Page 16 of Jaxson

“I’m sorry, my whole life for the past couple of years has been this place. Mom nearly ran it into the ground because she refused to understand computers. She handed it to me, when it was close to be taken away.” She sighed. “I know she meant well, in her own way, but I’ve not really had time to date, and no one has been knocking at my door hoping to snatch me up. Why? Have you been asked on a date?”

She could lie, but Tillie hated to lie.

“Yes.”

Kate gasped and walked over to her. “Oh, my, you have. That is amazing. Who has asked you?”

“Jaxson Riggs,” she said.

Kate’s mouth dropped open as there was real surprise there. “Wow.”

“Yeah, wow,” she said, trying not to wince.

“That is amazing.”

“But you’re shocked,” Tillie said.

“Well, just because he is so gruff, and, well, you know, and yeah, I’m, uh...” she petered off and didn’t quite finish.

Tillie groaned. “You think this is a bad idea.”

“No, I don’t. I don’t think that at all. Far from it. Jaxson’s an ... interesting man.”

“Why do you keep hesitating?” Tillie asked.

“Because you know his reputation, right? He has been with a lot of women, and he’s always so mean.”

“Mean?”

“Yeah, he doesn’t have any time for anyone, and he’s not the nicest guy. I’m just a little shocked.”

“I like him.”

“And that is all that counts. You shouldn’t listen to me. I’ve never been on a date and I don’t know what I’m talking about.” Kate reached over and put her hands on hers. “Come on, does he give you butterflies?”

“Yes.”

“And do you look forward to seeing him when he’s not around?”

“Yes.”

“And are you excited about this date?”

“Yes, I am.”

“So, there you go. You don’t have to keep overthinking it, and don’t take my initial reaction to mean anything. People change. Other people can bring the absolute best out in each other, and another person can bring out the worst, so don’t go thinking about me and my reaction. Mine means nothing.” She smiled at her.

“I’m nervous. I don’t know what to wear. I don’t know what to do.”

“Just be yourself, Tillie. You’re an amazing person. Honestly, you’ve helped me out with this place so much. You got me on my feet, and I was able to make this place work.” Kate reached over the counter and hugged her. “You deserve so much happiness.”

Her friend kissed her cheek.

Belle perked up, lifting her head.

“This heat is crazy, though, right?” Kate asked. “I had to put the AC on. I had this horrible feeling that if I didn’t, my fabric was going to catch fire.”

“It has been hot.”