Never the Right Time

Chapter 42 Sophia's POV

This week I was busy getting ready for our one year anniversary party for the shop. We had survived the year and there was no letting up. I could not have been any more proud of how it turned out and we were going to celebrate in style. The brewery down the street surprised me with a special brew just for us. One of the brewers had been trying to ask me out on a date for a while now. I had shot him down every time. After everything with Joel and then the aftermath, I was still not ok with restarting my love life.

The anniversary party went off without a hitch. The tourists loved it and the locals all came out in support of me. The town had fully embraced me and my bookstore immediately and I was forever grateful for their support that was shown in all different ways. The past year had been a rollercoaster, but in the best way.

Over the past year, Vinny and I had a created a good routine. We spent most of our days at the shop. He was well loved by everyone who visited the shop. It was hard not to immediately fall in love with his slobbery face. Then in the evenings we would go down to the beach and surf or just read on the beach. It was relaxing and I finally felt peace in my life for the first time in a long time.

The next few months were busy. Summer had finally hit and the tourist season was in full bloom. Thanks to my dad, the anniversary party was featured in the San Diego newspaper. I couldn't believe the hype that my store and our little town had received. It resulted in more people coming to check out our quaint little town.

I had also started to go on a few dates. So far it was all in trying to put myself out there. Nothing had resulted in any sparks, but I finally had come to terms that it wasn't my fault that Joel had cheated. He was the only with the inability to truly commit to me and that wasn't my fault. I'd read a few self help books in the past year. It was a little cathartic to say the least.

Since the store had started to take off even more, I hired someone else so that my life wouldn't completely revolve around the store. I also had a lot more behind the scenes work since we were selling a lot more books and drinks. It felt a little crazy at times especially on the weekends when the tourists flocked to town.

Savannah helped me train our new hire, Nick. He was a retired teacher and had gotten bored at home. He was one of those old hippies that tried to go straight and was caught somewhere in between.  He was always telling us bad dad jokes and reminiscing about his twenties. He was immediately adopted as our grandpa and loved us just the same.

September had rolled around and the tourist season was starting to slow down. We were still a popular destination, it also meant we weren't running around like crazy people all day. I finally felt like I was  actually able to take a break or two from the craziness of the shop.

I was reading in the bookstore taking my break while Nick ran the register. When a voice jostled me from my concentration.

"It's rare to see an Amherst sweatshirt in this part of the country. Did you go there?" The voice asked

I looked up and locked eyes with someone I thought I hadn't seen in roughly six years. My heart immediately started pounding.

"M-Mark?" I slowly stood trying to steady my breathing. I could feel Nick's attention drawn to us.

"Soph!" he choked out, "I can't believe its you."

Without hesitation he immediately took two steps towards me and pulled me into his arms. At first I didn't know what to do and then as if my body acted without my knowledge, I felt myself wrap my arms around his body. 

I immediately had a million questions. I pulled away from him just a bit to look up at him. He looked different. He had grown his facial hair out a little bit and his hair was shaggy. He was still on the thinner side, but looked like he was in better shape than even befor. I couldn't help but stare at him for a second before my brain came back to reality.

"I can't believe its you either." Finally getting my brain to slow down " I currently have a million questions for you. I want to hear everything that's going on with you. Have you gotten a drink yet? Do you want one?" I was rambling as I pulled him over to the bar.

"Nick, this is one of my best friends from back in college, Mark. Mark, this is my co-worker and adopted grandpa, Nick."

"Hi nice to meet you" Mark greeted Nick before turning to me, "You work here? This place is amazing!"

"I actually own it. I moved out here a little over a year ago. It's been the best thing I've done."

"That's amazing! I seriously want to hear all about it. I'm in town for as long as I want, Do you want to get together for dinner or something?"

"Yes, of course! There is a great spot down the street. The chef is amazing! Want to meet up around 6:30. It usually slows down and we will be able to close up early."

"Sounds great! Whatever works for you. I was planning on posting up here to work. So if that's ok, I'll just hang out until you're done."

The rest of the day felt like it was going as slow as humanly possible. I had a million things to do, but my attention was constantly drawn to him and the little bit he told me. All the questions and thoughts rattled through my head. Where was Emma and Rebecca? What is he doing out here? Damn he looks as good as ever. Is it possible that he is single? Would he even be interested in me?

I had to shake myself bout of my thoughts multiple times during the rest of the day and talk myself off the crazy edge that I felt as though I was teetering on. All the questions would be answered in due time.

6:30 finally rolled around and I was a bundle of nerves as Vinny and I walked up to him. He had one AirPod in and looked deep in thought. It took a second before I decided to sit down. He looked startled for a second before he realized it was me.

"Is it time already?" He asked looking down at his watch

"Yup! We are ready whenever you are." He looked confused for a second before he realized Vinny was next to me.

"Oh hey puppers! You coming too?"

"I hope you don't mind. He is my shadow."

"Of course I don't mind" he said as he put his computer away, "all ready!" And held out his hand to me.

It made me pause for a second before I put my hand in his letting him pull me out of my chair.   Yep, my mind was on extra overdrive as we walked out hand in hand.