Chapter 10
10
Sunday, February 9th
U nlocking the front door of my Main Street Maker’s Studio, I’m ready for another day. It’s one of those places where you can sign up for a class to make a craft or shop in the store with pre-packed, self-guided kits.
After turning all the lights on and getting out the supplies for my class, I decide to text Aaron. But what do I even say?
Sarah Anderson
I’m thinking about you.
Aaron Olson
That’s flirty.
Sarah Anderson
That’s what I’m going for. Flirting with you.
I watch the bubbles appear and disappear. They appear again, then disappear. I waste five minutes watching the fucking bubbles until I huff and finish getting ready for my class.
A handful of women begin filling in for the Valentine’s wreath event. Helping them get settled, I promptly start the hour-long class. As it progresses, I smile, thinking about how I enjoy teaching and seeing how everyone is creative in their own way. Halfway through, a woman enters, carrying a bouquet of purple flowers.
“For me?” I ask, genuinely surprised.
“Sarah Anderson,” she confirms.
“That’s you!” one of my regulars booms, excited. “Open the card!”
I open it and laugh. “Tell us!” demands another woman in the class.
“From your secret admirer,” I read aloud.
The women swoon.
“To be young again,” one of the women says.
“If only my husband would surprise me with gifts,” another says.
“So, you don’t know who they're from?”
A flurry of questions floods my mind. Is this the same secret admirer from last night? Is the florist already sold out of red and pink flowers? Purple is my favorite color, though. These are really pretty flowers. Could they be from Aaron? He left me on read, so I doubt that.
I take a quick picture and send it to Rachel and Emily in our BFF group chat.
Sarah Anderson
My secret admirer strikes again.
Emily Brown
Pretty flowers!
Rachel Wagner
The plot thickens!
Feeling warm and fuzzy, I refocus the group. After everyone is done, I admire the creations as the class cleans up their workspaces.
“Remember, the off season is hard for all of us. Check out my social media for more classes and promos,” I say, wrapping up the class.
Once my storefront has cleared out, I check my phone again. Still nothing. I guess I didn’t really leave a conversation starter or anything. It’s my move, as he said.
Sarah Anderson
Would you like to get a drink later?
The bubbles immediately appear.
Aaron Olson
On my off days, I prefer not to spend time in a bar.
Sarah Anderson
Understandable.
Aaron Olson
When are you free today?
Look at him making a move. Excited, I hope it means he does want to see me today.
Sarah Anderson
Well, now. I just finished a class, and the studio has had almost no foot traffic the past couple of weeks. I could close up for the day.
Aaron Olson
Can I come by? I’ve been meaning to check it out.