Of Mountains and Men: A Why Choose Romance

Chapter 16

I don't have a computer at home, or even wifi if I did have a computer. I'll have to go to the library to research packaging, labels, and everything I need to kick off my hobby into a business. I'm excited as I drive Charley and I to work in the morning.

As soon as we're in the daycare I scoot Charley off to play and rush over to Lindy. "Lindy!" I say unable to hide my excitement, "I'm going to start a soap company!"

She arches a brow at me and takes a sip of her coffee. "I need like five more cups before I can match your level of enthusiasm." She takes another deep swallow. "Okay hun, I love your soap, but how are you planning on selling it?"

I'm practically bouncing as I start setting up the room for the kids. "I'm going to go research the particulars after work. I'm thinking about approaching all the small businesses to see if I can sell out of their stores and give them five percent of the profits per month, or something like that. Maybe, even try selling online!"

She rubs her head a moment then nods, "I think that could work." She finally sets her coffee down getting to work. I cock my head towards Lindy.

"Did something happen this weekend?" I ask her, while arranging stacks of coloring pages.

"You tell me," She mutters grumpily.

"Um, well I know I had a great weekend. What did you end up doing?" I keep sneaking glances at her but she's looking elsewhere.

"Yes, everyone has told me how you've been swept off your feet by three billionaires, while I ended up slumming it with one of the secretaries." She groans flopping into one of the spinning chairs. "His muscles were so big, like Charlotte you wouldn't believe how sexy this man was. And last night as I was about to head home, he had to take off to run errands for his boss." She finally looks up at me, "Andrew is his boss. So, while I put everything into what I thought was a good investment. Nope. You scored the big load." She huffs.

I'm pretty pissed now, my hands go to my hips. "Wow, I didn't expect that kind of pettiness from my best friend who's always encouraging me to get out of my bubble and date. The one time I finally do, you get jealous. You know any of the guests that stay here and take an interest in us." I'm waving my hands by this point, "They just want a fun time. None of it is going anywhere despite any promises made. Wrap up your self-pitting attitude and get your butt to work. Got it!" I snap.

Her eyes widen, she stands up, arms open wanting a hug. I narrow my eyes and she drops her arms. "I'm sorry. I just want a way out, and I thought you were taking it."

It's my turn to huff at her, "I plan on starting my own company, that's going to take time. I don't plan on leaving Paleriver, it's been my home and my ancestor's home for a hundred years. Why not try those dating sites, there has to be someone else looking to settle down with a trophy wife." I wink at her, then plaster on a smile as I see a mom coming to drop off her son with us.

"Good morning." I say to them, squatting down to greet Jakey, "We missed you."

He grins, "Bye mom." And takes off to join Charley playing with the cars.

"Hi, Mrs. Marsh when will you be picking him up?" Lindy says in full daycare mode, all signs of earlier glum replaced with a cheerful demeanor.

"I'll be back around four. Thank you so much, have a lovely day. Bye Jakey!" She calls strutting off to start her day.

We get just a trickle of parents and kids in today. I guess it's a family day with the businessmen, so they are all together. At around nine Andrew makes a surprise appearance.