“Okay. Wait. Can we review the expense records tomorrow?”
“I’ll set aside some time before lunch. Can we FaceTime so I can see your beautiful face?” he asked.
Though he couldn’t see me, I rolled my eyes. “Stop mixing business with pleasure.”
“I’m your business partner. Of course I’m mixing business with pleasure.”
“My silent business partner,” I reminded him. “It means you remain silent.”
He laughed, and it was times like this that it felt the way it did when we first started dating almost three years ago. He’d swept me off my feet and encouraged me to open the boutique, offering to help get me started. We were a match made in heaven back then. He was solely behind the scenes, and I could do whatever I wanted with the store—decorating, ordering, hiring. And, I did. Making it the most popular store in town. But those good times were now few and far between. “Have fun tonight,” he said.
“I will. Talk to you tomorrow,” I said, before switching off my car and the call.
I stepped outside, happy I’d dressed warm in a teal cashmere turtleneck sweater, jeans, and boots. I walked the short distance to Blades and found a huge tent set up in the parking lot. Portable heaters were placed all around to keep everyone warm, and people gathered at high-top tables after grabbing food from the nearby food trucks. I made my way under the tent, looking for familiar faces. I spotted Kason at a table signing autographs for young snowboarders. He was in his element, smiling and laughing.
Jesse hurried over to greet me. “Hey. I’m glad Kason told you about the event.”
“Looks great out here,” I observed, noticing the racks of merch and bar.
“Let me know if you need help setting up a night like this for the boutique.”
“Definitely.” I was always looking for ways to bring in new customers who might’ve thought my store was too upscale. A night like this might just prove it had something for everyone.
“You came!” Shay said as Jesse was pulled away by some people. “Come on. We’re camped out over here.”
I followed her to a table and instantly stilled. Thayer and a beautiful blonde stood there. I quickly averted my gaze. Thankfully, Kason had finished with his fans and came over and hugged me.
“Hey,” I said, stepping out of the hug. “How’s the wrist feel?”
“Like new,” he said, rotating his wrist around like I needed proof since it had been in a cast since December.
“Now, if you could just stop doing all those flips.”
“And disappoint my adoring fans?” he asked, like I’d said the unthinkable. “Never.”
“Speaking of fans,” I said, my head whipping around to find no line at his autograph table. “Where are they?”
“You just missed the mad rush. More will show up,” he assured me. “Speaking of showing up, I couldn’t believe it when Shay told me you were coming tonight.”
“Why not?” I asked.
“It’s almost ten. I thought you turn into a pumpkin after nine.”
I heard laughter from the table.
“Oh, that’s really funny, Kase,” I said, not appreciating him making me look lame in front of Thayer’s date. I averted my gaze, looking around the tent at all the twinkling lights strung up above. “Jesse said he’d help me if I wanted to arrange an event like this at the boutique.”
“Which boutique?” Thayer’s date asked.
I inhaled a deep breath before looking at her. “Silver and Pearls.”
“I love that shop,” she gushed. “It’s got the best dresses and jewelry.”
It totally did. “I’m sorry. We haven’t met. I’m Kason’s sister Giselle.”
“I’m Masie. Thayer’s…,” she stalled, but when Thayer didn’t jump in to assist, she finished. “Date.”
“Oh, Masie. Right. How did snowboarding go?” I asked.