Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen
Randi fluffed her hair and smirked as she looked into the bathroom mirror. “I should’ve worn it back today.” She shrugged and went into the living room to get her things together to go to work. It had been a strange weekend but it had ended well.
After she and Eden finished brunch yesterday, they’d walked around the plaza.
Window shopping was something they loved to do together and would stop in the various stores to amble along the aisles.
Randi was glad Eden had shown up at her apartment yesterday, even though it was a bit awkward at first. By the end of the afternoon they were back to the friendship they both valued.
There was that one moment when Eden stared into Randi’s eyes and she felt like she could see into her heart.
That wasn’t unusual, but Randi was afraid of what Eden might see so she looked away.
Randi’s phone started to ring in her purse. She dug around until she finally found it and smiled as she saw Cari’s face on the screen. “Good morning.”
“Hey there,” Cari said. “Who’s getting coffee this morning?”
“Uh, it’s my turn.”
“I’ll meet you there. I’m walking out the door.”
“Okay,” Randi said as the line went dead. She chuckled, grabbed her purse and satchel, then walked out the door.
Traffic was light and a few minutes later Randi walked into the coffee shop. She saw Cari standing off to the side, waiting to order. She smiled when she saw Randi and walked towards her.
“Is this a distraction?” Randi asked.
“It certainly is.” Cari chuckled. “I know Eden meets Tennie here some mornings so why not you and me this morning.”
“That sounds like a date.” Randi raised her brows. “We can’t do that.”
“We’re friends, getting coffee and going to the office.”
Randi followed Cari up to the counter and placed her order. Once they stepped aside she turned to Cari. “I didn’t think you like coffee.”
“I don’t, but Eden told me about these blended drinks with one shot of espresso that taste like a coffee milkshake. I may like coffee more than I thought.”
Randi chuckled. “Yeah, Eden likes the specialty drinks. Are you coming to the office with me?”
“Is that okay?”
“Of course it is,” Randi said. “Eden and I are planning an author event for you. We can go over our ideas and get you ready for it.”
“Great.” Cari sighed. “For some reason, knowing you and Eden are planning this takes some of my anxiety away.”
“Good.” Randi smiled. “You’ll be prepared and calm before you know it.”
Cari tilted her head. “I thought Eden was on the money side of things.”
“She is, but she has a working relationship with the owner of the book store,” Randi explained.
She took a moment to study Cari. “I don’t know exactly what this thing is supposed to look like.
” She pointed between the two of them. “But I work with Eden and she’s my best friend, so I will be seeing her. ”
“Of course you will, but you’ll be seeing me too.” Cari smiled.
Their names were called and they picked up their order.
“I’ll see you at the office,” Cari said, walking out the door.
Randi walked to her car and carefully put the drinks in the console.
She wouldn’t call Cari a distraction, but she had a feeling they would be seeing a lot more of each other.
Randi liked Cari but she wasn’t so sure about this newfound friendship.
However, navigating the boundaries of their working relationship would certainly keep Randi’s mind off Eden.
When she got to the office she heard voices in Eden’s office.
“Hey,” Randi said, holding up the coffee cups.
“I heard you were on your way.” Eden smiled. “Oh, your hair looks great today.”
“Thanks.” Randi smiled. “I started to pull it back this morning but changed my mind.”
“It looks cute like that,” Eden said. “You know I like it down.”
Randi smirked.
“Ahem.” Cari was sitting in the chair opposite Eden’s desk. “I beat you here.”
“You did,” Randi replied.
“I was just about to tell Cari about game night,” Eden said.
“Game night?” Analise walked in and smiled.
“Yeah, Eden wants to have game night for one of her dates,” Randi said.
“Gabi.” Eden raised her brows.
“From the pitch a friend thing?” Analise asked.
“Yes, none of her friends like to play games and she loves it,” Eden said. “Randi and Cari are invited and so are you, Analise.”
“So it’s another group date, but Eden will have a different partner,” Analise said.
“How about we call it a friends get-together instead of a group date?” Eden suggested.
“Hmm, this will give us a chance to meet another one of your dates,” Analise said. “I like Tennie, by the way.”
“Oh, are we voting for the ones we like best for Eden?” Cari asked. “Kelly was a lot of fun at the bar that night. Have you heard from her?”
“She’s been out of town,” Eden replied.
“I missed that one,” Analise said.
Randi glanced at Eden and thought she looked a little uncomfortable. “I guess we’re playing games,” she said.
“I’m in,” Cari said.
“Let me know when and where,” Analise said.
“Now that we have that settled shall we discuss Cari’s author event?” Randi asked, hoping to change the subject.
“Yes,” Eden replied eagerly. Randi could see the relief on her face. “Let’s go into your office.”
Cari and Analise walked out and Randi started to follow them when Eden grabbed her arm. “Sorry about all the date talk,” she said. “I know it’s not your favorite topic.”
So that’s what caused Eden’s anxiety. Randi smiled and appreciated Eden’s thoughtfulness. “It’s okay. I really don’t mind. As long as it’s not our fault when Gabi dumps you because of your friend choices.”
Eden laughed. “My friends are the best. She’ll find out.”
“I told you they were invested,” Randi said.
“I mean,” Eden muttered.
Randi chuckled and led the way across the hall to her office.
Later that afternoon, Randi was working on marketing materials for Cari’s author event when movement in her doorway caught her attention.
“Hey,” Eden said. “Are you about to finish for the day?”
Randi glanced back at the screen and shrugged. “I could be. Why?”
“Ginger is working this evening at The Plot Twist and I thought we could stop by,” Eden explained. “I can introduce you to her and show you where we’ve done the other author signings.”
Randi smiled. “As many times as I’ve been to that bookstore you’d think I would’ve met Ginger by now.”
“I know,” Eden replied. “I guess it’s because we usually go on weekends and haven’t caught her there.”
“I want to see what we’re working with so I can get some promotional materials ready,” Randi said. “I know this is my first author event and HLR has hosted many, but maybe I’ll have some fresh ideas.”
Eden grinned. “You always do. Let me know when you’re ready.”
Randi looked back at her screen, made a few tweaks to the image she was working with, and saved her work. When she reached to put her phone in her purse it sounded with a text.
Are you doing anything after work?
Randi smiled at the text and shook her head. Before she could reply Cari added.
With Eden?
Randi chuckled and responded.
We’re going by the bookstore so I can meet the owner and look at the layout.
Hmm, should I meet you there?
It would help with my anxiety.
Will it? Or is this another distraction?
Randi watched as the three bubbles disappeared then reappeared as Cari replied to her text.
Don’t forget that you’re helping me, too.
Randi softened with the realization that Cari must be thinking of her ex. She immediately replied.
See you there.
It’s off Main St, 432 Eighth.
She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. Randi knew her feelings for Eden would ease. She didn’t need Cari’s distraction for that, but she was reminded that Cari was dealing with a breakup that was proving more challenging than she thought. Cari was a new friend and Randi would be there for her.
Randi walked across the hall and nearly bumped into Eden. They both laughed.
“I guess you’re ready?” Randi asked.
“Yeah, follow me.”
“Hey, Cari is joining us there.”
Eden stopped and turned around to look at Randi. “She is?”
“Yeah, she just texted and wondered what we were doing after work,” Randi explained. “Author signings make her nervous, so showing her around the space could help with that.”
Eden nodded and they continued down the hall.
“Plus, I think this breakup is affecting her more than she’s letting on,” Randi said.
“Hmm, maybe we should introduce her to someone,” Eden suggested.
“She’s got us,” Randi replied.
“You know what I mean,” Eden said. “Maybe she needs a healthy physical distraction.”
Randi raised her brows. “Oh yeah? Hmm, maybe I could help her with that.”
Eden whirled around with fire in her eyes. “Randi Powell—”
Randi couldn’t keep from laughing and Eden deflated in front of her eyes.
“You are so bad!” Eden exclaimed.
Randi chuckled. “That’s why you love me.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Eden muttered, getting into her car. “I’ll see you at the bookstore.”
Randi was still laughing when she pulled out of the parking lot and headed to The Plot Twist. Twenty minutes later she walked into the bookstore to find Eden talking with someone at the front counter.
“Here she is.” Eden smiled as Randi walked up. “This is Randi Powell.”
“Hi, I’m Ginger Baird.”
Randi reached out and shook Ginger’s hand. “You have such beautiful hair.”
“Isn’t it,” Eden agreed.
Ginger smiled shyly.
“She’s a sucker for a redhead.” Eden smirked, gesturing towards Randi with her thumb.
“Eden!” Randi exclaimed. “I’m sorry, Ginger. That was inappropriate.”
“Not at all,” Ginger replied. “Thank you.”
Randi smiled then gave Eden a menacing look. As far as first impressions went Randi did not think this one was going well.
“I feel like I already know you,” Ginger said. “I’m always asking Eden what the two of you have been up to and she shares your latest escapades.”
Eden chuckled, looking at Randi. “You’re always getting me to try something new and there’s usually a good story that goes with it.”
Randi smiled. “I don’t guess we’ve done anything exciting lately.”
“You taught me how to two-step.”
Randi turned to see Cari smiling as she joined them.
“We did,” Randi said. “Ginger, this is Cari DeWare. We are so excited to welcome her to Hook, Line & Reader.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Ginger said. “I’ve read several of your books. We can't wait to host you here at the bookstore.”
Cari smiled and nodded. “Thank you. I’m happy to be here.” She looked at Eden. “I hope you don’t mind me tagging along tonight.”
“Not at all,” Eden said. “This is all about you.”
“Let me show you around,” Ginger said.
They followed Ginger around the store and Randi listened as Eden explained how they’d done other author events.
As they walked back up to the front Randi stopped and gazed around the space.
“I was wondering if instead of having the tables set up in the back maybe we could do it in this part of the store,” she said, holding her arms out wide.
“We’d have a large sign at the entrance reminding customers about the event, but they simply have to look and they’ll see all the action happening right here. ”
Randi could see Ginger and Eden looking around the area so she continued. “Setting up here won’t stop the flow of traffic through the store, but it’s noticeable and maybe customers who don’t know about the event will be curious and want to find out more.”
“I could move this set of tables over this way which should give you room to set up a place for Cari to sign,” Ginger said. “Or we could clear these tables and use them for Cari’s books.”
“Oh, that would be good!” Eden exclaimed.
“I think so, too,” Ginger replied.
Randi turned to Cari. “What do you think?”
Cari’s brows crept up her forehead. “I think you are the marketing experts. I will sit and sign books and talk to readers wherever you tell me to.”
Randi chuckled. “I’m glad we have your trust.”
“Oh, you do.” Cari smiled and winked at Randi.
Randi grinned and was about to walk towards the front when she noticed the look on Eden’s face. She could see surprise and a bit of dismay.
Randi leaned in as Eden walked beside her and quietly said, “What?”
“Nothing,” Eden said.
When they got back to the front counter, Randi continued to explain her vision of how she wanted the placard at the front of the store to direct traffic to where Cari would be signing books.
“I like this,” Ginger said. “I think it makes more sense than the way we’ve done them in the past. The authors are kind of hidden in the back of the store because there’s more room there. But we can certainly make this area more inviting and hopefully draw in more readers.”
“That’s the idea,” Randi said. “We want them to buy books, and also get a chance to meet and interact with Cari.”
“I plan to put a promo on the bookstore’s website and send it to our newsletter followers,” Ginger said.
“Great,” Randi replied. “I’ll email you several promos to choose from or you can use them all.”
“Perfect,” Ginger said.
“Did you have any other questions?” Eden asked.
“I don’t think so,” Randi said. “If I do, can I call you?”
“Of course,” Ginger said. “Here’s my card.”
Randi took the card and also gave one to Cari. “All good?” she asked her.
Cari nodded. “I really like your store, Ginger. Thanks for having me.”
“We’re happy to have you.” Ginger smiled.
They said their goodbyes and once they were outside the bookstore Randi asked Cari, “What do you think?”
“I think I’d like to stop in that bar right over there and buy you two a drink.”
Randi followed Cari’s gaze and saw a small bar in the corner of the shopping plaza. She looked at Eden and smiled. “I’m in. How about you?”
Eden nodded. “Let’s go.”
Randi followed behind them and couldn’t quite place the vibe she was getting from Eden. Something felt off, but this wasn’t the first time she’d felt that way lately.