“Oh, I think she’s a nice woman. I’m hoping she’ll do a good job on her article. We can use the publicity.”
He looked doubtful. “But I am sorry, though, that I accused you of wanting attention. I realize you were doing it for the theater.”
“I was hurt, I admit. I just couldn’t believe you’d think that about me after all the time we spent together.” She had trusted him, considered him a friend. But his accusation hurt.
“I know. I was wrong. I’m sorry.” He apologized again.
“I’m sorry, too. So, will you accept my apology?” She looked at him imploringly, wanting nothing more than to get back on good footing with him. She’d come to realize his friendship meant a lot to her.
“I accept.” He started to reach out for her hand, then pulled back, grinning. “But I guess you don’t want to shake on it. Not with this greasy hand.”
A smile slipped across her lips. “Probably not. So we’re all good now?”
“We are.” His words were firm and full of assurance.
The last of her doubt and her hurt faded away. Relief surged through her. “That’s great. So… are you going to start coming by the theater again? I’ve missed you.”
“Ah, you have projects for me, do you?” His teasing smile made her grin again.
“I might have a few.” She looked around the shop. “But if you’re busy with The Bike Shop, I understand.”
“I’ve got plenty of time. Jonny can run the shop.”
“The rehearsals start this week. I can’t wait to see if this all comes together like I planned.”
“I’m sure it will. I have faith in you.”
His words made her heart soar.
“Let me get cleaned up, and I’ll meet you over at the theater in a bit.”
“That would be nice.” It would be great. Fabulous, actually. A smile etched its way onto her face, and she wasn’t sure when it might go away. She turned and walked out into the warm sunshine.
With each pedal of her bike, her spirits rose. Gavin was back working on the theater and the opening. And they were back to being friends. All was right with her world.
She slowed her speed for a moment and frowned, her eyebrows knitting together. She probably should have been honest with Gavin and told him about her past as a Broadway actress. But they had just made a tenuous connection again, and she didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize that. Plenty of time to tell him after the opening. She would tell him everything then, she silently promised herself.
Gavin scrubbed the grease from his hands and went by his home to change into a clean shirt. A lightness hovered over him now that he and Tori were speaking again. If she had given him a chance, he would have told her himself about the lighthouse restoration article. He shook his head ruefully. No, in all honesty, he probably wouldn’t have. It wasn’t something he ever talked about. Just like the media and Anna. Some things were better left unsaid and buried in the past.
He’d been mad when Tori had just sent him away, but he realized he’d hurt her feelings when he rushed to judge her.
Being friends with a woman like Tori was complicated. But hopefully, they were back on track.
He walked over to the theater and climbed the front steps lined with glass cases with posters proclaiming the grand opening. As he entered the lobby, excitement thrummed through him to be involved with the opening once again.
He found Tori in her office. “I’m here.”
She looked up, and her eyes twinkled with welcome. “Great.” She stood, picked up her notebook, and walked over to him. “Let’s get started.”
Her notebook. He’d missed that. The way she organized everything.
“Let’s start.” He stepped aside to let her through the doorway. As she brushed past him, it felt like all the air was sucked out of him.What was that all about?
Ignoring it, he followed her down the hallway. They spent the day working through her list. Getting things ready. Double-checking the sound system and the lights. Finally, she collapsed on a front-row seat. “I’m beat.”
“Bit tired myself.” He lowered himself to sit next to her. Their arms brushed against each other on the armrest. He stared down at them for a moment, then looked up at her. “I think we’re ready for the rehearsals though, don’t you?”
“I hope so.”
