Chapter Thirteen
new opportunities
A two hour drive with Logan only feels like 30 minutes.
We both get lost in music, and put on shows for each other, and it’s the most fun I’ve had in awhile.
My phone lets me know that we are almost to our destination, so we turn the music down to focus on finding it.
It’s supposed to be in the main stretch of the square here, so it shouldn't be hard.
I look around, taking in the town, and it’s absolutely adorable. There's weeping willows throughout the square, people walking, and kids playing.
It takes about 10 minutes until I see the building.
“There it is.” I point, letting Logan know where to go. The moment I see it, my heart gets all warm feeling, and I actually start to picture myself there.
But it’s two hours away.
That’s nearly impossible.
We park out front, and I’m instantly transfixed by the exterior of the building.
The brick is absolutely stunning, and the shade is perfect. Green just happens to be my favorite color.
The windows are much larger than they appear in the photos, but that just makes me even happier.
“This place is beautiful.” I say, more to myself than to anyone else.
I see Logan nod in agreement from the corner of my eye.
He’s walking around, inspecting things, when the realtor representing the property pulls up.
A young, peppy red head hops out of a small car that looks like it was built for a barbie, and her boobs are obnoxiously on display. I mean, it’s hard not to notice them.
I watch as she bends, grabbing her papers out of the passenger seat, and I turn to look at Logan to see if he’s seeing what I’m seeing.
The man is oblivious, and doesnt even look in her direction. He's too busy inspecting the door handle, twisting it left and right.
“Hi! You must be Charlie. I’m Kelly.” she reaches out a hand to shake mine.
“So good to meet you. This is Logan," I say, turning and waving a hand at him.
He comes over and shakes her hand, looking unfazed by how beautiful this woman is.
Her, on the other hand. She’s practically drooling over him. I mean, I did too when I first saw him, but that was me. I don’t like it when it's her.
“Nice to meet you.” he says, then adds, “That door handle feels really loose. Is that something that can be replaced if she decides to go with the building?” he asks, pointing to the front door.
“Oh, absolutely. I’ll make a note of that, but it’s not a problem at all to swap it out.”
He looks back at the door again, “Actually, it could use a whole new door.”
“Logan, it's fine.” I tell him. “I’d probably want to pick out my own door. Give it my own touch.” he glances at me from the corner of his eye, and I quickly add, “If I were to get it.”
He hums his agreement and nods, looking around more.
“You two are welcome to take a look around the inside. It's about 800 square feet, and has amazing lighting. There are some shelves, but you can always rearrange and add more things.”
“Perfect.” I say as I step through the front door.
This building feels magical. I don't know how else to explain it. It just feels.. right.
“What did the building used to be?” I ask her as I look around.
She waves a hand, “Oh gosh. It’s been all kinds of things. An ice cream shop, a small book store, a boutique.”
“Why so many?” Logan asks.
She turns her charming smile to Logan, “I guess it just hasn't found the right fit yet.” she bites her bottom lip as she watches him, and I roll my eyes.
Logan nods, clearly unfazed by her, and continues to look around. Kelly frowns a little, then says, “I’ll let you two take a look around alone for a minute, really get a feel for the place.” she tells us, then walks back out front leaving the door open.
“What are you thinking in that mind of yours?” Logan asks me when he notices me chewing my lip.
I turn, smiling at him, “I love it.”
His eyebrows shoot up in surprise, “Oh really?”
“Yeah. I don't know what it is but it just feels really good.” I look around, “I mean, look at this natural lighting.”
He stands there, watching me now, with that smile that makes his dimples come out.
“Go ahead, make fun of me.”
He steps closer, “Now why on earth would I do that?” he asks, his eyebrows pinching in confusion.
“I know I’m probably getting way too excited. It’s just an antique store.”
Logan holds a hand up, stopping me.
“It’s not just an antique store.” he starts, “It’s your dream. It’s your connection to Sam. And most importantly, it’s what you love to do. So no, I don’t think you're getting overly excited. I think you're just the right amount of excited.”
“You do?”
“Absolutely. Never be ashamed of being happy about something you love.”
I nod, looking around at the store.
“Could I even make this work? I mean, it being two hours from me?”
“It would be a big change, but I think you could do it.” he tells me, and I don’t know why, but his support through all of this has been exactly what I need.
“I’ll think about it some more. Wait and see what insurance says.”
“Sounds like a solid plan,” he says.
I hear Kelly’s heels approaching, no doubt eavesdropping and waiting till we were done talking to come back in.
“So, what are we thinking? Do we love it?”
I look at Logan, and he gives me an encouraging nod.
“I do. I really love it.” I tell her, but before she can pull papers or anything important out, I add, “But I’m still waiting to hear from my insurance company, and would really like to take the night to think about it. Would that be ok?”
I watch her smile falter for a second before she composes herself, “Oh, absolutely. Take all the time you need.” she tells me, her voice back to the high squeak it was before. Then she quickly adds, “Just keep in mind that this is a very popular spot in town, and it’s likely to go quickly.”
“Ok. I’ll call you as soon as I decide something, either way." I tell her, and then feel my phone ring.
I pull it out and see Cassie calling. I forgot I told her I’d call her when we got here.
“I’m sorry, I have to take this.” I excuse myself, and go answer my phone.
I fill Cassie in on the shop, and tell her how I’m feeling, and she’s all for it. I hang up, putting my phone back into my purse, when I notice Logan speaking with Kelly. He's smiling, and she's laughing.
He says something, and she laughs, putting her hand on his bicep.
I feel my face get hot, and jealousy rolls through me.
What the fuck is that about, Charlie?
I can’t be getting jealous over him. He’s not mine to get jealous over.
I watch them talk, then she points down the road.
I can only assume she’s asking him out.
Because why wouldn't she? I have zero reason to be annoyed by it, yet I am.
Just as she finishes speaking, Logan looks right at me. His eyes meet mine, and it’s like I can hear him saying, “Don’t worry, I’m not going.”
I blink, looking away from him. It’s none of my business.
He’s single; I’m single. Why should it matter if a beautiful woman asks him out?
Kelly waves bye to me, with a slight tinge of disappointment on her face; which, for some reason makes me feel better.
“Are you ready to go?” Logan asks as he approaches me.
“Yep. Ready if you are.”
This trip went by way too fast, it seems. I’m actually enjoying myself, and don’t want it to end yet. But we do have a 2 hour drive, and it's already 4 p.m.
We get in his truck, and before he starts it, he looks at me and says, “I don't know about you, but I'm starving. Do you want to grab dinner before we head back?”
Something flutters in my chest.
“Yes, please. My stomach has been growling at me for the last 30 minutes.”
He chuckles, and grabs his keys out of the ignition.
“Come on. It’s beautiful out, and I’m willing to bet that we can find somewhere to eat in this square.”
We walk for a minute before we settle on a bar and grill that has an outdoor patio to sit at.
Logan orders a burger and fries, and I order parmesan garlic wings.
The food is absolutely delicious, and the weather is phenomenal.
I take in a deep breath, and realize for the first time in weeks, I feel completely relaxed.
After taking a bite of my chicken, I catch Logan smiling at me.
“What?” I mumble over the food.
He shakes his head, taking a sip of his soda.
“This town suits you.” he tells me.
I just smile, looking around, “Does it?”
Logan nods his head, and sits back in his seat, crossing his arms.
“It does. I feel like this is the first time I’ve seen you relaxed since I’ve met you. It’s nice.”
I shyly smile back at him; he’s not wrong.
“I’m comfortable.” I tell him. And it's true. I’m comfortable with him, and this food, and this town. It’s refreshing being somewhere new, where I don’t have sad memories hanging on me.
“You know,” he starts, “sometimes change is just what someone needs.”
I would be leaving so much history though, if I moved shops. Sam and I started Charlie’s Antiques together. He helped me figure out how to get merchandise in the store, and how to get customers.
Antique stores aren't that popular anymore, and it makes me sad. I love all my nick-nacks I’ve collected over the years, and my regulars.
I know I can have that anywhere, it would just be hard.
But at the same time, the idea of something new excites me.
I bite my lip and look around, excitement practically radiating off of me.
“What's that look for?” Logan asks, smiling at me.
I look back at him and smile, then say “I think I want to do it.”
His eyes go wide, and his smile gets wider. “Yeah?”
“Yeah. The thought of change, and something completely new excites me more than it scares me, if I’m being honest.”
“Then there you go; that’s your answer right there.”
I beam up at him, excited that I actually want this.
Pulling my phone out, I shoot Cassie a text.
I want to do this. -Charlie