Chapter 4
K elly and Ava walked to the coffee shop first thing in the morning. They each ordered a drink and food before sitting down at a table. The town was already busy first thing in the morning, and it reminded Kelly of Storyville.
“What did you want to do today?” Ava asked.
Kelly shrugged. “I don’t know anything about this town. You chose it. What’s there to see?”
Ava took a bite of her muffin and chewed thoughtfully. “We could take the gondola up the mountain to go on a hike.”
“I’m not much of a hiker, but maybe we could.”
“Yeah, I’m not much of a hiker either,” Ava said.
Kelly giggled. “So why did you suggest it?”
“It was one of the few things to cross my mind. Let’s ask the front desk for ideas when we get back.”
They finished their food and then took their drinks with them as they walked back to the resort.
Several white tents were set up across the street where vendors were selling items. Kelly and Ava wandered down the row, looking at the various items for sale.
Kelly’s mind swirled with thoughts about setting something like this up in Storyville to help with tourism.
The bookstore could have its own booth and sell signed editions of books, plus the more popular books to draw in people looking to make a fast purchase.
“Something like this might be cool to do in Storyville. Maybe we could have a bookstand and a coffee stand,” Kelly said.
Ava nodded. “Yeah, that would be cool. I could set up a photography booth too. Do quick portraits for people with some fun props or sell landscape photos.”
Ava spent their childhood taking photos of anything and everything.
When they graduated high school, she kept trying to figure out what path to take.
It took Kelly and Cole sitting her down and suggesting photography for her to finally consider it.
Now she was one of the few photographers in their town, and she did most of the weddings in the area.
“That’s a great idea,” Kelly said.
“And maybe you could start your own event planning business.” Ava raised an eyebrow. “You could plan the weddings that I take photos for. We’d get to hang out while we work too.”
Kelly giggled. “As if we don’t already hang out enough.”
The two of them were roommates back in Storyville with Cole. They always hung out together, but Kelly wouldn’t have it any other way.
“You know I can’t do that.”
“No, I don’t know why you can’t. Please enlighten me.”
Kelly sighed. “We’ve been over this. The bookstore needs me. My family needs me.”
“Oh, please. You know Michelle is champing at the bit to take over the events for the store. There isn’t enough work for all of you. You could start your own business and still help your family on the side when needed.”
The thought had crossed Kelly’s mind several times, but she didn’t know how to approach the topic with her family.
Did she feel fulfilled at the bookstore?
No, but she didn’t want to feel like she was leaving her family in a bind, despite knowing Michelle would jump at the chance to take over Kelly’s job.
But starting her own business felt scary.
What if she failed? What if no one wanted to use her?
Would she need to leave Storyville for a larger city, or would there be enough business in the small town?
Leaving Storyville and trying to make her way in a new town excited her, but she wasn’t sure she could ever actually do it.
That would be a huge leap she wasn’t sure she was ready to take.
They finished their coffees and tossed the cups into a trash can before stopping in the Country Store’s tent.
Kelly picked up a postcard and purchased it to send home to her parents.
Then they continued down the row. Several pumpkins were set up for purchase for Halloween.
Kelly smiled at the sight as she could picture the same type of things being sold in Colorado.
Kelly sighed. “I’ve been trying so hard not to pry, but I also want to know. What’s going on lately? You and Cole have both been acting weird. Did something happen between you two?”
Ava pursed her lips as if she were deep in thought. “Some weird stuff happened between us.”
“Such as?”
Ava rubbed her face. “I don’t know. I just need to think about it and get away from him.”
“Is that why you jumped at the chance of leaving?”
“Yes. I just need to think.”
Kelly stopped walking and grabbed Ava’s arm. “You know I’m here for you, right? Even if you and Cole had a falling out, you’re still my best friend, and you always will be. Nothing will change that.”
Ava smiled. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”