“You’re more important than them, baby.”
“I know. I’d just feel guilty if you did.”
Not wanting to push her, I nod. “Well, if you change your mind, just call me, okay? I’ll cancel anything if you need me. Period.”
She smiles. “Thank you. I appreciate that. I don’t know what I’d do without you. I’d probably be going more crazy than I already am.”
I reach my hand across the table, and when she grabs it, I bring her knuckles to my lips. “I’ll always be here for you.”
Her phone buzzes with a call, and I continue eating as she chats. Once she hangs up, she sets her cell down. “Cathy. My insurance lady. She wants to meet me to take pictures around eight thirty.”
“Gives you some more time to finish your coffee.”
“Mmm. You made it perfect, too.”
Everleigh finishes eating, then takes Sassy outside as I rinse the dishes. When she returns, she wraps her arms around my waist and squeezes. “I’m sorry if I’m not my usual happy self.”
I turn around so I can see her beautiful face. “Sweetheart, you don’t have to pretend that everything is okay around me. I know it’s not.”
“Thanks,” she tells me, and I press my lips to hers.
“You’re welcome, sweetheart. I know it’s a lot to deal with right now, but they say the comeback is always stronger than the setback.”
“Good because I don’t think I can deal with any more bullshit right now,” she groans. “My life has had enough excitement in the past six months to last me a lifetime. But there’s been some good that’s happened too. Mainly meeting you.”
“Glad I could be your sunshine on a cloudy day.”
She smirks. “Me too.”
“Want me to drop you off on my way out?” I offer since the shop isn’t that far from the agency. I know they’ll probably walk over there once the paperwork is done.
“Sure, I’ll finish getting ready.”
I fill my to-go mug full of coffee as I wait, and ten minutes later, we head out.
“Hope you have a good day, baby. Text or call if you need me. I’ll be back in a couple of hours,” I tell her when I drop her off. “Love you.”
She leans in for a quick kiss. “Love you too.”
Krystal will pay for playing this dirty little game, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure she’s caught. Everleigh doesn't deserve any of this, and it destroys me that she’s being targeted, but nothing will stop me from proving Krystal’s responsible.
Chapter Thirteen
EVERLEIGH
Since my shop was purposely set on fire a week ago, my life has been a clusterfuck. It took days before I was able to go inside and see the damage with my own eyes. All the video recordings from the company were sent to the police even though it doesn’t show who broke in. I’ve watched the footage several times, hoping that I’d see or catch something or someone, but whoever it is stayed in the shadows.
Once all the evidence has been collected for the investigation, I’m finally allowed to enter the building. I salvage everything I can before the renovation company arrives to clean up the rest. While I’d been inside a few times, I couldn’t stay for long periods because it was too upsetting.
I’ve asked my employees to come in today so we can go through some more things together. It’s their first time back since I closed. Before they arrive, I pick up donuts and a gallon box of to-go coffee. I put on my respirator mask before going inside, then open the front doors. They arrive right on time.
“Hey, boss,” Lexie says with Heidi and Dana next to her, and I say hello to everyone.
“So what’s the plan today?” Heidi asks, grabbing a Boston Cream.
“I was thinking we’d pull clothes racks out and set them up in the parking lot. A big Everything Must Go sale.”
Heidi takes a big bite. “Are you marking everything down?”
I nod. “Yep, as soon as we have everything set up, I’ll post on Instagram and Facebook. I’ll add a disclaimer that the items will need to be washed before they wear them, but I believe most of the stuff in the front is still in good condition. But I need you guys to wear these respirators when you go inside.”
Dana stands quietly to the side, not saying much of anything.
We put on our masks and get to work. Thankfully, the weather is absolutely perfect with no chance of rain.
After a few hours, the restoration company arrives with a huge dumpster and unloads it in the parking lot behind the shop.
“Wow,” one of the women says, looking in the back room. “There’s nothing left but ash. I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you. It’s been hard to deal with, but now that you’re here, maybe we’ll be able to get it lookin’ new again.”
“We’ll do our best.” She smiles.
I watch as they start shoveling rubble into garbage bags before tossing them out. It’s progress, at least, but it makes me sad as hell. I’ve put so much time, sweat, and money into my shop, and now it feels like I’m starting over again.
I was stupid to think everything would go back to normal after Natasha because whoever did this may be an even bigger monster than her. I’ve been wondering if Krystal is somehow behind them in an attempt to get back at Archer, but I don’t know how she’d manage to get in and out without being seen on my cameras.
When lunchtime rolls around, I order pizza for the girls and me. We take a quick break and eat.
“Do you know how long it’s going to take them to remodel?” Heidi asks.
“Not sure. They said it could be as quick as a month or as long as six.”
“Damn,” Lexie adds. “That’s way too long.”
“I know,” I say, sighing. “But I’ve requested to choose my own contractor, and my agent said they’d need quotes. So, I’m gonna beg Noah to submit a bid for the job even though he’s booked solid.”
“That’d be amazing,” Lexie says.
“And he’d bust ass for you,” Heidi adds.
Dana stays quiet, and we all notice.
“What’s up with you?” Lexie finally asks her when the pizza box is empty.
“Sorry, nothing. Just got a lot on my mind at the moment.” She forces a smile. “You know how it can be.”
“Oh yeah, I get that,” I reply, but the conversation ends there. If she wanted us to know what she’s going through, she’d tell us.
Another hour passes, and the parking lot is full of clothing racks. Though they smell like smoke, the discount I’m offering makes up for how many times they’ll have to wash the fabric.
“Are y’all ready for the crowd?” I posted the announcement on Instagram and Facebook, then sent out a quick newsletter too.
“Yep, bring it on!” Lexie cheers.
Within five minutes, my loyal customers show up and begin grabbing things.
I have my cash register app on my phone, so we set up a small table at the front of the building so they can use their credit cards.
“I’m sorry, I don’t have any bags,” I tell Mrs. Ferguson, who has a huge pile of clothes in her arms.