my response is stuck in my throat.
He’s happy to see me.
Quinn wraps his arms around me just as I bend down. This hug is what I needed. I
needed to feel the love that this little boy has for me and to be able to give it back. Maybe this is what I’ve been missing these past few months.
My family.
Chapter 2–Xander
I bundle the collar of my coat tighter around my neck as I walk against the wind.
For the most part the weather in Beaumont is mild, but we do get these days when it’s so cold the wind chills your bones. It only lasts for a few days and right now we’re going on day three of one too many. This is my first winter in Beaumont. I didn’t have a lot of expectations when I moved here, but I was hoping for a calmer winter. I have A-list clientele and a thriving business. Being the only gym in town can do that for you, especially when I’m keeping my rates low and my hours flexible. I’m catering to the working class, both men and women.
Beaumont is a mix of blue- and white-collared workers, and I’m working to meet
their needs. I’ve been able to hire a full complement of staff, and that enables me to dedicate myself to personal training and physical therapy. Most of this is in part to landing a lucrative deal with the local band 4225 West. They’re based out of Beaumont, but I’ll be travelling with them when they go on tour in the spring. It’s mostly due to precaution with their keyboardist, Jimmy Davis. He was shot and almost died when a bullet ripped through his lung. He was in a coma for about a month and had extensive physical therapy to regain his full lung function.
Opening the door to Whimsicality, the scent of Christmas hits me hard. I’ll be
staying home during the holidays so I can give my employees the time off. They have families, and all I really have are the Westburys, James’ and Davis’. I’ve been invited to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with them, and I’ve accepted. I enjoy hanging out with them, but it does make me long for something more. My parents married young, and I always thought I’d follow in their footsteps. But life has a funny way of steering you down the path you least expected. I can’t complain though because I’m happy. I own a successful business, some of it thanks to Liam, but mostly because I know what I’m doing.
Whimsicality isn’t crowded, mainly because of the expansion it recently went
through. When the business next door ceased trading, Liam and Josie purchased that space, making the café larger. The band plays here occasionally, which brings in a lot of fans. They play impromptu shows and use social media to tell fans when they’re
happening. Right now, Whimsicality is decorated for the holidays. There’s a Christmas tree in one of the corners and lights everywhere. Garland hangs on the walls–I know its garland because I was asked to help to hang it. We spent a Sunday in here doing
everything by Josie’s instructions while she made those fancy center things that sit on the tables.
I choose to sit by the fireplace to take away the chill. During the remodeling
phase, Harrison uncovered a massive brick fireplace that had been covered in plaster. He worked for hours to clean each brick and even replaced the cement to make it look brand new. It definitely adds to the winter ambience of the café.
“Hello, Xander. What can I get for you tonight?” Dana asks while she sets a cup
of coffee in front of me. I’m a regular. I know the menu by heart. Dana has been here for about six months. Once the expansion was done, Liam convinced Josie to hire some help.
He wants her to travel with the band when they go on tour this coming spring. She’s had a hard time letting go and just being the boss. Katelyn still helps out but not as much. It’s mostly while the kids are in school. Jenna stays primarily in the florist shop. Josie finally gave in and hired Dana as well as Sarah and David. David works mostly behind the
counter and
He’s happy to see me.
Quinn wraps his arms around me just as I bend down. This hug is what I needed. I
needed to feel the love that this little boy has for me and to be able to give it back. Maybe this is what I’ve been missing these past few months.
My family.
Chapter 2–Xander
I bundle the collar of my coat tighter around my neck as I walk against the wind.
For the most part the weather in Beaumont is mild, but we do get these days when it’s so cold the wind chills your bones. It only lasts for a few days and right now we’re going on day three of one too many. This is my first winter in Beaumont. I didn’t have a lot of expectations when I moved here, but I was hoping for a calmer winter. I have A-list clientele and a thriving business. Being the only gym in town can do that for you, especially when I’m keeping my rates low and my hours flexible. I’m catering to the working class, both men and women.
Beaumont is a mix of blue- and white-collared workers, and I’m working to meet
their needs. I’ve been able to hire a full complement of staff, and that enables me to dedicate myself to personal training and physical therapy. Most of this is in part to landing a lucrative deal with the local band 4225 West. They’re based out of Beaumont, but I’ll be travelling with them when they go on tour in the spring. It’s mostly due to precaution with their keyboardist, Jimmy Davis. He was shot and almost died when a bullet ripped through his lung. He was in a coma for about a month and had extensive physical therapy to regain his full lung function.
Opening the door to Whimsicality, the scent of Christmas hits me hard. I’ll be
staying home during the holidays so I can give my employees the time off. They have families, and all I really have are the Westburys, James’ and Davis’. I’ve been invited to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with them, and I’ve accepted. I enjoy hanging out with them, but it does make me long for something more. My parents married young, and I always thought I’d follow in their footsteps. But life has a funny way of steering you down the path you least expected. I can’t complain though because I’m happy. I own a successful business, some of it thanks to Liam, but mostly because I know what I’m doing.
Whimsicality isn’t crowded, mainly because of the expansion it recently went
through. When the business next door ceased trading, Liam and Josie purchased that space, making the café larger. The band plays here occasionally, which brings in a lot of fans. They play impromptu shows and use social media to tell fans when they’re
happening. Right now, Whimsicality is decorated for the holidays. There’s a Christmas tree in one of the corners and lights everywhere. Garland hangs on the walls–I know its garland because I was asked to help to hang it. We spent a Sunday in here doing
everything by Josie’s instructions while she made those fancy center things that sit on the tables.
I choose to sit by the fireplace to take away the chill. During the remodeling
phase, Harrison uncovered a massive brick fireplace that had been covered in plaster. He worked for hours to clean each brick and even replaced the cement to make it look brand new. It definitely adds to the winter ambience of the café.
“Hello, Xander. What can I get for you tonight?” Dana asks while she sets a cup
of coffee in front of me. I’m a regular. I know the menu by heart. Dana has been here for about six months. Once the expansion was done, Liam convinced Josie to hire some help.
He wants her to travel with the band when they go on tour this coming spring. She’s had a hard time letting go and just being the boss. Katelyn still helps out but not as much. It’s mostly while the kids are in school. Jenna stays primarily in the florist shop. Josie finally gave in and hired Dana as well as Sarah and David. David works mostly behind the
counter and