Hello and happy Tuesday! Thank you all for the continuous support!
originalguest: I like it too. It's a good balance. Honestly, I don't really know yet… It is! Thank you so much! You're so sweet and that makes me happy! Thank you!
Discursus: It'll come out, little by little!
violet1429: Thank you, me too! It was a nice change. I do too and you'll just have to wait and see. Do you want it to be her?
Guest: Thank you. Me too!
ProudlyUnique: Thank you for both reviews and thank you so much for your kind words! That's true friendship right there and that's true. I didn't really notice that and I like it and him! Aw, sorry. You just have on a little bit longer and hehe, got to keep you coming back!
foxcharin: Yes, indeed. And me too!
Jen: Thank you for all your reviews and I know right?! Those two are awesome to write and of course, it's them…lol. I know and thanks! You'll find out little by little. It's fun and I'm glad you like it!
Enjoy!
With the doors officially open for business, the wait is agonizingly painful. It feels like an eternity, when in reality only nine minutes before the first customer enters the store.
"Hello," Riley greets cheerfully. "Welcome to Changing Strokes," a sense of relief coming over her.
"Hi," the woman responds with a friendly smile. "How long have you been here?"
"Oh, um, today's our first day," Riley replies in a calm manner as she feels her knees start to shake.
"Ah. So you're the one that caused all that ruckus for months at a time," the woman recalls, staring at Riley with raised eyebrows.
"Yes, I guess that was me," Riley mumbles before quickly apologizing. "And, I am sorry about that."
"Umm hmm," the woman hums, trying to decide the truth behind the apology. But the innocent look the young girl's face makes her want to give the girl the benefit of the doubt. "Well, let's see if all that noise is worth something."
"Oh, yes. Please, have a look around. There's coffee, water and snacks towards the back of the store and some brochures on the table outside and around the store that has information on our products, upcoming events and random little tidbits about the store and owners," Riley explains everything as she motions all around the room.
"Thank you," the woman smiles as she leaves Riley to size up the rest of the store.
As Riley anxiously looks at her first customer and then to the front door, she's not quite sure on what to think. Of course she's happy with her one customer, but she need more to not feel like a failure. She knows the store has only been open for less than twenty minutes, and she only hopes they put out enough flyers and that people won't just walk by and think of it as just another store. She's already doubting herself and that's not a good sign. She's so into her own thoughts that she doesn't hear the customer asking her questions until the woman is right in front of her, waving a hand in her face and yelling at her for attention.
"I'm so sorry. First day jitters. Can you repeat the question?" Riley apologizes again, snapping back into business mode.
"As much as I want to give you a bad time because your personal skills need a little bit of work, I do understand what you're going through. I own Magical Wonders Bookstore down the road and in the beginning, it wasn't easy. But the people in this town are your friends. Believe in that. And I guess I should introduce myself. I'm Martha. Martha Baxter," the woman now known as Martha extends a hand to Riley as a peace offering.
"It's very nice to meet you, Martha. I'm Riley. Riley Matthews and thank you for that," Riley smiles for the first time.
"Any time. You're young and just starting out. It'll be bumpy in the beginning, but it'll be worth it in the end," Martha in a way promises Riley. "And what I was asking you about was that picture of the moon, sun and planet. How much is it and who painted it?" her interest peaked.
"Its a hundred dollars and I actually painted it," Riley responds modestly.
"You?" Martha gasps in surprise. "It's beautiful."
"Thank you," Riley murmurs, looking at her feet and getting a little flustered by the compliment.
"I'll give you two hundred for the picture and you do offer classes, right?" Martha exclaims with excitement.
"Oh, no! I couldn't ask that. And yes I do. Let me grab you a flier," Riley quickly declines and then rushes over to the counter and takes a few papers.
When Riley returns, she hands Martha the information and Martha hands Riley her credit card and demands the price to be two hundred.
"Please, accept it," Martha presses, not dropping the matter. "Think of it as commission and a little extra for the store."
The two were in a stare down for a few seconds before Riley finally gives in.
"Okay, fine. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. And, if you're interested in a class, I'll give you a discount," she compromises, wanting to make this trade a little more even.
"Deal," Martha grins, taking back her credit card and helps Riley wrap the painting.
Once the picture is sealed and in Martha's possession, she takes one last look around the store and then focuses on Riley as she says one last thing before leaving. "Good luck, Riley. Cherish this store. It's your baby now and the only way to go is up from here on out. I'll see you around."
"Thank you, Martha. And yes, we'll see each other soon," Riley waves goodbye and feeling a sudden wave of joy.
"You did amazing, Riley," Maya praises, coming out from the back once it's just the two of them.
"Thanks, Maya. Martha is great and a good neighbor," Riley acclaims, staring at her first receipt.
"She is and I think we can learn something from her too. Keep your head up, honey. It's only going to get better with time," Maya beams, hugging Riley as another customer enters the store.
OoOoOoOo
Within the first hour, the store already sold four painting, a whole bunch of art supplies and Riley already gotten people signed up for classes. Everyone was right. Today was looking out to be a very good day and as she pulled out her heart necklace with a tree in the center out from under her shirt, she kisses it and says a silent 'thank you'.
By mid-morning the store was jammed packed. Most people were only there for the free snacks and out of curiosity, but there were a select few who truly seemed charmed by the store and art work and that, that's what it's all about.
Riley was astounded by how much people were willing to spend on hers and Maya art work and how many people were actually interested in learning how to paint, draw and create something powerful. She was happy for the business and the need for this new beginning.
The crowd had finally thinned out and Maya used this time to catch up with her friend.
"So, how are you feeling?" she wonders curiously, hoping this isn't too much for her.
"I feel exhilarated. This whole morning has been astonishing and I look forward to the rest of the day," Riley beams with a carefree smile.
"Good. I'm glad to hear that," Maya nods with relief as she gives Riley a content smile before her smile turns into a smirk as she asks, "When is Lucas stopping by?"
"Um, I don't know. I'm not even sure he's coming. I only told him yesterday," Riley counters with a raised eyebrows. "And why are you so interested in whether Lucas shows up or not? Do you have a little crush on him?" poking Maya's side.
Maya lets out a shriek as Riley hits the spot she's most ticklish and responds with a laugh, "No, I don't have a crush on him. And I was just asking. I mean, he seemed pretty attentive yesterday when you invited him. Also, he's the only person we've really talked to while setting up our business. Remember, he's our friend."
"Yes, I know he's our friend. But I still think you have a little crush on the guy. Come on; you'd have to be blind not to see how good looking he is," Riley giggles, watching Maya's expression that's still neutral and calm.
"Riles, you know I love you, but for the last time, I don't have a crush on him," Maya groans, trying to veer Riley off the subject.
Riley opens her mouth to reply when a deep voice beats her to it. "Who has a crush?"
Both girls turn around to see Josh walking towards them with an amused grin.
"No one." "Maya." Maya and Riley say at the same time.
Maya glares at Riley whose eyes are wide in shock from just telling Josh what she did.
"Oh, really? Maya has a crush?" Josh probes sharply. "Who's the guy?"
"Um, no one," Riley answers immediately, her voice rising to a higher pitch and hoping Josh doesn't push it.
"Hmm," Josh nods, looking between the two girls with a tense posture. "Well, I still have to finish up some stuff," as he gruffly turns around and walks away.
Once Josh is gone, Riley and Maya share a look, shrugging their shoulders at Josh's odd behavior and then go back to work.
OoOoOoOo
There's a steady stream of people coming and going and when Josh returns with lunch he takes over the customers and allows Riley a much needed break so she could sit down and relax. Eating her sandwich in her office in peace, she's very delighted with the day so far. She starts humming a happy tune before realizing Josh and Maya are out there. Together. She knows with other people around they won't cause a scene, but that doesn't mean they won't try to annoy one another until their breaking point. That's just there thing.
Quickly stuffing the last of her sandwich in her mouth and wiping her lips, Riley glances at the clock to see they only have about five hours left. They could survive that, right? Oh, how is she kidding? She runs out to see them both talking with customers on opposites sides of the store and lets out her breath she was holding in. Now that, that's good business teamwork.
Josh returns back to his office when he sees Riley's returned and it's only about thirty minutes later when Lucas arrives. He has a big smile on his face and a young woman on his arm. But not just any woman. No, it's a woman she's had the not so nice pleasure of meeting.
"Who's the blonde bimbo with Lucas?" Maya grumbles in to Riley's ear, looking at the two in disgust.
"Maya," Riley warns as she takes a deep, pulls on her best fake smile and whispers back, "That would be our next door neighbor."
And, there you go folk. Please, let me know what you think!
Thanks and until next time,
Missy xx
