by Debby Mayne
“Yes, and it’s a good thing I caught her heading out the door with her suitcase, or I never would’ve been able to witness my only daughter tying the knot. To think she didn’t want me there or even bother to tell me. . .” Tears sprang to her eyes.
“Mama,” Melissa said, “it’s not that I didn’t want you there. I just didn’t want a big wedding with a lacy dress and a wedding cake taller than me.”
“Well, consider yourself a fortunate girl that Kroger had a cancellation on a wedding cake and they were able to make the changes I wanted.”
Cindi managed to get the dress ready and the two women out the door a half hour later. After they were gone, Fran turned to her and laughed.
“They’re quite a pair, aren’t they?”
“That’s an understatement.”
Fran shrugged. “There’s something about a Southern mother-of-the-bride. It’s not so much the bride’s wedding as it is hers.”
She’d pretty much summed it up. Jeremy had come back into the shop and was standing at the door until Melissa and her mother left. He joined Cindi and Fran.
“Very interesting,” he said. “Does this sort of thing happen very often?”
“I can’t say it’s the first time,” Cindi replied, “but it’s not a regular occurrence.”
He leaned back and laughed. “That’s a relief.”
Cindi lifted one eyebrow. “Situations like that have to be handled very carefully.”
“Obviously,” he said. “I guess that’s something you can train whomever I get to manage the store to do.”
“I guess.” She pulled up the spreadsheet with all her sales figures and inventory numbers, then printed them. “Here ya go. It’s all there.”
❧
Jeremy’s hand brushed hers as she handed him the papers. He wanted more than that. He wanted to hold her hand, to pull her close, to take a deeper whiff of her floral scent. He wanted to brush her hair from her face and study the features he’d only seen in his mind for the past several years.
When he’d first decided to check out her business, he’d half hoped some of the chemistry between them would have faded, but it was there—stronger than ever. He wondered if she felt it, too. It didn’t appear so, based on the way she turned her back on him every chance she could get—including now.
“Sure you don’t mind if I take these?” he asked, hoping she’d turn around and look at him again.
She tossed her hair over her shoulder but didn’t face him head-on. “I have nothing to hide. If you like what you see, we can talk about it. If not, then that’s fine, too.”
For someone who had her business up for sale, she sure didn’t seem to want it sold that badly. Or perhaps it was a ploy to make him want it more. Whatever the case, she wasn’t desperate. And he liked that.
“Anything else you need?” Fran asked. “I have another appointment at noon, so if you don’t mind, I’ll just scoot on out of here.”
“No, I’m fine,” he said as he thumped the papers. “Looks like I have what I need.”
Elizabeth came in and got right to work. Jeremy was impressed with how Cindi and Elizabeth worked so well together. They both had the quiet confidence of people who enjoyed what they did and knew what they were doing. It made him wonder what else was going on to make Cindi put the shop on the market.
Since he had the rest of the day to himself, he decided to drive around and check out the changes to the place he’d called home all his life until he’d joined the army almost ten years ago. He drove through Sandy Springs, crossed the Chattahoochee River, and headed out on Johnson Ferry Road. New developments had sprung up, and the place was obviously thriving. It was a little too busy for his taste, but it still felt like home.
He drove all around Marietta and found his old house. It was much smaller and closer to the main road than he remembered. Many of the shops in downtown Marietta had changed, but it still had the flavor of old mixed with new.
By the time he headed back to his parents’ condo, he was emotionally exhausted. Seeing things that brought back so many memories had worn him out. He looked forward to looking over Cindi’s business figures and assessing the exact amount of success she’d had. She was obviously doing well, and now he’d know just how well.
“Have a good day, son?” his father asked during dinner.
“Pretty good. I think I’ve found a business to purchase.”
“Oh yeah?” His dad put down his fork and leaned forward with interest. “What kind of business?”
There was no way to hedge, so he just came out with it. “A bridal shop.”
His parents exchanged a look; then his father turned back to him. “Isn’t that sort of a girlie business?”
Coming to his rescue, his mother said, “Not necessarily. Men get married, too.”
“But a bridal shop sells wedding dresses for girls, right?”
“Well, yes,” Jeremy replied, “but that really doesn’t matter. I’m just in it for the business.” He quickly looked down at his plate, trying to figure out a way to change the subject. He didn’t want his parents to keep digging for information. They’d always liked Cindi, and they didn’t understand the breakup.
“I don’t get it. Isn’t there a more manly business you can buy—like a hardware store or something?”
❧
“I don’t want someone to buy this place just to be an absentee owner,” Cindi said. “I think I’ll talk to Fran and tell her I can’t sell to Jeremy since he doesn’t even live here.”
“I heard them talking, and he wasn’t just looking to buy a business,” Elizabeth said. “She’s also trying to help him find a house.”
“I don’t care. I just can’t see him running this place.”
Elizabeth looked down then back up at her. “I understand what you’re saying, but what I don’t understand is why you care. I thought you were sick of the illusion of a happily-ever-after.”
“I am.”
“Then what’s your problem? Why do you care who runs this shop if there’s no happily-ever-after?”
Cindi sighed. “I don’t know. It’s just that I spend so much time coddling my customers and trying to make their wedding day special. Even if it doesn’t last, don’t you think brides at least deserve something special?”
Elizabeth clicked her tongue and shook her head. “I think you’re confused.”
“Maybe I am. My parents seemed perfectly happy all my life. I don’t understand what happened. If they can’t stick together, then who can?”
“It has nothing to do with your shop, Cindi. Maybe they were miserable all this time, but they stuck it out for you and your brother.”
“Maybe so. I asked Mom how she could reconcile it with God. She hasn’t even been to church since Dad left, ya know.”
“That’s very sad. How about your dad? I haven’t heard you talk about him since he left.”
Cindi lifted her head and snickered. “That’s because I’ve only heard from him once since he left. He called me that one time, said he’d be in touch, then poof ! He vanished.”
“It’s been what—two months? Give him time.”
“I’m his daughter. You’d think he’d at least answer his cell phone when I called.”
“What happened is awful, but I think you’re taking it wrong. Maybe there’s something you don’t know about.”
“Let’s change the subject, okay?” Cindi said. “This is too upsetting.”
“Whatever you want. Just remember I’m here, and I’m praying for you.”
“Thanks,” Cindi said with a forced smile. “We have an appointment in a half hour. Better put on our game faces.”
The appointment was one of the few where the bride and her mother actually agreed. “We want to keep it simple,” the daughter said. “I want something nice and understated.”
Her mother nodded. “And there’s a budget we have to watch very closely.”
“No problem.” Cindi was more than happy to accommodate people w
ho were realistic and didn’t have their heads in the clouds. She appreciated how up front these people were, so she worked hard to help them get the best they could afford.
“I have a sample dress that’s on sale,” Cindi said. “Elizabeth can alter it so it’ll look custom-made.”
“That would be wonderful,” the mother-of-the-bride said with a smile.
The bride walked around the showroom and looked at not only bridal gowns but mother-of-the-bride dresses. “Do you have something on sale for my mother?”
Cindi studied the girl’s mother then nodded. “I have several dresses I think she’d like. Do you prefer long or short?”
The bride liked the second dress she tried on, and her mother was excited she could afford to choose among three dresses. They left with smiles on their faces and a spring in their step.
After all the rejected dresses were put away, Elizabeth sighed. “Now that’s how it’s supposed to be.”
“I agree. If the groom is as agreeable and nice as the bride’s mother says he is, I have a feeling this will be a rare, wonderful union.”
Cindi felt Elizabeth’s scrutiny. Finally, Elizabeth cleared her throat. “Just think. If we weren’t here and someone else was, they might not have been as happy. Someone else might have taken advantage of them and tried to sell them something they didn’t want.”
“Yes, I realize that.”
“I wish you’d change your mind about selling, Cindi. You’re the ideal person for this work. Ever since I can remember, you’ve wanted to work with brides.”
Cindi shrugged. “That’s all changed.”
“So you’re saying you didn’t enjoy helping those people a few minutes ago?” Elizabeth tilted her head and studied her boss and friend.
“I didn’t say that.”
“Like I said, I think you’re just very confused.” As soon as she spoke her mind, Elizabeth took the pinned dresses to the back room to start on alterations.
A few minutes before closing time, the phone rang. It was Fran.
“I just heard from Jeremy,” she said, her voice shrill with excitement. “He’s ready to make an offer. When is a good time for me to present it? How about tomorrow?”
Cindi felt her heart drop. She dreaded this part but knew she had to face it. “Tomorrow’s fine. I get here at nine, and we open at ten.”
“How about if I get there right after you? It won’t take long.”
“Okay, I’ll see you then.” Cindi dropped the phone back in the cradle and stared at the wall.
“What happened?” Elizabeth asked as she came around the corner.
“Fran’s coming by first thing in the morning with an offer from Jeremy.”
Elizabeth stood in silence for several seconds before speaking. “Do you plan to tell her then that you’re not selling to Jeremy?”
Cindi backed away from her spot. “I’m not sure yet.” She reached for her handbag and moved toward the door. “I need to leave now. Do you mind locking up?”
“Of course not. Do you want me here when Fran presents the offer?”
“No, but thanks. See you at ten tomorrow.”
Streetlights twinkled in the dark as Cindi drove home. The shop stayed open late several nights each week to take care of working clients. She was tired, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to rest much, knowing she was an inch away from selling the shop she’d dreamed about most of her life.
Between prayers for guidance, Cindi allowed herself to flash back to the times when she and Jeremy were together. It was high school, and they were kids. He’d moved from an apartment on the other side of Atlanta. He was so sweet and loving, she actually thought they might have a more lasting relationship than most high school romances. She’d heard rumors that he wasn’t so wonderful from people who had friends from his old school. Apparently he’d started breaking girls’ hearts back in middle school. He had a reputation for buying cheap trinkets and selling them for a hefty profit. Since she’d never seen that side of him, she assumed they were mistaken—and perhaps a little jealous.
He never had an interest in going to college, but that didn’t matter to her. She was able to go because of her scholarship, but she’d entertained the thought that after college she’d come home to Jeremy and they’d be just as happy as they were in high school.
Now she had an offer on the shop—from the only guy she’d ever loved. She couldn’t miss the irony of it all.
The next morning she got to the shop fifteen minutes before Fran showed up. “Hey there!” Fran said in a voice that was a tad too cheerful.
“Let’s sit at the table,” Cindi said, pointing to the consulting table.
Fran laid out some paperwork and turned a copy of the contract around to face Cindi. She went over each point and presented the offer. “Would you like to think about it?” she asked. “You have a couple of days.”
Slowly, Cindi stood and shook her head. “No, I’m afraid I can’t accept this offer.”
Fran’s smile quickly faded. “Why not?”
“I want my full asking price.”
“Your asking price is a little steep, you have to admit,” Fran said. “I assumed it was just a starting point so you’d have some room for negotiation.”
Cindi cleared her throat and looked Fran in the eye. “It’s not just the price. Jeremy and I have a past, and I really don’t want to sell my shop to him.”
Fran reached out and patted Cindi’s hand. “I figured there was more to it than I realized. I can tell Jeremy is quite fond of you.”
Cindi shrugged. “He’s the one who dumped me.”
“Perhaps there is more to it than meets the eye.”
“I still don’t want to sell to someone who doesn’t understand a bride’s needs during such an emotional time.”
Fran offered a warm smile. “Jeremy has been very successful in business, so I think he’ll figure it out.”
“He was always an entrepreneur,” Cindi said. “When I met him, he bought and sold concert T-shirts at school. He told me he started out in elementary school buying packs of gum and selling it on the playground, one stick at a time.” She paused before adding, “And I heard he sold other stuff, too.”
Fran let out a soft chuckle. “I’m not surprised. Jeremy is an intelligent man with a nose for what’ll succeed.”
“I’m not taking this offer,” Cindi said firmly as she stood to end the conversation. “Sorry to waste your time.”
“Oh, that’s okay,” Fran said as she gathered the papers. “It’s all part of my job. This sort of thing happens all the time.” She jabbered so quickly, Cindi could tell she was nervous. “I’ll let Jeremy know, and I’m sure he’ll come back with a counter to your counter.” She paused. “You might want to let some of the past go, Cindi. . . . That is, if you really want to sell your shop.”
Later that day, Fran called and said Jeremy had a counteroffer.
“What is it?” Cindi asked.
“Normally I don’t do this over the phone, but I think you’ll be pleased. He’s offering your full price.”
“Is he willing to run the shop?” Cindi asked.
“I talked to him about that and let him know how important that is to you. He said he’ll run it, but not from there. He’s talking about hiring someone to manage it on-site.”
“I’m sorry, but I want the owner to actively manage my shop.”
Fran started coughing but recovered quickly. “Don’t you feel that’s a little unreasonable?”
“No, not in this business. I’ve spent the last several years of my life making sure all the brides have gotten royal treatment. Their marriages might not last, but their weddings are important to them.”
“You drive a hard bargain, Cindi.”
“Maybe so, but I’m sticking to it.”
Fran sighed. “Okay, I’ll let him know.”
Elizabeth was standing a few feet away and could obviously hear Cindi’s part of the conversation, but she didn’t say a word. Cindi was grateful
her friend understood her enough to know when something wasn’t open for discussion.
The next morning, about five minutes after she got to the shop, she watched Jeremy walk up to the door, try to open it, and knock when he realized it was locked. She let him in. He didn’t offer a greeting or make small talk. Instead, he got right to the point.
“Cindi, I’d like to talk to you about your terms.”
Three
“Why are you turning down my perfectly good offers?” he persisted.
Cindi hadn’t expected him to be so abrupt, so she took a step back. “I. . .uh. . .”
“You don’t want to sell to me, do you?”
“It’s not that,” she said. “It’s just that. . .well, I wanted someone to come in and be more hands-on.”
“What makes you think I won’t do that?” He widened his stance and folded his arms.
“Are you saying you’ve changed your mind?” she challenged.
He dropped the front. “Okay, so I’ll be the first to admit I don’t know a thing about running a bridal shop. That’s why I’ll hire someone to run it for me until I figure it out.”
“That’s not good enough. It needs to be run by someone who truly cares about making these women’s most important day the best it can be.”
She squirmed as he narrowed his gaze and studied her for several very long seconds. “Seriously, Cindi, why would it even matter? You clearly don’t want to do this anymore, and I’m a willing buyer. Why don’t you just sign on the line, and this shop will be my problem to deal with?”
“This shop is not a problem,” she said more indignantly than she’d intended.
He shook his head. “This makes no sense to me.”
“And that’s precisely why I shouldn’t sell it to you.”
He lifted his hands in frustration and backed toward the door. “Whatever. I sure hope you get whatever it is you’re looking for out of this deal. I thought it would be a win-win situation for both of us—a lucrative business for me and a way out for you to do whatever it is you wanted to do with your life.”
His words stung much worse than she wanted him to know. She had to remain strong, though, as long as he stood in front of her.
