I thank them and hang up. I feel a little better, but that conversation was still disappointing. I thought they would be able to help right away. A few customers come in. I’m a little nervous but I see that none of them are the guy from the auction.
The store gets pretty busy over the next couple of hours. The work distracts me from my fears and keeps me from moping about Andrew. It’s been a really busy and productive day.
During the next break between customers, I close the shop so I can grab a quick bite to eat. I decide to add up the profits a little early and I’m proud to see that I’ve made an impressive amount for the day. I’m kind of sad that I have no one to share the news with. I try not to let that bother me and go back to being happy about how much money I made.
As I finish my lunch I wonder if there are other changes I can make to the store to bring in more money. I start to wonder if these are the thoughts Andrew has about his business. I should have let him help. He seems more knowledgeable about this stuff than I am.
Chapter 16
Andrew
That afternoon I’m enjoying myself at happy hour with Brian and James. Brian is gulping drinks like he doesn’t have to work. James and I are taking our time enjoying ours. Brian pats me on the back.
“I’m glad you finally got Sheila out of your head long enough to join us for a drink,” he jokes. He already sounds drunk. I just smirk at him and sip my drink.
“Make your jokes, but little do you know that Sheila actually called me back,” I reply.
I feel smug as I tell them that. Brian looks at me impressed, but James looks puzzled.
“Hold on, you mean to tell me that you are here drinking with us instead of out getting laid by this woman that you can’t shut up about?” he asks.
Brian starts laughing and almost chokes on his drink. I shrug and try to stay calm about it all.
“Look…” I start explaining my new way of thinking to James. “I wear my heart on my sleeve too much. That was my mistake. I was too eager to be with her that I ended up trying too hard. I need to step back and be cool like a man. I need to let her sweat it out a little.”
I say this as I sip my drink. I finish it and order another one. I look at the menu and wonder if I should order a little snack as well.
Brian and James look at each other then back at me. James orders us more drinks and I agree to chip in for some appetizers.
“I don’t think what you’re doing is such a good idea,” he says to me.
“Oh? Why is that?” I ask.
I have a lot of confidence that my plan will work.
The waitress brings our food and drinks.
Brian eats and listens to us talk. This is not unusual of him.
“Well, I once had a woman. She was the only one I cared about and wanted to be with. I thought it would be a good idea to do what you’re doing and… let’s say it didn’t work out so well,” he says, while eating some of the food.
“What do you mean?” Brian and I ask at the same time.
James and I look at Brian in surprise. We didn’t think he was paying attention.
James turns his attention back to me.
“I’m saying that by the time I realized what I did, it was too late. My plan drove her into the arms of someone else. I lost my chance at being with her. Think about what you’re doing,” he cautions me.
He turns to Brian and they make plans to get together and golf this weekend. Brian invites me to join them if I’m not too busy with work.
I shrug.
“I might. I’ll check my schedule and let you know,” I reply.
He shrugs and goes back to his conversation with James. I’m too busy concentrating to do what he told me. I want to take his advice to heart. I honestly don’t want to lose Sheila. I’ve just met her, but I can’t picture my world without her. Maybe I should do something to let her know how I feel about her.
I gulp my drink and order another. Brian looks at me in concern. They don’t exclude me from their conversation but give me room to have my thoughts as well.
As I sip my drink, I sigh. This is going to be difficult. I’m not used to being the one to do the chasing. I’ve also never felt this strongly about any other woman, so I can’t just give up.