When they pulled up in front of the building, James double checked the blindfold before helping Ellie out of the truck and carefully guiding her across the street.
“You don’t think this feels a little over the top?” Ellie groaned, anxious to finally see the place for herself. Other than the window being replaced, and the mess inside being cleaned up, she didn’t really know what to expect, but nothing could have prepared her for what she saw when James removed the bandana. She stood on the sidewalk, looking at the same space she’d seen a thousand times before, completely stunned.
What had once been a simple plate glass window with the words ‘Good Beginnings’ painted in block lettering, had become beautifully etched glass with an ornate sunrise peeking over a gentle sea. Then, hanging above the door in bright blue neon lettering, was a brand-new sign that read, ‘Good Beginnings.’ Below the name, written in warm yellow, were the words, ‘start here.’
Emotion overwhelmed Ellie. “James, I…” She stumbled to find the words. “I don’t know what to say. It’s…unbelievable.”
James cleared his throat and dug in his pocket for the key. “You may want to hold that thought. You haven’t seen the inside yet,” he said as he unlocked the door and pulled it open for Ellie to enter.
She cautiously stepped inside, flipping on the lights out of habit. Once again, while she didn’t know what to expect, she wasn’t prepared for what she saw. From floor to ceiling the place had been completely revamped. The harsh, overhead fluorescent lighting was gone, replaced with warm recessed lights above, and cozy pendant lights over each booth.
The booths were new too, with their cherry-stained wood frames and fun, colorful vinyl seats. Everywhere she turned, something was new and improved. Even the counter—which hadn’t sustained much damage during the break-in—was gone, replaced with a fancy new pastry corner showcase on the end, and a new granite countertop large enough to fit a line of bar stools along the side.
James wrapped his arm around Ellie’s waist. “The new booths took up more space than I thought…and I didn’t want to cost you any seating. I hope you like it,” he said nervously.
“I love it.” Ellie rested her head against his shoulder. “I love all of it.”
James sighed in relief as he leaned his head against hers. “Good, because that counter was a beast to get in here, and I don’t know if I’d ever find the manpower to help me move it again.”
Opening day was nothing shy of insanity. Between the Moore family spreading the word and loyal patrons coming out to show their love and support, it was already afternoon when Ellie noticed the time. She’d been eagerly awaiting an appearance from Tessa all morning—excited to see her friend for the first time in over a week, and to show off the new digs.
Tessa had been radio silent since Ellie texted her that she was cleared by her doctor. That, in and of itself, was a little strange, but she didn’t think too much of it. But not to hear from or see her on opening day of all days?
That didn’t seem like Tessa at all.
It wasn’t until James politely shooed away the last of their customers and flipped the sign in the window to read ‘closed,’ that the bells over the door chimed followed by an over-excited squeal, indicating Tessa’s arrival.
“Oh, my freaking goodness! Would you look at this place!" Tessa purposefully let her mouth fall open when Ellie hurried out of the kitchen.
“There you are,” Ellie shrieked as she wrapped her friend in a hug. “Girl, you have no idea how mad I was gonna be if I didn’t hear from you.”
“You think I’d miss this? Not on my life.”
Ellie stepped back, excitedly pulling Tessa by the arm as she showed her around, pointing out the highlights of James’ hard work.
“I love it. Seriously, I love everything. Even down to the paint colors.”
From behind the counter James coughed back a chuckle. “Well, she ought to. She helped Lilah pick them out.”
Ellie turned back to her friend in shock. “You knew about all of this and you didn’t tell me? Not even a hint?”
Tessa smiled. “Hey, a girl’s allowed to have her secrets. Besides, the only thing you needed to focus on was healing.” She looked back at James and he nodded his agreement. “This would have been too big a distraction and you know it.”
Begrudgingly, Ellie conceded the point. “Fine, but that’s not the only secret you’ve been keeping, is it?”
Tessa blushed and looked away. “I’m sure I don’t have the faintest idea what you’re talking about?”
Ellie tsk’d. “Uh-huh. Is that why your cheeks are bright red and you won’t look me in the eyes?”
“Okay, there is one other thing, but it can wait. This is your day.”
Ellie perched on the edge of one of the bar stools and patted the one beside her. “Come on. My feet are swollen and aching from ‘my day.’ Come have a seat. And spill.”
Practically bouncing with excitement, Tessa sat. “Okay, so I know I’ve been hard to reach for the past few days, but I was on a secret mission. In Ohio.”
Confused, Ellie repeated Tessa’s words back to her. “In Ohio?”
Tessa smiled, shaking her head. “Well, everything is finally coming together for you. And, I mean let’s be honest, since you came home from the hospital and moved in with James you’ve had this nonstop glow. I don’t know if it’s the pregnancy, or just happiness, but it’s kind of annoying.”
Ellie lightly smacked Tessa’s shoulder. “Hey, now.”
“Seriously though, seeing how happy you are really lit a fire in me to stop living my life in blind hope that it will figure itself out. I’m finally
