Chapter 3

Soma’s POV

           Getting home I was exhausted, I didn’t think putting a store together was going to be that exhausting. I couldn’t wait to take a long bath and snuggle with my pillow. Tomorrow was going to be even longer, even though I had a few more days until I would open my store. A guy was bringing my sign for the store; I was super excited about that. Once that was in place I was one more step away from making my dream a reality.

           Unlocking my apartment, my cat Mouse greeted me. “Hey Mouse.” I said picking up the overweight cat. “I’m exhausted.” I said kissing him. “Time for mommy to take a bath and then off to bed.” I said putting him down to feed him and then I would run my bath.

           Once I was in the bath, Mouse came and sat on the toilet and watched me. I enjoyed the hottest path a human could withstand for whatever reason. After that, I managed to climb into bed and knock out until the alarm blared.

           “Today is going to be great.” I smiled. My sign would be here, I would be able to get the final touches for the store and I would finally be able to order the door. I was nervous though, no one would be able to bail me out if I made mistakes. I just hope today would go on without issues and people would come and buy my tea.

           I fed Mouse and headed out the door, I couldn’t wait to see my sign and then my window shopping and everyone would be set up. My nerves would be a lot better today. I was handing out excited and couldn’t wait. The drive was quick; I unlocked the door and danced around my shop, making sure everything was in order. I probably looked like a pretty big dork but I didn’t care at this point. The people probably would love me one way or another.

           I didn’t have to wait long before the man knocked on my door holding the sign, I opened the door and he smiled.

           “Sorry I am late.” He smiled.

           “Don’t worry, I am happy that you made it in the short time you did,” I said. “Once this baby is in place, I am going shopping to get the stuff I need, and this afternoon I am open.” I squealed. I was a little nervous to see this all set up, I knew as this was happening I was getting closer to being open. I was scared and happy all the same. Nick would be so proud of me, and seeing that I’ve made this store into something great.

           “I don’t think I’ve seen anyone this happy in a long time, good to know someone can be.” He smiled and excused himself to his truck to get the ladder. 

           I walked back into my store and doubled checked everything. Everything looked great, just a few minor decorations and I felt the place was ready for my new chapter in my life. I just hoped everything else would fall into place. I had a good feeling about my shop even if the coffee shop was busy; maybe I would have some of their customers.

           About an hour later the man that was installing the sign came into the store. “Are you ready to see your masterpiece?” he said with a smile on his face.

           “I am.” I smile big. “I am nervous too.” I giggled.

           “Don’t be, you choose the perfect name,” he said leading me outside. “Just as the sunset, the colors are coming out perfectly.” He said pulling me closer.

           As I looked up, my heart went into my throat. The sign lit perfectly, I was shocked. I didn’t know what to say, it was beautiful I almost cried. This was my store. This was my dream; I couldn’t believe this was real.

           “This is perfect!” I said clapping my hands together, this was real. I was a real owner of the store now. Everyone would see my sign from the road and hopefully that would draw them in and they’d want to buy some tea from me. I still had my doubts, but that was only because it was New York, and honestly I still wasn’t sure I chose the right state for this.

           “Congrats, I hope this brings you millions of dollars.” He said before leaving me standing there. I was amazed, I couldn’t move from the spot for the longest time. When I was able to, it was dark. I was still smiling when I walked back into the store. Tomorrow I decided I was going to open the store; I hoped to bring in the business.

           Locking up the store, I decided to head to the local stores and see what they had to offer for decorations, I was excited. My smile wouldn’t be ruined by anyone, I had butterflies and I knew this was going to be an everyday thing. 

           There was a craft store down the road, I walked in and it was filled with everything I needed. I grabbed a cart and filled it with everything I needed. I remembered not to go crazy since it was for only one season and I would have to remember it was only for a couple of months.

           Getting back to my store was quick; I unlocked the door and headed inside. Dancing around, I laid out the oranges and browns, everywhere was colorful. I was happy, everything was ready. I wanted to get to know the town and the people tomorrow couldn’t come fast enough.          

I locked the door and took one last look at the store, tomorrow was going to be a great day I couldn’t wait to see my first customers. I was nervous, but it would be okay. It was like my first day on the job just like every time. I knew everyone would be excited like me. I couldn’t contain myself.

           “Excuse me.” Someone said.

           I jumped; my heart was in my throat turning to face the man, he was dressed in a black coat. His hair was dark and his eyes were cold. He didn’t smile, he stayed where he was standing at least for the time being.

           “So sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. My name is Detective Marks.” He said flashing his badge; I didn’t get a good look at it.

           “Um hi.” I half-smiled. I wasn’t sure why there was a detective in front of me.

           He took a few steps closer to me, I wasn’t sure if he was going to arrest me for something, or if something happened while I was hone. “I am going to each store owner, which I am guessing you are the owner of this store.” He said pointing to the tea shop, and then he looked at me.

           “Um yeah, what is this about?” I said opening the door to my car. I wanted to get in and drive away, something about the man scared me. I wasn’t entirely sure he was a real cop seeing he flashed his badge quickly, and he wasn’t acting like a cop.

          He glanced in the direction of the coffee shop, I wasn’t sure if there was a reason he did that or if he was giving me some kind of hint. “Oh well there is a crime family in the area, they are looking into these stores to possibly rob them.” He said clearing his throat. “I just wanted you to be aware of them.” He said pulling out something from the inside of his jacked, he handed me a picture.

           “Thanks,” I said looking at him and then the photo, I didn’t know who he was. I felt like I was being watched from the shadows. “I don’t know this person.” She said looking at the picture.

           “He may not have come around, but I wanted you to be aware of him in case he does come to your shop. If he does please call me as soon as you can.” He said pulling a card out of his pocket and handing it to me. “Again I apologize for scaring you.” He said backing away from me so I could get in my car and leave. I half smiled and then got in my car and drove away. He stood on the sidewalk watching me. There were no other cars around, so I wasn’t sure where he had come from.

           I watched him until he wasn’t in sight anymore, something about him was off. The picture of the man, I didn’t know. I was a little worried it wouldn’t be the last time I’d see him; in fact, I felt like he was going to come around and harass me and annoy me. Whoever that man in the picture was didn’t look like he would hurt anyone, but that didn’t make me feel any less scared.