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While the ladies worked, the guys finished their game of pool, and, as predicted, Connor cleaned house. When they were done, Evan headed to the bar to place the shot order.
Connor didn’t know how Ev’s plan would go over—and didn’t care, if it meant more time with Abby. After spending the past two days at her shop, he realized that while they’d both changed, his feelings for her hadn’t.
Maybe it was time to see if those feelings were reciprocated.
Chapter Seven
Abby had scribbled more than a page of notes when the server delivered the second pitcher of margaritas. She hadn’t eaten since lunch, which explained the mild alcohol buzz. She grabbed another breadstick, pushing aside the pang of guilt from the additional carbs.
“When will Connor and Jace finish laying the floor?” Maddy asked.
“They should finish tomorrow,” Jenna said. “Connor mentioned there’s other work, like hanging light fixtures and assembling furniture, so I’d say two days max.”
“Let’s not forget the back area. It’s a disorganized mess,” Natalie piped up.
“We can help. You need an area for inventory, plus somewhere to store supplies used to make your products,” Emma said.
“I’d also suggest an area to ship orders,” Maddy added.
“Ship orders?” Abby asked. “Won’t they be coming into the store to make their purchases?”
“Sure, in the beginning. What happens after summer is over and people from out of town return home?” Emma said.
“You want customers to keep buying your products even if they can’t physically get to your store,” Maddy added.
Abby had learned product marketing in college and should have thought about this, but she’d focused on getting the storefront open and hadn’t considered offering options such as online purchases. Truth be told, there were so many things to think about as a business owner, it was easy to get overwhelmed.
“We created a website,” Abby said. “But it needs help.”
Maddy reached for Emma’s laptop, brought up the site, and cringed. “I can work on this. I helped refresh the Erickson Pier website and can get an online store set up for you.”
“There’s a lot we haven’t worked out yet,” Natalie said.
“No worries. That’s why we’re here.” Emma said.
“Why?” Abby asked before she could stop herself. “I was a bitch to you when I first moved back. I organized the protest to stop the Erickson Pier expansion. Why would you want to help me?”
“You raised valid points about the expansion,” Emma said. “And with help from Jace, Connor, and their dad, we found a better way to handle the expansion than taking up beach space.”
“But still…” Abby said.
Emma touched her forearm. “Really, Abby. No harm done. I promise. I consider you a friend and want to help.”
The other ladies at the table all voiced their agreement.
Abby was touched at the ease with which they could forgive and forget.
“I can’t tell you how much this means. I’m not good at asking for help,” Abby said.
“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell her,” Natalie added.
“Why don’t we come over tomorrow and see what needs to be done? It may seem overwhelming now, but it won’t seem as bad with a few extra hands,” Jenna said.
Although Abby wasn’t as convinced, she nodded and let her friends refill her margarita glass. She needed to eat before all the alcohol went to her brain. Thankfully, her shop and apartment were a half a block down the boardwalk, and she could stumble home.
“What do you say we order food?” Abby said.
“Did someone say food?” Connor said, followed by a group of guys, including Jason and Tyler, all carrying pizza pies, and Evan carrying a tray of shots.
