Nick nodded, clearly enjoying the wine. “She’s right. A lot of times, people give to get. Even if it looks generous, there’s an internal motivation no one else was aware of. You and your brothers should be really proud of the work you’re doing.”
They had BBQ steaks with prawn skewers, the wine was fantastic, the company entertaining and funny. But Wes couldn’t get Nick’s comment out of his head. What was Wes’s motivation for the choices he’d made? Was it selfish? He didn’t think so. When he’d talked to his mother, she’d been completely on board with the investment in the San Verde Square. In fact, she was thrilled to be designing a living space directly above Hailey’s store. Once he figured out how to tell his brothers, they’d have the office space they wanted. Hailey’s and Tara’s rent was safe. It was a win-win all the way around.
So, why did he feel guilty for not telling the people who mattered most to him?
37
May
The buzz of saws and banging of hammers made it hard to hear the customers. Hailey leaned in, asked the woman to repeat herself. According to Tara, the owner of their shops was renovating the upstairs space for a variety of purposes. She never knew how Tara got all the good gossip but figured it might have to do with being around longer. Or more employees with their ears to the ground.
Once things quieted down, she left Bryce and Leo in charge, going next door to meet up with Everly, Grace, and a friend of Grace’s. Everly had texted earlier that morning and asked if she could join them for coffee and brownies.
The bakery was still bustling with the end of the afternoon rush and it hit Hailey that she no longer had reason to envy the flow of customers. Tara waved from the counter, then pointed toward the back. Folk music played from the speakers. It would be so lovely if they had outdoor patios. With the summer temperatures starting, she could imagine how nice it would be to have the outdoor element.
Grace, her friend, and Everly were tucked in a back corner near a display of quirky items for sale. There were mini coffee cups, little glam bags with BAKED written in gold across the front.
Grace stood, gave Hailey a hug when she arrived at the table. Everly smiled at her as she sat down.
“This is my best friend, Rosie.” Grace pointed to the other woman.
With dark curls surrounding a cherub-like face boasting a bright-red-lipstick-painted smile, she was immediately likable. Hailey shook hands with her across the table.
“Nice to meet you.”
“You too. I’ve heard lots about you,” Rosie said.
“Most of it is probably true,” Hailey said, wincing.
Grace playfully swatted her. “All good things.”
Everly laughed, nodding. “Mostly,” she said quietly.
Hailey laughed. She’d noticed that each time she saw the radio show producer, she was a little more open. Wes had explained the story of how she and Chris got together. Having gotten to know Everly a bit now, she couldn’t imagine how hard it would have been for this woman to go on a bunch of basically blind dates.
“You own the salad shop next door?” Rosie asked.
Hailey picked up the coffee Grace had already ordered for her, took a sip. A loud clang from upstairs interrupted her answer. They all glanced at the ceiling.
“The new owner is renovating. The salad shop is my business but we don’t own the space.”
Rosie nodded. “I’d love to get up there and see what they’re doing.”
Grace grinned, using a fork for her brownie. “Rosie and I are both designers. We’ve been working together on several projects.”
“That’s exciting for you guys. By the Cup was a sub shop before I moved in so most of it was ideally set up but I got to pick out my furniture and accents. I enjoyed it but I don’t have an eye for those details.” She gestured to Grace. “Your house is so beautifully decorated. I can’t even imagine pulling that all together.”
She took a drink as Grace said, “You won’t have to worry about it. When you and Wes buy a place, Rosie and I will take charge. Trust me. We’re not subtle. Everly already knows I’m barreling full steam ahead when she and Chris finally choose a place.”
Hailey choked on her coffee. She coughed loudly, wishing the renovations upstairs could drown her out now. Grace rubbed her back.
“Are you okay?” Everly asked, a small smirk playing on her lips. “Grace, you nearly killed her with the ‘buying a house’ comment.”
Hailey nodded, set her coffee down. “I’m fine.” She tried clearing her throat, doing her best to catch her breath.
Grace smiled. “What? Noah said he’s never seen Wes so happy. It’s not a stretch at this point in our lives that the people we’re with are the ones we’re choosing.” Grace angled herself on the bench seat to look more fully at Hailey. “You are totally in love with Wes, so don’t even deny it.”
Hailey couldn’t help but laugh. “I haven’t actually said a thing.”
Rosie’s laugh was loud and fun. “Never mind Gracie. She sometimes forgets she’s not a wedding planner.”
Giddy nerves tickled Hailey’s ribs. “Wes and I have only been dating for a few months.”
“Not everyone is okay with jumping in headfirst,” Everly said to Grace affectionately.
Hailey bit her tongue. Oh, she’d jumped and landed. But that didn’t mean she and Wes would be advancing their relationship that soon. If she knew him, and she was pretty sure she did, he’d have a carefully designed schedule for where their relationship was headed. And because what Grace said was true—she did love him—she wasn’t entirely sure she was ready to unearth his plans. Because what if they were entirely different than the dreams she envisioned when she slept beside him at night?
“Trust me, the only thing I did with my head when I met Noah was butt it against his,” Grace said with a scoff.
“I can attest to that,” Rosie added.
The women entertained her with stories of Noah and Grace becoming neighbors. By the time she went back to the shop, she felt like she was floating. There was something incredibly empowering about having a group of women in her life who cared about her happiness and success. Women who realized that hers didn’t impact theirs. She’d wanted so much to dish about Wes but it didn’t feel right. He was private and more reserved than his brothers. What they had was theirs.
Leo was sweeping the floor when she returned. Bryce was wiping down tables. The pounding upstairs continued.
“Hey guys. How’d closing go?” She locked the door behind her.
“Good. It was busy today,” Bryce said. “There was a phone call about a possible dinner delivery tonight. You had nothing else on the calendar so I said yes.”
Leo looked up. His dark hair had grown long enough to fall over one eye. “We were going to make the salads after we do this then Bryce said he can deliver.”
“You guys finish up here. I’ll take care of the orders and delivery.”
“You sure?” Bryce asked.
She nodded. “Of course. If I haven’t told you guys already, you’re doing an awesome job and I’m so glad to have you guys working here.”
Both of the boys sort of ducked their heads, averted their eyes, and mumbled something appreciative and complimentary in response.
Hailey laughed, washing her hands before pulling on her apron. “Mushy moment over. Finish up and get out of here.”
It didn’t take long to make the salads despite the order being for twenty. They’d only ordered two types. She wasn’t sorry she’d let the catering jobs go but she was surprised by how many companies wanted the convenience of take-out for their employees. Pleasantly surprised. She packed up the orders, loaded them in her SUV, and dialed Wes on the way to the business section of town.
“I was just thinking of you,” Wes said into the phone.
Happiness warmed her skin. “That’s nice to hear.”
“I’m just about to head into a meeting. Did you want to come by later?” She heard muted sounds in the background.
“Absolutely. I just have a delivery then I’m heading home. Maybe call me when you’re done?”
“Sounds good.”
Hanging up, she was grateful for time to go home, shower, and change. She’d spilled olive oil on her jeans when the container slipped while she was making dressing. Fortunately, they were mostly work jeans so she wasn’t too worried that the stain was unlikely to come out. She pulled into the large, nondescript parking lot. It was one of those multibusiness places. Bryce’s instructions said second floor, 217. A security guard saw her coming and held the door for her.
“Thank you,” she said, giving him an appreciative smile.
“No problem. Where you headed?” He walked toward the elevator, glancing at her.
“217.”
He nodded, pressed the up arrow. “CoreTech.” He pointed to the ceiling then stretched his arm out. “Get out, turn right, go down to the end of the hall.”