In the following year, Kristy's new business opened up. She did call her other friends and told them about the new building she'd just built, and even sent them pictures. They all decided to come out to Stoneybrook and see Kristy's Lanes in person. It was only the middle of May, so it opened just in time for the summer. Even Bart and her mother came to see the newest business.
"Kristy, this building sure is beautiful. Claudia, I'm very happy to see that you've agreed to stick around with Kristy in this new business idea of hers. You know she's full of great ideas."
"Thank you, Mrs. Thomas."
"You're very welcome, dear. Kristy, I'm sorry Watson isn't here to see this beautiful building of yours."
Watson happens to be Kristy's stepfather. He hasn't been in town for the last couple weeks. He's out – of – town because Karen and Andrew now live in Texas, so he was able to fly back and forth. Both Karen and Andrew both decided to go to college there, so once Watson would still be able to see Kristy's Lanes once he returns.
Kristy's best friend, Mary Anne was there. She'd flown from Kentucky to Stoneybrook for the grand opening. Mary Anne lives in Louisville, since that's where her husband, Logan grew up. He moved back after graduating from high school. Logan decided to stay behind and was nice enough to let her come on her own to see the newest bowling alley.
The bowling alley was like just any other: lanes, balls, rental shoes, screens to show what your score is, men's and women's bathrooms, telephones, offices, you name it. Claudia has been busy making up team uniforms for those who would want to be on one. Claudia did start working on the uniforms when the building was in progress.
"Wow. You look like this place will be a hit," Jessi told her.
"I thought so myself when I came up with this idea. You know I've always loved sports," Kristy reminded her friend.
"I haven't forgotten. There's no need for a reminder."
"Too late for that."
So everyone followed Kristy and Claudia into the lanes.
"Even the lanes are beautiful," Stacey agreed.
"This should be a big hit after week," Dawn said as everyone else agreed.
"You can send Watson a picture, Mom."
"I'm doing that right now."
Kristy and her friends watched as she took pictures on the phone. Everyone hung around for a while.
"Can we be the first to use the lanes?"
"Sure, Mallory. It'll be the start of the grand opening."
Less than twenty minutes, a lot of other people showed up. Even they wanted to use the lanes themselves. So Kristy's friends decided to be the first on testing this place out. They didn't bowl at all in middle and high school, so this should be fun.
"Too bad Logan isn't here to see this building," she told Kristy and Claudia.
"There's always next time, Mary Anne. I'm sure he'd like this place like the others."
They agreed with their friend. Mary Anne was able to take a couple pictures and send them Logan's way. He replied and told her that even he liked the pictures as well.
"Logan loves the building, girls. He wanted me to tell you both that he wishes you good luck in the future."
"Tell him thank you," Kristy replied.
"Maybe next time I can take him out here so that way he can see Kristy's Lanes in person."
"That sounds like a good idea to tell him," Dawn agreed.
The other girls stayed in Stoneybrook for the rest of the week and see how the newest bowling alley would do. So when Kristy and Claudia drove their friends to the airport, Stacey told her, "Thank you for letting us come out here. I really enjoyed this visit."
"Thank you, Stacey. I will let you know when we have our first tournament."
That's when her friends hopped on the plane.
"This is going to be a big hit. Thank you for letting me in on this."
"You're welcome, Claudia."