Chapter 15 #2
“Duh. Roomies for four years, and besties for life.”
“And don’t you ever forget it.”
We break down the tables and delegate the storage duties to Journee. Back straight, she places the spare kits away as if they’re treasure.
“She’s grown so much. I can’t get over how tall she’s gotten.” Her baby fat is melting from her face and hands, too.
“I know. I’m not ready for her to turn seven next year. Before I know it, she’ll be in double digits.”
“There are a few years until then,” I assure her.
“It’s like I blink, and another year’s gone.” She watches Journee come toward us with a wistful expression.
“Everything good back home?”
“Other than missing you like crazy? Yes.”
“Well, you’re here now.
It’s not enough, but it’s all we have. The problem with having a soulmate as a friend is that you always miss them when they live far away. I try to remind myself that we’re lucky to have someone to miss so much.
“Come on. Let’s head into town so I can show you everything.”
“Including Reel Haven?” She wiggles her eyebrows.
“There have been developments on that front.”
“Tell me everything.”
“We went out on a non-date. Just a town event.”
“And?” She circles her hand impatiently.
“It sort of turned into a date, and neither of us course-corrected it.”
“So, are you seeing each other?” She lowers her voice, mindful of Journee a few feet away.
“Unofficially? I think so.”
“Think?” Her brow wrinkles.
“It’s complicated.”
“Because you’re making it that way, or he is?”
“I think we’ve both been through a lot and need to proceed slowly.”
“All done.” Journee uses her full weight to snap the lid on. The sound echoes in the now empty room.
Saved by the curly-haired goddaughter, who notices everything.
“Because you’ve never been here before, how about we start the tour off with the best ice cream you’ve ever eaten? It’s made with milk from my friend Brie’s dairy farm. Do you remember her from video chat?”
“Yes. I’m getting ice cream,” Journee cheers.
Low blow, Story mouths.
“Hey. I have to spoil my goddaughter. I have a lot of time to make up for.” I grab the plastic bin and lead them out the door.
“Come on, girls, Aunt Phil’s treating you to this trip.”
Ten minutes later we’re exiting the car parked at the end of Mainstreet.
“Oh my god, it’s adorable, Phil.”
I laugh. The town seems to be on its best behavior this evening.
In the growing darkness with the sunset fading, the buildings hide their age.
Strings of lights hanging from the lamp posts, and lining the windows turn it into a Hallmark postcard.
We walk down the sidewalk, swinging Journee between us.
“Look at this street lamps. They’re gorgeous.” The night air is cool but comfortable. Brightly colored leaves blow across our path. Red, orange, and gold, they drift down from the large maples that line our left. She sniffs.
“What’s that smell?”
“Probably Falling Stars pastries.”
“Falling Stars?” Story’s brows raise. “That’s an extremely specific name.”
“We had meteors fall here ages ago. They left crater out by the Falls. Some people say we got a little extra luck from them.”
“That explains the intense energy this place gives off.”
I smile, used to her Woo Woo beliefs. “Maybe.” I lead her down to Mainstreet scoops. The pale pink and white building is straight out of the 50’s.
“Are you kidding me?” Story whispers.
“It’s a princess ice cream shop, Mama.” Journee squeals.
I laugh. “Welcome to one of the last remaining soda jerks.” I open the door. The bell welcomes us in and I lose them to the shiny metal equipment, pink stools, and large collection of toppings. Hanging back, I watch them take everything in.
“Welcome to Main Street Scoops, I’m Milly. If you have any questions, let me know.” The white-haired owner has been behind the counter for as long as I can remember.
“Hi Mrs. Milly.” I close the door behind me.
“It’s good to see you in here.”
“I brought some friends. That’s Story, and her daughter, Journee. She and her husband own Scoops.”
“Oh. You have an incredible place,” Story gushes.
Mrs. Milly grins. “Thank you. It’s been in the family for over one-hundred years now.”
Journee waves shyly. “Aunt Phily, I can’t pick.”
“Duty calls ladies,” I excuse myself from their conversation as I join Journee by the glass window housing the flavors. Ten minutes of agonizing decision making later, we make the short walk to Joiners. I unlock the front, and turn on the lights.
“Welcome to my legacy,” I hold my arms up, and the girls laugh.
“Aunt Phily, can I look around?” Journee asks.
“As long as it’s with your eyes and not your hands.”
“What about the colors though?” She points to the paint swatches.
I laugh. “With those you can knock yourself out.”
She skips over to the display.
Story snickers. “I wish I got so happy about such a small thing.”
“Me too girl. While you’re here, can I show you some potential plans for expansion?”
“Of course.”
I bring her around the counter and pull out a drawer that has my notepad full of notes and pricing quotes. Biting my tongue, I let her look things over in peace.
“I think this is a great idea. You always bring new life to everything you touch.”
“Huh. I never thought of it that way.”
“Because you always downplay what you do. It’s more than overseeing a build. You put the soul into a space. That’s a gift you can transform into whatever you do.”
“Gosh, Stor, you make me sound magical. Having you around is good for my ego.”
“I’m just holding up a mirror, babe. This place is pretty amazing so far.”
I wait for her to speak her mind.
“Before you run out of here, be sure it’s what you want. It’s only a prison if you let it be one. I know you’re disappointed and hurting, but holding on with all your heart is bad for you, body, mind, and soul.”
Story’s always been a little woo-woo, but that doesn’t mean she’s wrong.
Her advice has always been solid and from the heart.
It’s our differences that make our friendship special.
We challenge each other as much as we support each other.
She gets me out of my head, and I get her out of her heart.
Meeting in the middle helps us both stay grounded and see broader perspectives.