“Listen, Cash texts me now and then.” Truth. “We annoy each other, but we’ve learned to just deal with it because we’re so opposite.” Truth. “But nothing is going on. Nothing.” Lie, lie, lie.
Jade didn’t back down, she didn’t look away, and she sure as hell didn’t smile. If her friends ever found out that she’d lied to them . . . well, they could never find out. She loved Mel and Livie with her whole heart and considered them family, closer than any sisters she ever could’ve had.
When they remained silent, Jade forged on. “He still wants me to work at his gym. In fact, he came to my class over in Olive Hill last week.”
Melanie laughed, but when Knox stirred in her arms, she started swaying back and forth and patting him again.
“I so wished I could’ve seen that,” Melanie said in a softer tone. “How did he do?”
“Not bad, surprisingly.” Jade was still impressed that he’d come all that way and tried everything, succeeding at most of it. “He’s persistent. I know he has the clientele; I just worry what will happen when we irritate each other one too many times and I can’t work there anymore.”
Livie smoothed her blond hair over one shoulder and clasped her hands together. “I don’t think that will happen.”
“You’re joking,” Melanie said as she turned to Livie. “Have you been in the room with those two? They pick at everything.”
Livie shook her head. “They’re both professional and passionate about what they do. I actually think, business-wise, the move would be smart.”
“So you’re Team Cash?” Jade asked.
“I am,” Livie stated with a smile. “You could always offer a class at his gym one day a week. See how it goes.”
She could, but that would mean more time with him in public, and they really needed as much privacy as possible. Cash had told her he had a difficult time holding back his feelings when they were out in the same place. Jade couldn’t lie: it was quite difficult to see him, talk to him, but not touch or kiss him.
“I’ll think about it,” Jade said after a minute.
Then she shifted the conversation because she couldn’t handle more Cash talk and because there was other business to attend to.
“Sophie said the pamphlets are done,” Jade told them. “Even though they were shipped to her office and we’re holding the event there, I wanted to see them beforehand. I’m going to pick them up tomorrow, and I’ll make sure you guys see them first. Sophie also has a nice stand we can set them in for the open house.”
Via text over several days, they’d all managed to narrow down the design. Thankfully, a small printing press in town made their order top priority for a small fee, and the marketing portion was in full swing. They had the fliers advertising the open house and the pamphlets to hand to each guest who came through the doors. Plus, several online ads and their own social media page were set up, thanks to Melanie.
With her resources, hopefully this new business venture would take off. Online marketing would be key in spreading the word. Also, Melanie had written up several option statements to send out to film crews, film agents, and some HR companies in LA. Maybe nothing would come of the informative letters she’d drafted and sent, but perhaps they would lead to bigger things.
“Perfect,” Melanie replied with a wide smile. “I can’t wait for this mock open house. I really think it’s going to be a success and generate even more buzz around the grand opening.”
That was their hope.
“I also talked to my friend in Atlanta, and the 3-D model is nearly done, so I’ll head there over the weekend and get that.”
“Liam Monroe has graciously offered to donate baked goods and some finger foods for the event,” Livie added. “Which will also help out their business, but that was so generous.”
Liam Monroe and his brothers’ women’s-only resort and spa was in memory of their late sister, who’d had those plans in mind. The guys had been extremely successful, and Liam was not only the cook at the resort but also ran the café they’d opened just last year. The café was open to the public, but the resort always seemed to be booked months in advance.
“Sounds like this is all coming together,” Jade stated.
Her cell vibrated in her pocket once again. Whether it was Nana or Cash, either one would have to wait. There was no way she’d risk pulling out her phone again, not when she’d just gotten them on another topic.
“Only ten more days.” Livie beamed. “It’s really all happening.”
Her voice cracked on that last word and her eyes filled. “Sorry. I just wish Dad was here to see all this unfolding.”
Jade reached out and wrapped her arm around Livie’s shoulders. “I’m sure he’s looking down on you and Jax and he’s so happy you guys not only found happiness with each other but also are taking his business into a new era.”
Livie nodded and swiped beneath her eyes. “I’m a bit emotional,” she said, glancing from Jade to Melanie. “This probably isn’t the right time to announce this, but—”
“They’re all fixed,” Piper exclaimed as she skipped back down the hall. She stopped and stared up at
Livie. “Why is she crying?”