Chapter 25
Hazel
Today has been loomingin my mind and hoping for the best. It will crush Aiden if opening day doesn't go well and he barely slept last night. He might not verbalize that he's scared, but I can tell. He has put so much money and work into the store in the last four days, cramming most of everything over the weekend, and paying contractors extra to get stuff installed, and it's now time to see how it's going to play out.
"Good morning," I say, coming off the last step of the stairs and seeing him sitting on the couch. "Couldn't sleep?"
"Nope. Big day. Want to get there early and take one last look at the place before we open. Girls are scheduled to be there in an hour."
This is one of the instances where nothing I say is going to make it better, and opening day should be great. The Facebook event shows over four hundred people have said they are going to come check out the store today, and that's great. Aiden has so many things planned today, and has been receiving astounding engagement on his business page through social media. Amy has been handling most of it.
"It's going to be a wonderful day," I say, pouring my cup of coffee, and walking back into the living room. "I'll be by to check on you. I love you."
As I walk by him, he pulls me close to give me a kiss, and then sees me off at the front door. I wish I could go and take the day off, but we might receive a new case today, and that wouldn't help my chances at ever getting partner, so I decide to go ahead and go in. The traffic is minimal, and Jayden is waiting for me at the front door again.
"It's the big day. Is he nervous?"
"Didn't sleep. Poor guy."
"I'll post about the opening on my page, and see if I can send some people over there. I hope it does well. He's a good guy," Jayden says.
They haven't formally met each other, but he knows a little bit about Aiden and our past. Company parties involve booze and well regrets usually come up. "Thanks. The more people, the better."
There's nothing wrong with wanting him to succeed, especially since he moved from everything he knew to come out here. And yes, it wasn't to be with me, but I still suspect that had something to do with it. Even though he won't admit it.
I plop down in my office chair, and press the power button to boot up my computer, and take everything out of my briefcase while waiting. As much money as this firm makes and we still have outdated computers that could've used an upgrade a decade ago. The first ten minutes of my morning is waiting for it to come on so I can start my day. Ugh.
After going through and responding to all my emails, I go fill up my coffee cup, and try to see if Jayden has heard anything about a new case for today. I don't want to sound bitchy, but if we aren't getting one then I can take a couple hours off and go help with the opening. A part of me feels awful for not being there to support him, yet he knows how crucial making partner is to my career, and he wouldn't ever ask me to jeopardize that. That's why I love him. See, we support each other, and that's what makes our relationship flourish. Both of us have goals and push each other to achieve them without getting jealous or feeling left out. It makes a huge difference when you are with someone who is as driven as you are.
"So, any news on that case?" I ask Jayden, who is standing in line for a refill.
"Nope, haven't heard anything. Maybe this afternoon?"
"Well, I'm gettin’ out of here. Can you call me if you hear anything and I'll come back?"
He nods, and I go back to my office, grab my stuff, and head to the parking lot. If I hurry, I can make it before he officially opens. The car is put into drive, and I speed out of the lot onto the street without a care in the world. The world must be on my side because I don’t hit a single red light there, and pull up with five minutes to spare.
There is already a line waiting for us to open, and that makes me giddy. Aiden must be so excited. I knock on the door, and he lets me inside, and that’s when I see him sweating profusely.
“Are you okay, baby?”
“No, I am forgetting something.”
“What?”
“I don’t freaking know. I’ve been going through everything with the girls, but something seems off.”
His hands end up in mine, and I try to calm him down. “Well right now, there is a line of people waiting to see your bookstore. Aiden, you did it. You need to get out there, and welcome them inside.”
He takes a deep breath, before unlocking the door, and stepping outside. “Thank you for coming to the opening of Book Rebel. We hope that you like the changes and look forward to hearing your thoughts on how to make this your favorite bookstore. Come on in!”
The line files through the door, and split ways, some going downstairs, and the others making their way to the signs about new releases. You might think people are more apt to buy their books online because sometimes they are cheaper, but many want to be able to go to the store and receive it as soon as possible, not waiting two to seven days to receive it in the mail, and paying an extra dollar or two to a small business doesn’t faze them.
The girls are walking around asking if anyone needs help, and I’m staying toward the front to welcome any newcomers that wander inside. Amy has made some print outs that ask for feedback about the store and what they would like Book Rebel to incorporate into the store to make it more inclusive. Feedback is always good to get when you are looking to bring in more patrons to an establishment, and hone is on what they want. Sure, Aiden wants to appeal to the community, but he has to make money too.
The Colleen Hoover shelf is a huge hit with almost twenty women, standing and gawking at her incredible cover on her latest release. She’s one of those that I’ll read anything she writes, even if it’s not romance. Her voice is so appealing and she knows how to write wonderful characters and keep me intrigued until the end when the twist usually happens.
“We have a few signed books on a shelf near the counter, if you are interested.”