Summer At The Store

That Was The First Day

The gentle ring of the front door bell danced around the store as Lara Jean entered Kavinsky's Antiques. The faint sound of oldies played over the speakers as she took a glance around. All the small beautiful things made her heart beat faster. She was so excited to get to be among so many precious trinkets all summer long.

"Hey coworker." Peter smiled at her from behind the counter.

"Hi!" she waved back. "Can I put this in the office?" She lifted her purse.

"Yeah. I'll open it up for you." He motioned for her to follow him. He opened the door and held it open for her. The doorway was slim and she had to slide past him to enter. She felt her chest gently brush against his. Memories of his chest on top of hers flooded her brain, making her heart beat faster. She held her breath as she threw her bag onto a chair. She quickly dodged her body away from his and stepped away.

"Where's your mom?" she leaned her head to the side once she was a comfortable distance away.

"She's got some decorating appointments in the morning. Then she's picking some chairs over in Fredericksburg. It's just you and me today." He walked back behind the counter.

This was the first time they had been together, just them. She was still judging how comfortable to be with him, especially at his family's business. Was he technically her boss? "So, what's first?" she asked standing in the middle of the store and clapped her hands.

"I guess you could do some dusting at first. It will help you learn what's here." Peter smiled. "No one's been in yet today."

"What will you be doing?" she questioned.

"Doing some accounting stuff for my mom. She hates it. She always complains how she hates math. She even gave up helping Owen with his math homework last year."

"Kitty is a math genius if he ever needs any help." Lara Jean offered while grabbing a duster from the counter.

"I may take you up on that one day." She smiled back before shooing her off. "Now go create imaginary backstories for everything in the store. I know you will anyway."

She wanted to protest but no words came out. He knew her better than almost anyone. She turned on her feet and got started.

She was still dusting when she heard the door open. She turned to see two middle aged women come in. "Hi there!" Lara Jean smiled. "Welcome to Kavinsky's Antiques. Anything we can help you find today?"

"Oh, we're just browsing, I think." One of the women started for the other side of the store, wanting to avoid all human interaction.

"Actually – "The other woman rolled her eyes at her friend. "I'm looking for something for my mother-in-law. We're going to see her for vacation next week and she never likes anything I give her. Flowers, candy, jewelry. Hates everything. You know the type. One time she threw my gift out while I was still there." She half half laughed half rolled her eyes. "I was thinking she might like something more... unique."

"We have unique in spades." Lara Jean smiled and guided her further into the store. "What kinds of things does she like? Does she have any hobbies or anything?"

"She loves to read. Her and my husband are always exchanging books. I apparently don't read nearly enough for her liking. She also loves crafts. She turned Eric's old room into a crafting studio."

LJ scrunched her nose while taking a second to think. "Does she like candles?"

The woman's ears perked up. "She loves them. How did you do that?"