"Mom have you ever thought about hiring someone to help you?" I ask.

"Yeah, and I think I may need to do that. Abbot's brother came in asking for a job maybe I need to take him up on it." She said.

"Oh, Edward? I say we find out because this is just too much for two people." I said pulling out my phone looking for Abbot's number.

📞Abbots clothing

📞Abbot hey! It's Willow.

📞Hey, girl what's up?

📞Listen mom said Edward came in a while back asking about a job. Do you think he's still interested?

📞Let me call him and ask.

📞Ok if so tell him to come in ok? I appreciate it, Abbot.

📞No problem girlie.

"Mom Abbot said he will tell Edward and tell him to come in and talk to you," I said.

"Thanks that will be nice. He could lift all the heavy stuff." She laughed.

At 11:45 I told mom I was heading to the bar to meet up with Casey. When I pull up at the bar my phone beeps.

📱Hey Willow! What's up?

📱Hey Jace! Actually just pulled up at the bar. Having lunch with Casey!😁

📱That's awesome! Enjoy your time I just wanted to know what you were doing.

📱Don't cut too many trees. Talk later.

📱Bye Willow.❤️

I get out of the car and head inside and see Casey right away.

I sit down across from her and smile. Ross sees me and holds up a finger and I nod yeah.

"I'm so glad you made it Willow." She smiles.

"I'm happy to be here I'm excited for us to catch up." I smile.

"How's it's been going since you came home?" She asked as Ross came over and put our drinks on the table.

"It's been really busy. I didn't think people would buy so many ornaments." I laugh.

"So how's California?" She asks as Ross places our plates in front of us.

"Hot! I had to stop by Abbots and buy clothes when I got here. So tell me about you. What do you do and about your kids." I said.

"Well I'm a second-grade teacher at our old elementary school and my girls are in four and five. Veronica is four and Clarissa is five. They are handfuls and act just like me." She laughs.

"A teacher huh? You always did love kids. What about your husband what does he do?" I ask.

"He also works at the school. He's a history teacher in middle school. That's how we met. What about you? What do you do and any special guy?" she asked.

"I'm an interior designer and no special guy," I said.

"You always liked rearranging my bedroom for me. What about umm Jace?" She smiled.

"We have been hanging out and maybe kissed some but it can't go anywhere, Casey. I will be leaving after the new year. I can't hurt him like that." I said.

"You kissed? Like more than in the closet?" She laughed.

"Oh yeah! Tongue involved." I laughed just as Jackie walked up.

I roll my eyes at Cassie. "Why is it every time I'm here you come to my table Jackie?" I said.

"Well, I see you two have reunited how cute." She said whacking on some gum.

"Aren't you so excited for us!" I smile.

"As long as it's not Jace because he's mine." She smirks.

"Is that what's in your head? Don't you have a husband? I don't think Jace is interested." I said.

"Then why was he with me last night?" She said.

"That's not true because I was with him last night." I looked over at Casey. "We decorated his tree last night and had so much fun."

Jackie stomped off. "I guess she figures she can't pick on me as she did in school. Who knew I grew a backbone?" I laugh.

"Sorry I didn't say anything but a couple of her kids are in my class and well I wouldn't want her to say anything to cause trouble," Casey said.

"It's fine! The last couple of times Jace and I have been here she came over and even sent Ben a pic of us dancing." I said.

"Oh no, what did Ben say?" She asked.

"Believe it or not he was ok with it. He said he always knew Jace liked me and that he couldn't pick anyone better for me." I smile.

"Wow, that blows me away! Ben really has grown up huh?" She laughs.

"Apparently so!" I laugh eating a fry.

We sit and talked for over an hour and she invited me over this weekend if I can fit it in and come have dinner with her and the family. We said our goodbyes and I headed back to the store.

When I walked in mom was talking to Edward.  "Oh my gosh! It's good to see you!" I said to him.

"Girl Abbot told me you were in town. Give me a hug! Your mom hired me so I guess we will be working together." She smiled.

"Sounds good! I'm going to start pricing ornaments while you show Edward what's going on around here." I smile.

I pull my phone out of my jacket pocket and have a missed text.

📱Hey Willow! How was lunch?

📱Like old times Jace. I just made it back to work and mom hired Abbot's brother Edward to help out around here.

📱Oh, nice. I won't get off until 8 pm or so. Want to grab some food with me?

📱Sure Jace just stop by and pick me up. I'll be at the store.

📱Ok cya later. ❤️

📱Bye Jace! 😘

I put my phone down and work on pricing ornaments for the rest of the evening. Counting down the hours until I see Jace's face.

I smile to myself when I think of his tattoo and my initials over his heart. Jace has always liked me and last night I realize it was more than like.

Is that how I'm feeling about him too?