Chapter 26
Addy
“Thank you.” Grabbing the glass of lemonade James holds out to me, I inhale the sea air and relax into my lounger. “This is just what I needed. I appreciate you having me here. And your friendship. It came right when I needed it most.”
Holding out his glass, we clink them together to toast this unlikely relationship. “Well, first. You deserve a man who knows how special you are. Don’t let that boy’s mistakes define you, young lady.” I can’t help but blush at his sweet words. “You’ve got so much more to offer the world than you’re giving yourself credit for, Addison. I believe in you. We just need to develop a business plan, so you have the tools to go after it. If I could do it, with my little lawn care business, so can you.”
“I just can’t imagine trying to run a business with my limitations. I could get sued for not following a contract I can’t read in the first place.”
“That’s where your team comes into place. The best managers and business owners know how to surround themselves with people who can get the job done. We just need to identify their roles.”
I bite my lip, wanting to be excited about the prospect, but reality is taking hold. “This sounds terrifying. And expensive.”
“Do you believe in your work?”
“Yes! I love what I do, and I’m good at it.”
“I know. I’ve seen it.” Alden’s website has a gallery of my cakes. “You should use your modeling talents to showcase your treats. Pose with your products. It’ll draw in tons of customers.”
I blush, feeling a bit embarrassed but proud nonetheless.
“I’m putting up the seed money for your shop. We’ll work out the particulars. I’d like to be a silent partner until you’re doing well enough to buy me out.”
I nearly choke on my lemonade. “What?”
Handing over a napkin, James chuckles. “I believe in you, Addison. It’s time you start doing the same.”
I barely have time to process all he’s said before my phone starts jumping across the metal table between us. Reaching for it, I hit the messaging app and discover Alden’s left a voice message.
“Hey, sassy girl. A lot’s happened since you’ve been away. Check this out.” Underneath his voice message is a link. Clicking on it, the internet browser on my phone opens to the local newspaper’s webpage. And the first thing I see is… Trevor.
He’s standing on Lark Street with a banner hanging above his head, draped from one light post to another. ‘Come to Honey Bunz, where you’ll meet the world’s sweetest cupcake.’ What? Looking back down at the handsome firefighter, he’s wearing his helmet and turnout gear with the jacket open to reveal a shirt that says, ‘I like a girl who’s a little sassy & a lot smart assy.’ There’s a little black x over the assy, placed by the paper to prevent complaints, but you can still easily read it.
“Oh, my god,” I blurt.
“What is it? Is everyone okay?”
“Look at this.” I show James the article, and he lets out a hearty chuckle.
“Well, I think the groveling has begun.”