Page 37 of This Time Around

“Luke, look at this place!” my cheeks hurt from smiling. “This is perfect. It’s small, intimate. It has hardwood floors like I imagined, and the exposed bricks and the pipes give it an industrial vibe.”

“It’s absolutely perfect, baby. I think the best part is the storybook window in the front. It would be the perfect place to put a bench seat. I can build you one.” The look in his eyes was genuine and loving.

Ever since I put in the offer, I can envision it. It all comes alive in my head: a cozy space that serves as both a spicy bookstore and a bar, blending the best of both worlds, and creating a place where people can come and truly escape the grind of day-to-day life. The warm, hardwood floors and exposed brick walls create a home away from home. Shelves lined with books will accompany cozy reading nooks scattered throughout the room, perfect for curling up with a novel and a drink. The centerpiece is a whimsical bar, round in the center, with warm lights casting a glow off the glass shelves. The air is filled with the rich aroma of spiked coffee and the subtle notes of wine floating through the air, creating the perfect setting to host a book club, get lost in a book, or socialize with other readers. A place where I can truly unleash my most exotic mixology creations.

Thankfully, the space is charming on its own, and the only real construction that needs to be done is building a bar in the center of the room. My biggest undertaking is stocking the book inventory.

With more excitement than I can contain, I pick up the phone to call Luke. I know he’s at work, but he knows I’ve been waiting for this call.

“Hey, B,” he says with a smile in his voice.

“I got it! The owner loved my business plan and said I can start sending contractors over on Monday.”

“Shit! That’s amazing, baby. L&L will be up and running sooner than you thought! I’m so fucking proud of you, baby.”

“Right? This is like a dream. Listen, I’m going to see if Ana and April want to go get dinner and celebrate. Hopefully April will come.” I sigh. “Then I’m going to pick up dessert and bring it to the hospital so I can celebrate with you.”

“I can’t wait, but trust me, there will be plenty of celebrating when I get home.” His voice is spiked with heat.

The thought makes my knees weak. “B, I’m so proud of you,” he professes one last time, before we hang up.

Phone still in hand, I type out a message to Ana and April, holding my breath as I hit send, hoping April will at least respond. After she walked in on Luke and me, she had been really standoffish. I don’t blame her, I would be mad too. I tried calling her like crazy after she left. After many failed attempts, I showed up at her apartment, and made her talk to me, but there is a distance there I hate so much.

To my surprise, April responded just a few minutes before I got to the burger bar and let me know she would be here. Even after our short conversation she’s still upset. I can’t really blame her, it’s not even the idea of us being together that’s putting her in a funk. She’s just worried we’re going to crash and burn the second there is tension, but we are stronger, I know it.

Ana and I are already at the table when she walks in, a bright yellow bag in hand, her face impassive.

“I can’t believe you did it!” Ana continues as April pulls out the chair next to me. She leans over and gives me a hug and places a soft kiss on my temple.

“It really is amazing. Tell me all about it,” she urges.

I’m pleasantly surprised by her warm demeanor.

“Hey,” I return the hug, though brief. “I’m glad you came. I wasn't sure you would.”

“Why?” She looks at me like she hasn’t the faintest idea.

“Um… you’ve been pissed at me and we barely speak.”

“We can have our differences and still be there to support each other,” she reassures me. “I’m proud as fuck of you, even though I’m mad at you. Let’s not talk about it right now, though.”

I nod, not wanting to ruin the night. She and I can have it out some other time. Tonight, I just want to stuff my face with burgers and celebrate with my two best friends.

We each opted for all you can eat. A love for burgers is something we all have in common.

“How did you find this place?” Ana asks, shoving fries into her mouth.

“Luke suggested it after we ran into each other at the bookstore.” I wince, not wanting to make April uncomfortable.

“Don’t do that,” she sounds annoyed. “Either date my brother and be confident in it, or don’t.”

You could cut the tension with a knife, so Ana interjects just in time.

“Alright, so what are your plans for the store?” Ana interrupts, changing the subject.

My voice is unsteady as my throat constricts, fighting back the emotion building behind my words. I start off quiet, but the more I tell them all about the space, I find myself lost in the excitement, almost forgetting April’s words, almost.

“I really want it to be a cozy place people can go to escape, and fall into a book after they buy it.”