Work went fast after Thomas left, but my mind kept replaying our time together. He said he wanted to be friends, but the truth is that I don't know if it's a good idea or not. I just don't know if I'm ready to get involved with a guy again - friendship or not. I also don't want to hurt his feelings or give him the impression I'm trying to play hard to get. At the same time, I really enjoyed his company today...

Damn... is he right? Could we be friends?

Well, friendship is definitely something easier to deal with than sex. And when it comes to men, that's all I've ever known: Go out on a couple dates with a guy, see if there's any chemistry there, sleep together, then find out all the reasons why a relationship with him is a bad idea the next day.

Maybe Alexia was right, though. If I'm trying this thing with Thomas, I can't keep thinking that just having sex with guys is going to be enough anymore. I mean, I've always enjoyed a guy's company and sex was really just a means to an end. But after all the drama I've experienced, sleeping with other guys has, indeed, just left me emptier. So, maybe being friends with Thomas will be good for me in a way. He seems to be a good guy. He claims he wants to be friends. And friendship comes with no expectations, at least not sexual ones.

The moment I get to my apartment, I sigh in relief. It's only seven in the evening, but after a night with practically zero sleep, I'm ready to call it a day. My feet hurt from being up most of the day and I feel a headache beginning.

Getting my phone from my pocket, I see I have some notifications and follow-ups I need to check on the bakery's social media. Owning a small business often means you have to do almost everything by yourself, especially in the beginning, so that's what I do. I take off my shoes and go straight to my desk to get it done.

After updating new photos on Instagram and responding to some messages, I wonder if Thomas has an Instagram account. Not thinking twice, I send him a text.

ME: Do you have an Instagram account?

THOMAS: Are you trying to get to know me better? *cough stalker cough*

ME: Do you have something to hide?

THOMAS: Touché! Type Thomas Mitchell.

ME: Just accept my request and then we're officially friends :)

THOMAS: Done! Does that smile mean you're finally happy we became friends?

ME: Maybe...

THOMAS: We should have dinner on Saturday to celebrate the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

ME: You're such a dork.

THOMAS: A handsome dork, excuse me! ;)

ME: I have to open the shop on Sunday so I need to get to bed at nine if I want to be productive the next day. :/

THOMAS: I'll get you to bed before nine...

ME: *eye rolling*

THOMAS: You have such a dirty mind, Lisa. Tsk Tsk

ME: ...

THOMAS: I'll bring you back home by eight. What time should I pick you up?

ME: Daniel is closing this Saturday, so I can be ready at 4.

THOMAS: Perfect.

ME: Where are we going?

THOMAS: To a restaurant!

ME: Har Har! Should I wear something fancy?

THOMAS: The guy in me is asking you to wear a dress... but since it's a non-date, wear whatever you want. :D

ME: Baggy jeans and an old T-shirt it is.

THOMAS: Aren't you cute? See you on Saturday, friend!

ME: Peace out, bro!

THOMAS: Riiiiight!

Chuckling at his witty sense of humor, I put my phone aside and realize I'm somehow at ease around Thomas. And it's as thrilling as it is exciting. I've been holding back for so long that it feels weird to be making plans to go out - even if we're not calling it a date.

Forcing myself to focus on what's important, I allow my eyes to rest on the vision board beside my computer. After everything went down back home and I moved here, my ultimate goal has been to prove myself I'm capable of expanding the bakery and turn it into the most popular and successful bakery in the area. However, something in the back of my mind was always screaming at me I would never be able to do it.

It wasn't until I saw an interview with Oprah where she explained how having a visual representation of your goals can help you manifest your dreams that I started having more faith in myself. Since then I've gotten this big corkboard full of collages, positive affirmations, little reminders, and everything that helps me take the thoughts and dreams in my head and turn them into something real and tangible.

So, looking at the big picture in the center - an inspired photo of one of the most popular bakeries in France - I let it motivate me to do the work that is required to make this sweet dream of mine become a reality.

I might not be the luckiest when it comes to love, but I damn well can be successful at work.

*****

It's Saturday morning and I'm paying some bills on my phone when I hear my favorite little family entering the shop. "You guys shouldn't be allowed to get out of your house together. You're all just disgustingly adorable!"

"I'll take it as a compliment." Lucas kisses my cheek and hands me my goddaughter.

"Hey, gorgeous." I kiss Mia all over her face, making her giggle. She's going to be four in a couple of months, and I still can't wrap my mind around it. She was just a baby yesterday.

"We came here to buy chocolate cookies!" She uses her hands to hold my face so I'm looking at her.

"Oh, I thought you missed me and came here to tell me you're going to leave your parents and move in with me." I tickle her.

"No, Auntie Lisa!" She giggles, and I put her down.

"Hey Nate," I say, and he smiles at me.

Turning to Alexia, I take a good look at her and see she is frowning. "What's with the sad face, girly?" I ask.

"My kids are growing up way too fast..." She pouts. And I kid you not, she freaking pouts. Obviously, making me burst out laughing.

"Aunt Lisa, is there anything wrong with two friends having a sleepover?" Nate asks me.

Yeah, I have to admit she is right. He is just eleven, but he's taller than most kids his age and he's always been so mature that sometimes I forget how young he is. He is not her biological son, but their bond and love for each other are so strong that I'm sure it's hard for her to realize he's not a little kid anymore.

"Uh, well, I guess it's fine..." I say.

"It's a girl friend!" Alexia states.

"It's Julia, mom." He rolls his eyes.

"Her mother caught you two kissing." She narrows her eyes at him, and I smile when I see Lucas is trying not to laugh. Julia has been Nate's best friend since ever and this just serves to reiterate my opinion on boys and girls being friends.

"I told you we were just practicing for when we have a date in the future with other people. We wanted to know what we are doing." He raises his eyebrows as if what he is saying makes perfect sense.

"Lucas." She gives her husband a pointed look.

"Don't Lucas me, baby! We came here to get some cookies and a decent cup of hot cocoa. Let's do that." He kisses the top of her head and touches Nate's shoulder.

"No sleepover, Nate! End of story!" he says, but he can't hide the smile on his face.

"We'll talk again when we discover Mia is kissing boys-" Alexia starts, but Lucas interrupts her.

"She's never kissing any boys." He picks Mia from my arms and heads to a table. "Right, baby girl?"

"Sorry Nate, can't really help you there." I shrug and he rolls his eyes, heading to the table too.

"I'm not ready for him to be kissing girls..." Alexia murmurs.

"Come on, they're just curious, don't make a big deal out of it and they'll be fine." I lead her to the counter so we can get their food.

"Yeah, I guess." She helps me put everything on a tray. "So what about Thomas? You never told me how your date went."

"He is a really nice guy but I'm afraid I don't really know how to behave in these kinds of situations anymore."

"Lisa..."

"I know! I know! I told him I'm a little broken and that I'm not ready to let another guy in, but he said we could be friends."

"Friends? Really? Have you not seen me and Lucas?" She laughs.

"Right?" I smile at her. "But I think it's different, you know? He lives three hours away and is just here visiting his sister. We're just hanging out... He actually invited me to have dinner today."

"Well, as long as you know what you're doing and you don't get hurt... I think it's good for you to get to know other people."

"Yeah, we'll see," I say, but deep down I'm excited to go out with him later.

I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing, but I can't deny I'm curious about this charming vet.

-----

A/N: Are you guys ready for Nate to be kissing girls??? I am NOT! LOL 

Anyways... Hope you guys have enjoyed this chapter! :) Please don't forget to vote/comment/follow me here: CelesteABrook

XOXO

- Celeste.