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“I haven’t eaten either. You shower and I’ll order us dinner. The restaurant here just opened, and I grabbed a menu. You’ll feel better in no time.” She headed toward the door, then turned back. “Thanks, Jack. I really screwed up.”
He gave her a tired smile. “No, you didn’t. It was an accident. Besides, I learned all kinds of new stuff about the nursery today. Now I’m an expert.”
She flashed him a brilliant smile that almost made the whole ordeal worth it, then walked out the door. With an exhausted groan, Jack trudged toward the shower.
* * *
The next day passed in a flurry of activity for Sara. Her advertising efforts were paying off. The spa was booked solid most days now, and they had recently hired Evie, one of Selena’s recruits, who was also trained to perform manicures and pedicures. Sara’s packed schedule prevented her from ruminating over the conversation with Alex that had started the day. He had accepted her apology with grace, showing no signs of anger, but she still felt terrible. She’d had lunch with Hope, who confirmed that Alex didn’t hate her.
“Any more than usual, at least,” Sara had said with a smirk.
“Do you hate him?”
“Of course not!”
Hope shrugged. “That’s how he feels. I don’t begin to understand why you two enjoy circling around each other, swiping with a front paw once in a while. You both enjoy picking at each other, yet you’d be mortified if the other actually did think less of you.”
Sara sighed. “Before this disaster, I would have said it was because I had the upper hand. I only want the best for you, and he knows that. But I think I just leveled the playing field.”
“As the wholly impartial person caught in the middle, I think that’s a good thing.”
Now, as Sara scanned the appointment book, she sighed heavily, her mind back on work.
“What’s got you down in the dumps?” Selena asked. “The schedule is full!”
Sara smiled at her. “I know. It’s a good thing. I just wish we had more room to expand.”
Selena panned around the area. “Don’t know how we could do that. Unless we move the reception somewhere else. But how would that work?”
“It wouldn’t. We’ll just have to be happy with what we’ve got.”
That was the problem, and shame twisted her gut. She wasn’t happy with what they had. Hope has been so good to me! How can I tell her managing a tiny spa isn’t what I want? She wants to spend her money expanding the resort and the bungalows, not the spa. Stop being ungrateful, Sara!
But she couldn’t help imagining the possibilities of a larger facility, with more staff and more offerings. Her dream...
CHAPTER 22
Laughter rang out around the table and Sara couldn’t help joining in, even though she was the subject. This time, Hope and her friend Cindy had joined Selena, April, and herself for drinks at Charlie’s.
April sat back in her chair with a grin. “When I told you to date Jack if you thought he was so hot, I didn’t think you’d actually take me up on it.”
“I’m never one to give advice I’m not willing to follow myself.”
“You’re luckier than me, that’s for sure,” Selena said.
Hope leaned forward. “You two didn’t exactly hit it off, but I think you make a great couple.”
Sara grinned back. “Oh, be quiet. You don’t get a vote. You’re married to a Greek god who cracks walnuts with his pecs.”
The laughter increased as Hope sat back, pressing her lips together primly. “Be nice, Sara. I do too get a vote. And I’ll have you know I’ve never seen him crack anything bigger than pecans.”
“It must be genetic,” Cindy said. Since the wedding, she’d had several of her thin black braids dyed bright blue, and they looked spectacular against her ebony skin. “You two move here and find great men right away. I’ve been lookin’ for years.”
“Does Jack have any brothers?” Selena asked.
“Yes. He has two sisters and three brothers, but they live in Texas. Sorry, ladies.”
“Wow,” Hope said. “That’s a whole lotta siblings.”
