by Ali Parker
“A point of sale system?” I asked, taking a seat on a mint-green chaise lounge pushed up against the wall of the office. It was the only place to sit other than a rickety-looking chair behind an equally rickety-looking desk. “I can help you with that. I used to work at a department store, so I know all about them.”
“Look at you, already pitching in.” She smiled and shuffled in behind the desk, taking a seat after placing her cane against the wall. “I should warn you. I can’t afford to pay you very much.”
“Any job is better than no job,” I said honestly. “I’d love to help you out if you want me.”
“Wonderful. In that case, I’d love to have you.” She beamed at me, then bent down to rummage around in a drawer. When she came back up, she had a small tea kettle in her hand.
I lifted an eyebrow in question, but she didn’t see me. She pushed some papers around on the desk, eventually revealing the base of the kettle already there. Without looking at me, she placed the kettle on the base and dipped her head down again.
This time, she reappeared with two mugs, finally lifting her gaze to mine with a shrewd smile on her lips. “When it becomes a little more challenging to move around, one has to make a plan to keep things convenient. Don’t worry about how old the water in that kettle is. I’m pretty sure I filled it up this morning. Or maybe it was yesterday.”
She held my gaze for another beat as she shrugged, then started humming under her breath as she started preparing our tea. “I don’t have any sugar or cream. Only barbarians and the British believe in taking it that way.”
My eyes widened, and another laugh popped out of me. “Addie, I think I’m in love with you. When can I start?”
“Is Thursday too soon? I know you’ve only just arrived in town. If you prefer to take the week to settle in, you’re welcome to start on Monday.” She grinned. “Also, you are very kind for saying that, my dear. But I think I’m too old for you. Besides, I haven’t swung that way since that one night in the early sixties, so you’re shit out of luck.”
It only took a second for her response to sink in, and when it did, I doubled over with laughter. Once it subsided, I had the urge to go over and high five her. She was freaking awesome. “This is going to be the best job I’ve ever had.”
“It’ll only be you and me here,” she said, her own eyes still shining with amusement. “I hope that won’t be too awkward for you since I just turned you down.”
“I’m sure I can set the absolute heartbreak aside and keep things professional.” The kettle started whistling, and Addie sat up straighter as she went about fixing our tea. “All jokes aside, though, I’d like to start as soon as possible. Thursday is perfect. I’ll be here.”
“Excellent.” She held my cup out to me, and I got up to get it, then went back to my seat. “Now, I believe you have a daughter. Tell me all about her. Your mother hasn’t stopped raving about her since the day you agreed to come back home. I believe she might even be responsible for the stars shining down on us each night.”
I laughed again. “I can totally see my mom making it sound that way. Lydia is pretty amazing, though. Wait until you hear what she said yesterday.”
Addie and I had another cup of tea after the first one, then another after that. Every now and then, she went to the front to help a customer, but for the better part of two hours, we just talked.
By the time I got home, I was feeling strangely energized. My mom was playing with Lydia in the backyard, her eyes seeking out mine as soon as I stepped outside. “And? How did it go?”
“I took the job.” I grinned, letting the screen door slam shut behind me as I made my way to them. “Addie is awesome. I love her.”
“I knew you’d take it after you met her.” She came over to give me a brief hug, squeezing me tightly before letting me go. “What did I tell you? She’s a real character, right?”
“That she is,” I said.
There was something about her that made me feel like working there was going to change my life for the better, almost like she was my fairy grandmother and I was standing at the precipice of a great adventure.
Frankly, I couldn’t wait for it to begin. Whatever it was that could happen to change my life while working with an older woman in a dry-cleaning business, I was ready for it.
Chapter 5
Noah
“I need your face at a gala next weekend,” Brett said. It was our daily phone call.
My P.R. advisor was nothing if not direct, which meant that he literally just needed me to go show my face somewhere. Shut your mouth and smile pretty, was essentially what he’d just said.
I sighed, but he ignored me and kept right on going. “It’s the Commerce Club’s annual fundraiser out near Richland, and it will be great for us if you’re seen there.”
“The Commerce Club?” I felt a line forming between eyebrows. I hadn’t expected to be contacted by them. Going for a joke instead of admitting that I was afraid I’d misheard him, I kept my tone casual. “That’s the one with all the old guys, right?”
He snorted back a laugh. “If by old guys, you mean the pioneers, titans, and leaders of the industry that you’re a part of, then yes.”
“I thought you had to be sixty or older to score an invite to that,” I joked. “Do they want me there for a speech or something?”
I could only hope I’d been wrong earlier. Being asked to make a speech there would be a huge honor. Even just scoring an invite was a feat not easily achieved.
“No,” he replied, unaware that he’d just killed that dash of hope that had been growing in my heart. “In fact, the only words I want coming out of your mouth at that event are ones that are going to make you their new golden boy. No sales pitches. Just kindness, politeness, and ass kissing. With a focus on the ass kissing.”
“I only kiss asses if it’s going to be worth it.” I leaned back in my chair and spun around to look out of my home office window.
The park two stories below was breaking out the fall colors in all their glory. The grass was blanketed in a mottled carpet of orange and brown leaves, the rustling breeze causing more and more of their former companions to join them on the ground.
An image of making grass angels with Della jumped into my head. That could be fun. I’ll ask Jordan to take her this weekend.
“It will be worth it,” Brett snapped. “Are you kidding me? This is the Commerce Club, for crying out loud. They might be a bunch of pretentious old assholes, but if they give their stamp of approval, you’ll be golden for years to come.”
I was already going to be golden for years to come, but I didn’t mention it. Hell, if I never sold another unit again, I’d still have enough money to live large without working another day in my life. So would Mom, Jordan, and Della. Della’s grandchildren wouldn’t even have to work unless someone fucked up big time in the meanwhile.
Even so, Brett was right. The Commerce Club was a big deal. I really did actually want to attend. This event meant something. “It’s only about an hour’s drive from me. I’ll go.”
I could practically hear his eyes rolling. “Great, I’m sure they’ll be thrilled that you’ve agreed to grace them with your presence.”
“Least I can do.” I smirked. “Any details I need to know about?”
“They’re all going to be at the venue for the weekend, so you might want to think about going for two nights.” He released a sigh. “Also, they will be bringing their wives for the event since there’s a gala happening.”
I closed my eyes and let my head tip back. “Fantastic. A whole weekend of being the only young, single guy around? I can’t wait for the lectures about how I need to find a wife to begin.”
“Or you could just listen to them,” Brett suggested right before he started laughing. “Never mind. I forgot who I was talking to.”
“At least someone in my life knows it’s not going to help to pressure me,” I muttered, thinking back to my mom and Jordan at supper the other night.
“Thank you. I’m taking that as a compliment.” It had been a long time since I’d last been in a relationship, and I hadn’t exactly ended it on a note that made me want to repeat the experience.
“Of course, you are. Okay, I’ll let the old guys know I’m sending a fox into their boring chicken coop. Just do me a favor and wear one of your good suits.”
“I always do.” I glanced down at the jeans and T-shirt I was wearing. Working from home meant I could be comfortable, and I made the most of it. “On second thought, I haven’t worn a suit all week. I might have to get one cleaned.”
“Just do it today,” he said. “You can’t show up in anything wrinkled or casual, and if you’ve ever had sex while wearing it, it’s not an option for this thing.”
“Why?”
He released another heavy sigh. “These guys are old school, Noah. As it is, you’re going to be the new kid on the block and the only unmarried one. The last thing you need is for them to realize that you’re staring into space, thinking about sex in a coat room somewhere when they’re trying to talk business with you.”
“Fair enough. Won’t be a problem.” I never really thought much about past sexual escapades after the fact anyway. Well, not when I wasn’t having alone time, that was. “Anything else, master?”
“Fuck off with that,” he said, but then he paused, and his tone was much more serious when he spoke again. “You need to make a good impression there, Noah. I know it’s not about the money to you anymore, but making an extra shit ton of it isn’t going to hurt anyone. More importantly though, these guys may be old, but they still know everyone there is to know. Best behavior, okay?”
“You got it.” I knew my reputation could take a serious knock if these guys started reaching out to all their contacts. There was a very big difference between golden whether they liked me or not, and having everything I’d worked for go down in a ball of flames. “Best behavior. I promise.”
Brett and I hung up after discussing a few more upcoming events. I stayed in my chair when our conversation was done, hooking my ankle over my knee as I stared out at the park. I didn’t really see it this time, though.
It would probably be a good idea to take a date to the Commerce Club thing. Problem was, I never took dates with me anywhere. Asking someone on a date in general created the wrong impression, but taking them to something like this? I didn’t even want to think about it.
Giving my head a firm shake, I pushed to my feet. No. A date definitely wasn’t a good idea. I’d just have to make a good impression in a different way, starting with what I wore.
Brett was right about the suit thing. Men like the ones who would be attending knew the difference between a bespoke suit and a store-bought one. They knew the value of a good suit, and if I wore one that didn’t command their respect, I’d lose it before I even introduced myself.
My walk-in closet was as large as my childhood bedroom and lined with some of the best creations money could buy. Surely, there had to be something appropriate in there.
Unfortunately, the suit I eventually settled on as the perfect choice hadn’t been worn in over a year. Wearing it wouldn’t make a damn bit of difference if I didn’t get it cleaned before the event. One speck of dust might as well be a boulder on my shoulder if they saw it.
There was only one dry cleaner store in the city that I trusted with my suits. Addie was an institution to anyone in this town who valued their stuff.
Deciding that there was no time like the present to get the errand done, I hunted down a suit bag and took it to the dry cleaners. Addie was behind the counter as usual when I walked in, furiously scribbling something down on a wrinkled legal pad.
“What you got there?” I asked her as I walked in, laying my suit across the counter. “Looks serious.”
Addie’s hand flew to her heart, and her head whipped up, bewilderment flaring in her eyes before she saw who it was. “Oh, Noah. You nearly scared me half to death. Give an old lady a little notice before you sneak up on her.”
“I didn’t sneak up on you. I came in through the front the door. The front door which was very much unlocked.”
“Need to get that damn bell fixed,” she mumbled, then smiled at me. “How are you doing, dear?”
“Great.” I grinned. I had a real soft spot for Addie. Knowing her meant loving and adoring her as if she was your own mother. I never came in here without spending at least fifteen minutes talking to her. “You?”
Her expression softened as she raised her hands with her palms turned up. “Running this place was so much easier when my Danny was alive. Do you know how to calculate taxes?”
“That’s what you’re trying to do there?” I dropped my eyes to the legal pad. Addie’s scribbles covered the page, but I couldn’t make out a single number. “In October?”
“It came up in conversation.” She inhaled a deep breath, the corners of her mouth turning down. “I thought I could do it, but I think I made a mistake somewhere. I can’t possibly owe the IRS four billion dollars. Danny always used to do this for us.”
“I know how to do it, and I’d be happy to do it for one of my top three favorite ladies in Spokane, but how about this? When the time comes, I’ll send my accountant over. He’ll get it all sorted out for you.”
“You’re a sweet talker.” A soft smile spread on her lips even as she shook her head. “But I couldn’t possibly take you up on that offer. I’d never be able to afford your accountant. Had to let go of the one who’s been helping me since Danny’s passing as it is.”
“You don’t have to,” I said. “I already pay him a small fortune. Let me take care of it for you.”
Moisture suddenly pooled on her eyelids. She blinked rapidly before clearing her throat. “Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.” I reached across the counter to put my hand on her forearm. Her skin was so soft, I was almost afraid it would split under the weight on my hand. “Stop worrying about it. It’s taken care of. Done deal. No backing out now.”
She swiped at her eyes and offered me a grateful smile. “Thank you, Noah. You’re one of the good ones. My Danny always told me you Sims boys were something else.”
I was pretty sure he hadn’t meant that in a good way.
Ryan and I had pranked him a few times in elementary school, since Addie and Danny used to live only a couple of blocks away from us. But this wasn’t the time to bring that up. “You must miss him, huh?”
“It’s been four years this year.” She sniffed. “Can you believe it?”
I shook my head. “No, time sure has a way of getting away from us.”
“That’s for sure.” She swiped at her misty eyes again, then took a deep breath and schooled her expression. “Thankfully, I have a helper starting tomorrow. I’m sure things will feel a lot more manageable once she starts.”
“I’m happy to hear you’ve finally relented.”
Her eyes slid away from mine and landed on the suit still lying on the counter. “Now, you didn’t come in here for a tearfest. What can I do for you?”
“I need this for an event next weekend, but I haven’t worn it in about a year, so I thought it was a good idea to have it cleaned first.”
She looked absolutely horrified. “Of course, it’s a good idea to have it cleaned first. Dear Lord, child. Were you even considering going to an event wearing year-old sweat?”
“I hadn’t thought about it that way, but no. That’s why I’m here.”
She smiled and pulled the suit to her side of the counter, flipping open her receipt booklet. “It will be ready anytime next week. There won’t be a speck of dust or a hint of that disgusting old sweat when you collect it.”
“Thank you.” I grinned and waited for her to hand my paper receipt over to me. Once I had it, I lif
ted my hand in a wave. “See you next week, Addie. Don’t worry about any of that tax stuff now, you hear?”
“Thanks again, dear. You have a good day now.” I heard her humming under her breath as she took my suit and carried it to the back as I left.
On my way home, I thought about Addie and Danny. Having seen them together for so many years and hearing the heartbreak in Addie’s voice when she spoke of him now, I knew two things: firstly, I would never find someone who loved me as much as they had each other, and secondly, I wouldn’t want to love someone that much.
Being the one to have to deal with going through the rest of your life without your significant other had to be torture. I’d had to watch my mom do it, Ryan’s mom do it, Jordan do it, and watch Addie do it.
Losing my best friend to the great beyond had been torturous enough, thank you very much. I definitely didn’t need anyone else to miss each and every single goddamn day—whether I admitted it to myself that I did or not.
Chapter 6
Maggie
“Right, do you have any questions?” Addie asked me, setting down the bottle she had just used to show me what it was used for. “Speak now or forever hold your peace.”
“I think I’m okay for now.” It had been an interesting morning. I’d never realized what actually went into dry cleaning clothes. Does anyone really?
I owned very few items that needed to be dry cleaned, and I didn’t think Mom owned anything that couldn’t be tossed in a washing machine on just about any temperature. Ryan used to have one suit. Mom bought it for him for Dad’s funeral, and I didn’t think he’d ever worn it again.
