Page 125 of Talk About… Dramay
Apparently, there was also a group dedicated to antiquing that had found out about the shop, promising they’d be stopping in regularly.
Finally, it was five o’clock. As we locked the door, I let out an exhausted breath.
“So, that went well,” I said, letting out a startled laugh.
“I’d say better than well, actually,” Tate said. “According to the numbers, you’ve already made up half of what you put into the shop. Another couple of days, and you’ll be breaking even. Thatneverhappens in small business.”
“I guess the extensive research we did on pricing helped out,” Hudson said. “Everyone seemed happy. I don’t think we had a single customer argue with us.”
Lane nodded in agreement. “And I know those old ladies are not afraid to bargain for good prices.”
“No, they’re not,” I agreed, letting out a chuckle. I’ve been to enough flea markets and antique stores to have heard an argument or two between staff and customers
“Why don’t you head out and join the girls? Roman can take you while we close up,” Hudson offered.
“Really?” I asked, chewing on my lip. I glanced at each of my mates, but all of them were trying to push me out the door. I’d been working late every night this week despite their protests and I guess they were at the end of their rope.
“Ori, you haven’t had a single day to yourself that wasn’t involved with work or us since you’ve been home. Go have your girls’ night. We’ll be waiting when you’re ready. Call us, and we’ll pick you up.”
“Okay,” I said, hurrying over and giving them each a quick hug and kiss before gathering my bag and meeting Roman at the door.
He drove me over to The Landing, where Avery and Sidney were already waiting outside. After saying goodbye to Roman, Hailey and Grace were pulling up, completing our little group.
I honestly expected it to be a little awkward. We had yet to spend time together in a group like this, and I was afraid that all the years since I’d been gone would have caused a rift between us.
Instead, Hailey dove right into her now long-term boyfriend and their fiasco moving into a new place, while Grace gave us some of her latest dating adventures.
Avery, Sidney, and I talked about some of the best and craziest moments of pack life.
It really did feel like old friends catching up, and I felt myself relaxing as time went on. When I left the city, I expected to come here, find my closure, and leave again.
Instead, I was reconnecting with my family, opening up a shop I’d always dreamed of, finding myself again in ways I didn’t know possible, and now finding a group of friends that would be just as loyal as my own pack.
When there was a lull in the conversation, I decided to spill my secret.
“So, I have some news, and I need you guys to help me figure out a way to break it to my pack.”
That had everyone’s attention. Sidney put down her drink and leaned in.
From the grin on her face, I knew she already guessed it.
“You’re pregnant,” she stated it like a fact.
“I am,” I agreed, explaining the fiasco with the kettle corn burning and taking the test. “I’ve always wanted to do this big moment of telling them. I didn’t want to just blurt it out or make them wait through the test with me, at least not for our first. This feels like a big deal.”
“First of all, congratulations!” Avery squealed. “Second, itisa big deal.”
Then it was a flurry of outlandish ideas, so many that I was cracking up.
“So, what if you wrap yourself like a present, then put the bow right over your stomach?” Sidney said. “Christmas is coming, you know.”
“There’s no way she’s waiting until Christmas to tell them,” Grace said, shaking her head. “I did see this super cute video where she bought her pack these super cheesy number one dad things and had them open them.”
“That is cute,” I agreed, but I wasn’t sure that was the right fit for the situation. I could not imagine… I cut myself off there, because I absolutely could imagine even Tate and Cameron rocking some dad gear.
“There’s always a classic bun in the oven,” Avery said with a shrug.
We continued like that through appetizers, dinner, and a couple of non-alcoholic drinks for most of us.