He placed his finger on my lips.
"I know. I love you, Payton. We have plenty of time to continue that conversation. But, today is your special day, and I just came by to wish you good luck."
He always knew what to say to put my mind at ease.
"Alright, you two. From the looks of things, you have some customers heading this way. We're going to get out of your hair, but before we do Cole, we wanted to extend an invitation to you and Emmie. We're all having a family day at the beach on Sunday. We'd love it if you could join us."
Mom was so excited to invite Cole but forgot to fill me in.
"Hey, what about me? The store will be closed on Sunday."
"Yes, Payton, that goes without saying. You've been so busy this week I almost forgot to tell you."
"Gee, thanks."
Cole laughed. "Helen, I wouldn't miss it. Emmie's going to be thrilled."
"Excellent!"
Mom clapped her hands and gathered up the troops. "Alright, Matthews clan. We better get out of here and make way for Payton's paying customers."
"You guys can't leave without getting a quick family photo out front."
"Okay. Let's hurry up. Rebecca, Abby, kids, family photo out front. And where's Will?" Mom said.
"I'm right here. I was just paying my water bill, that's all." Dad answered.
"Yikes, Grandpa. Did you have to tell everyone in the whole store?"
Maggie was sure to call somebody out for saying something embarrassing. Her younger brother Aidan, was more of the quiet type and just smirked at his Grandpa.
After a quick family photo that included Cole, everyone left, except Abby. She agreed to help me out until I was able to secure part-time help.
My first customer was Mrs. Delaney, who requested a family photo shoot on the beach.
"I think we're going to go with a traditional theme. Everyone wearing white tops and either tan or blue bottoms. What do you think?"
"Go with the tan. Maybe the guys can wear shorts and the ladies skirts or shorts. It will give the pictures that clean, crisp beach look that you're going for."
"Perfect. Let's secure a date for that, and then I want to talk to you about picking out the photo albums. We'll need multiples made for myself, my sisters, and my parents. It's a gift from Steve and me to the family."
"I have a large selection of albums to choose from. I can bring out some for you to look through, but I really think you'll be inspired once the pictures are ready."
"That makes sense. How about we start with the appointment for the photo shoot and go from there?"
"Great, I'll meet you next Thursday at 3:00. I'll call the day before to confirm the exact location on the beach. Here's my business card in case you know of anyone else who needs my services."
"Perfect!"
Abby was taking care of a customer who wanted to purchase a few frames. For now, the bulk of my business would heavily rely on jobs outside of the store, like weddings, photoshoots, and private parties. However, it was nice to finally have a place where my clients could come and work on the finishing touches.
The bells on the front door rang, and Mrs. Donovan walked in. If I had known she was coming, I would've put up the 'closed' sign. Look what the cat dragged in, I thought to myself, but wouldn't dare say it out loud.
"There she is. Payton Matthews… what a cute little place you have here."
Even Abby could tell this woman was not a welcomed guest.
"Mrs. Donovan, how are you?"
"I'm well. I came to see what all the fuss was about. A little birdy told me today was your grand opening."
"Yes, it is."
She looked around while dangling her purse on her forearm.
"Surely, a grand opening should be overflowing with more customers."
"We just had a few customers. I'm sure there will be more. How can I help you today?"
"I don't really need anything. I just figured I'd come and show my support for your opening day. I have to get back to the house soon. Cole is finishing up, and I asked Lexi to take care of him."
Abby rolled her eyes and went back to helping the other customer. I had just about enough of the Donovans and decided to defend myself once and for all.
"Did you drive all the way over here to congratulate me or to rub it in my face that Lexi is alone with Cole right now?"
"Well, perhaps a little of both."
The audacity of this woman. I don't think in all my years I've ever come across someone so brazen.
Abby's eyes bulged wide open. I lowered my voice and walked from behind the counter.
"Mrs. Donovan, thank you, but I can assure you that I don't need your well wishes. Since today is Cole's last, I can tell you what I've really been thinking. I'm not intimidated by you or Lexi as you so desperately try to lure Cole in for his affection. In case you hadn't figured it out, we actually keep an open line of communication. There's no amount of clothing you could send to Emmie, no amount of begging for him to pencil you in his schedule, and no amount of pleas for him to participate in your fundraisers that could entice Cole to date Lexi."
I might have said more than I should've, but what was she going to do? Run back to the house and tell Cole? I don't think so.
I returned to my usual tone.
"It was so nice of you to stop by. Let me escort you to the door."
"I can see my way out, thank you."
She turned beet red and grunted as she left the store. If I had known it was going to be that easy, I would've talked to her a long time ago.
My other customer was leaving. "You have a
