disaster, and the kitchen? Don’t even get me started. It needs everything.”
I nod, pretending to jot something down. “Got it. Walls gone, kitchen magical, bathrooms less terrifying. Anything else?”
She stops mid-step to glare at me. “I’m serious, Noah. Don’t mess around with this. I don’t need your jokes right now.”
“Who said I was joking?” I reply innocently. “I take your coffee empire very seriously.”
Her eyes flash, and for a split second, I think she might throw something at me. Instead, she crosses her arms and huffs. “You’re impossible.”
“I’ve been called worse,” I say with a shrug.
Josy doesn’t dignify that with a response, spinning on her heel to walk away. I can’t help but smile as I follow her. She’s fiery, stubborn, and absolutely captivating.
When we finish the walkthrough, I glance at her. “I think I can make it work in about four weeks, maybe less, depending on materials. But it’ll mostly be me and a couple of guys. You okay with that?”
“As long as it gets done,” she says, her tone wary.
“It’ll get done,” I assure her, slipping in a grin. “I wouldn’t let you down, Josy. You know that.”
She gives me a long, hard look. “You say that, but somehow I feel like you’re going to drive me insane.”
“Probably,” I admit, leaning slightly closer. “But it’ll be worth it. You’ll see.”
Josy rolls her eyes and starts toward the door. “Don’t screw it up.”
As I leave, I can’t help but chuckle. She may think she’s keeping me at arm’s length, but this battle is far from over.
