First Edition Romance

by Shannon M Harris

  “We were busy all day also. I didn’t go home and change because I didn’t want to be late.” Ainslon picked at her shirt.

  Lauren reached across the table and enfolded her hand. “I haven’t been home either. It’s not a big deal. We’re both here now. That’s all that matters.”

  The waitress arrived and took their orders before Ainslon could comment. After she left, Ainslon said, “I think things are going well for us.”

  “I think we’re doing fine. I know we’ve talked a lot, but there are a few things I don’t know about you.”

  Ainslon pinched the bridge of her nose while pondering the best way to get and impart information. “How about some standard, dull questions?”

  Lauren laughed. “Sounds good. Go.”

  “Favorite color?”

  “Green.”

  “Blue. Favorite food?”

  “Puerto Rican.”

  “Irish stew. Vacation spot?”

  “Disney World.”

  Ainslon smiled. “Really?”

  Lauren looked offended for a moment, then a grin split her face. “Of course. Please don’t tell me you’ve never been.”

  Ainslon was well and truly charmed by the woman sitting across from her. “When I was younger, my parents didn’t have the money to take me, and as I got older and moved in with Nana, life got in the way, but I have always wanted to go. Easton too.”

  Lauren’s eyes lit up. “It’s amazing and an experience you won’t soon forget. We should go sometime, if only so I can see the look on your face when we walk through the gates. I was never a fan until I took my niece and nephews for the first time and it changed my whole outlook.” Lauren let go of her hand when the waitress brought their meals.

  Ainslon took a bite of her sandwich. After swallowing, she took a sip of her lemonade. “Favorite book?”

  Lauren wiped her mouth. “That’s a tough one. My favorite books growing up were fairytales. Now, I can’t really say I have a favorite one. Every book is my favorite when I’m reading it.”

  “That’s how I feel. There are too many wonderful books in print for me to pick only one.”

  “Now it’s time for a question of my own.”

  “Go on.”

  “If you could go anywhere in the world, and money wasn’t a concern, where would you go?”

  Ainslon relaxed back into her seat. “At the top of my bucket list is Greece and from there, everywhere. I haven’t had the chance to travel much, so when I do get the chance, I have a whole list. Machu Picchu, Easter Island, anywhere in New Zealand, Maijishan Caves, Masada, Israel.”

  “Wait.” Lauren held up her hand.

  Ainslon chuckled. “You did ask.”

  She grinned. “That’s quite the list.”

  “That’s only part of it.”

  “I see. The last one, Israel. Are you religious, or would you just like to see the country?”

  Ainslon took a drink of her lemonade before answering. “I wouldn’t call myself religious. I don’t believe going to church every week will get you into heaven.” She paused for a second. “I believe most religions worship the same God, but that we take different paths to get to him or her.” She winked. “A hundred different people can walk a thousand different roads and they will all still make it to the same destination. What that destination is, who knows. But for me, I believe there is a heaven. Whether it’s the heaven the Bible speaks of,” she shrugged, “I don’t know, but I have to believe there is something waiting for me when I die. I can’t believe there is nothing.”

  Lauren nodded and took a moment to answer. “You’ve really thought about this and you make it all seem so attainable. I have never heard it explained that way. I can’t say I am religious at all, but I see your point and where you’re coming from. My family is Catholic, but…I don’t know. It’s never really appealed to me.”

  “Ladies,” the waitress said, clearing the table. “Can I get you anything for dessert?”

  Lauren spoke first. “I would love a mini apple pie with a scoop of butter pecan ice cream.”

  “I would also like the apple pie, but I want vanilla ice cream.”

  “I will be back shortly with your order.”

  “See, this hasn’t been so bad.”

  “No, I always enjoy spending time with you.” She placed her hand over Lauren’s on the table.

  “Good.” She wiped her brow. “I wasn’t sure there for a second.” She grew quiet. “I know you’re here with me, and like I said, I am having a good time, but it seems like you have something on your mind. Care to share it?” She squeezed her hand.

  Ainslon took a deep breath. “It’s Nana.”

  Lauren frowned and slipped her hand under Ainslon’s on the table. “Go on.”

  “I don’t know. It feels like she’s keeping something from us. Her latest physical exam went well, but…”

  “How old is she?”

  “Eighty-eight. She’ll be eighty-nine at the end of the year.” She smiled and moved her hand when the waitress set their dessert down. She fiddled with her spoon before taking a bite. “I know she’s getting older. I know that, but I can’t grasp it.”

  “Oh, Ainslon. I know it’s tough. I do, but you have her now. I know that sounds so cliché, but it’s true. Cherish the time you have with her.”

  Ainslon wiped her eyes. “Sorry, I’ve made this sad.”

  “Don’t ever be afraid to talk about something with me. That’s what I’m here for. I do believe it’s one of the items at the top of this list of being a friend.” She gave a gentle smile.

  “You’re right.”

  They both finished their dessert in silence, then Lauren insisted on paying. Ainslon stepped outside and waited by the side of the building. She relaxed when Lauren slipped her arm around her waist and pulled her back against her. “I had a good time tonight.”

  “So did I.” Ainslon turned in her arms and readily sunk into Lauren’s embrace.

  “There’s something we haven’t talked about. I know we’re only friends, but the chatter on the gossip sites is that I’m seeing someone. I wanted to give you a head’s up that the more time we spend together, the more likely it is our pictures will start to appear more often.”

  That didn’t scare her as much as it should have. “I hope they get my good side.”

  Ainslon tightened her arms around Lauren when she chuckled. “I don’t think you have a bad side.”

  “My, my, Ms. Millán. You’re smooth.”

  Lauren stepped back but kept hold of Ainslon’s hands and bowed. “It is one of my many wonderful qualities.”

  “There’s a lot.”

  “You have no idea.” She leaned down and for a moment, Ainslon thought for sure she was going to kiss her on the lips but ended up kissing the tip of her nose.

  “I can’t wait to find out each one.”

  A week and a half after their friend date at the Café found Lauren going over their inventory, but her thoughts strayed to Ainslon and the relationship she kept qualifying as “friendship.” It was bullshit, but she would play along as long as it took. She knew Ainslon didn’t want to take their relationship to the next level until the business with the building concluded.

  Even though the seller acted as if she liked her, Lauren knew she was only waiting around for a better offer. Her intuition leaned toward a better offer from Ainslon. Not that Lauren would fault the seller. After all, this was business and she was partial to Ainslon as well.

  She didn’t want to bring up her thoughts to Ainslon, because Ainslon had kept mum on the entire subject and Lauren didn’t want to push her.

  But the fact remained, what she had with Ainslon was a better start than all of her previous relationships except for Gabby, but they started out as friends as well. She checked her watch. Carrie was due to meet with her and discuss her new duties. The last few weeks were rough on the poor girl. A week after their talk, Carrie’s mom found out she was pregnant and kicked her out. Thankfully, Ollie quickly fo
und Carrie and her boyfriend a place to live. The apartment was small, only one bedroom, but still thrilled the two teens. They both had broken into tears when Ollie had announced she had paid their first six months of rent and Lauren had taken care of the first six months of their utilities.

  Everyone needed a bit of help from time to time. It was exactly the sort of thing her papa would have done. She missed him terribly and would continue to live a life he would be proud of. She glanced down at the small frame on her desk that held the sonogram of Carrie and Larry’s baby. It was a sweet gesture on Carrie’s part and was a reminder to Lauren that the good things in life would always outweigh the bad.

  The expected knock sounded on her door. “Come in.”

  “Thank you,” Carrie said.

  “Let’s get comfortable, shall we?” She stood and they both settled on the couch. “How are you feeling about working in the distribution center?”

  “Oh, it’s fun. I enjoy packaging and the other four that work there are really nice. I wasn’t sure about Becky, but she’s okay.”

  Lauren chuckled. Becky, at first meet, could come across as cold, but once you got to know her, she was nice. “How are you feeling?”

  “A little tired, but my doctor says that’s normal. I just…Larry and I are so grateful for everything you’ve done. He’s really excited to start his job next week at Millers.”

  “I was happy to help him.” After her first pick for a job for him fell through, she’d received a lead from her mother about a job notice at Millers grocery store for a bakery position. She sent Larry there with a letter of recommendation. After a week on eggshells, he learned he’d gotten the job. Lauren had practically begged Noe to give Larry a crash course, but he’d given in once he saw how passionate Larry was about being a pastry chef. Lauren had worried, at first, that training with Noe in a private kitchen would deter Larry from working in a grocery store, but it had done the opposite. He was even more excited to start his job.

  “He’s so excited.” She placed her hand over her small bump. “We also visited that used furniture store you told us about and were almost able to furnish our entire apartment. We would like to have you over for dinner once we’re settled. Don’t expect gourmet.”

  “I would love to. Would it be all right if I brought a friend?” She had a good feeling Ainslon would accompany her.

  “That would be great.”

  “Did you find anything for the baby at the store?”

  “There was a lot of baby furniture, but we decided, since this is our first, we want to get a new crib for the baby. We found the one we want and we’re saving the money for it. It’s expensive but will change as the baby grows.”

  “That’s great. If you need any help with anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

  “You’ve already done so much.”

  “Nonsense. I’m happy to help.” As soon as the words left her lips, her cellphone rang. “Hold that thought.” She walked to the desk, then swiped her phone. “Hello.” She nodded. “I see. Thank you.” She set the phone down and for the first time in a long time it felt like a weight lifted. Finally.

  “Carrie, would you mind if we finish this later? There’s something I need to do.”

  “Of course.”

  “I’ll walk you down, then I need to go chocolate shopping.”

  The day had started out slow, but Ainslon wasn’t going to complain. She’d finished a ton of work and sold three more books from the ones bought from Shelly. The steady rise of their business bank account was something she would never tire of.

  She’d also redesigned both storefront windows and put up all the flyers for their next themed night; talking animals. She knew the kids would get a kick out of dressing up as their favorite animal character and couldn’t wait to see their creativity.

  After a quick breakfast with Lauren, they’d gone their separate ways, and she hadn’t heard from her since. It wasn’t odd, but out of the norm. They usually texted on and off all day.

  She’d just sat back at her desk when an over-excited Justin ran into her office. He bent over, taking in deep breaths.

  “Justin, what’s wrong?”

  “We…we did it.”

  “What?” Ainslon got to her feet. “What did we do?”

  Justin gripped her shoulders. “We got the building.”

  Ainslon gasped and felt her heart start to pound. “We got the building?”

  “We did. The realtor just called. We got the building.” He pulled Ainslon into his arms and held her tight.

  “Wow.” This was amazing and life changing news.

  “Yes, wow.” He pulled back, linked their hands, and pulled her out of the office and toward the store. “This is huge.”

  Ainslon laid her palms flat on the counter’s surface. They got the building. Dozens of ideas flashed in her mind, but one was prominent. They got the building. Lauren didn’t. Ainslon looked up when Justin bumped her shoulder and she stared as Lauren walked toward the counter with a small bag in her hand and a smile on her face.

  “Ainslon.”

  “Hi, you.” Ainslon walked around the counter, slipped her hand in Lauren’s, and tugged her toward the office, shutting the door behind them. Lauren sat in the seat in front of the desk and Ainslon took the seat behind it.

  Lauren set the bag on the desk and motioned for Ainslon to open it. With shaky fingers, Ainslon pulled out a small thin, flat box and took the lid off. A bar of chocolate lay atop a bed of tissue paper with the word congratulations written on it. The small box held an origami rose. Ainslon swung her gaze to Lauren.

  “I…”

  Lauren held up her hand. “I never expected to get the building, but I live on hope, so I tried again. I knew the building was yours the moment we both met with Fredrick. The woman didn’t want to sell to me. You gave her another choice, and she took it.”

  “Wait. You knew?” She stopped herself from getting upset.

  Lauren nodded. “Don’t be upset. Please. I didn’t want to get your hopes up. The seller respects me as a businesswoman, but I don’t think she likes me. I wanted the building and was willing to pay over cost for it, then you came along. I didn’t know for a fact she would choose you, but I suspected.”

  “Why didn’t you say anything?”

  “What would I have said? It was only speculation on my part. Why get your hopes up over a hunch? Would it have made a difference in anything?”

  “No,” she said softly. Lauren knew she wouldn’t get the building and still pursued her. Ainslon smiled as the quiet surrounded them. Lauren drummed her fingers on the desktop. “Lauren?”

  “I’m waiting.”

  Ainslon frowned. “For what?”

  Lauren stood and Ainslon followed suit. “I’m waiting for you to ask me out. On a proper date. None of this friends stuff.”

  “I…” For the second time in Lauren’s presence, Ainslon was left speechless.

  “I’ll make it easy for you. Yes.”

  “Yes?” Why did her brain decide to go blank?

  “Yes. I’ll have dinner with you. As in a proper date. I was attracted to you the first time I walked into your store. Also, this whole nonsense with just being friends needs to end. You’re only kidding yourself— “

  Ainslon lunged across the desk and shut her up with a kiss. Ainslon moaned with the first touch of Lauren’s lips on hers, then pulled back to gauge Lauren’s reaction. Lauren pulled her back in and deepened the kiss. It was slow, unhurried, and perfect. “Wow.”

  “I’ve wanted to do that for weeks.”

  Ainslon rested her forehead against Lauren’s. “You know what I’ve been wanting to do for weeks?”

  “What?”

  “This.” Ainslon slipped her hands into Lauren’s hair and through her curls.

  “You like the curls, huh?”

  “Yes.” She cupped the back of Lauren’s head and brought their lips together. “It’s even softer than I expected.”

  Lauren cupped Ainslon
’s cheek. “Let’s do this right.”

  “I want that more than anything.”

  “That makes me happy. Dinner Friday at seven? The Café?”

  “Yes.”

  “Perfect.” Lauren sighed. “I hate to kiss and run, but I need to get back to the store.”

  Ainslon masked her disappointment but knew now wasn’t the time or place to be exploring this change in their relationship. “Me too. Get back to work, I mean.” She smoothed out where her fingers had mussed Lauren’s hair.

  Lauren pulled her hand down and laced their fingers together. She drew Ainslon into a hug. “I knew your kisses would be as good as your hugs.”

  Being wrapped in Lauren’s arms was perfection. She leaned forward to capture the inviting lips again, when a knock on the door drew them out of their bubble. Ainslon reluctantly pulled away from Lauren and opened it, allowing Justin in.

  “Sorry, ladies,” Justin said. “Ainslon, the store’s getting crowded.” He turned to leave.

  They both followed him out into a crowded store. “I’ll talk to you tonight,” Lauren said.

  “You will.”

  Ainslon slipped her hands in her pockets when Lauren walked out the door. She had kissed Lauren Millán, and not just a peck on the lips, but a real, honest to goodness kiss, and Lauren had kissed her back. A good day had turned into a great day.

  “Earth to Ainslon.” Justin waved his hand in front of her face. “That good, huh?”

  “Mind blowing.”

  “Good for you.”

  “It really is.”

  Ainslon hummed as she looked over their current sales. Two days had passed since Lauren had asked her out, and their time apart sucked. They’d talked on and off the last few days and texted but hadn’t had a chance to see each other. Instead of having dinner at the Café, they’d decided to have dinner at Lauren’s house.

  Since Ainslon and Justin had all their paperwork in order and the owner of the building wanted to get everything settled, the sale should be completed in a few weeks. Ainslon and Justin were knee-deep in redesigning the building. So much so that their ideas filled an entire notebook. They’d met with Kat, Dylan, Briley, and Leah and had agreed on a sale price for their current building.