Chapter 0040 Serenas POV Ive been scrubbing down the last of the shelves in my shop muscles aching and hands worn . Its taken me nearly half a month to finish the renovation of my shop . Im exhausted , sure , but with the baby on the way , Im not pushing myself too hard . I glance around my shop , taking in the sight of it all finally coming together . Shiny displays hold pieces of jewelry that catch the light , sparkling brightly . Each shelf and tables arranged neatly , showing off the unique designs . Ive worked so hard on . The walls , freshly painted , give off a cozy vibe that makes the space welcoming . I cant help but smile as I look around . All the effort , the long days , and the late nights it all feels worth it now . Lately , Ive been staying in the studio behind the mall as I work on the shop renovations . Now , with my baby bump starting to show , I find myself wearing for looser clothes , anything that feels comfortable and gives me room to breathe . Ive been really into my work , and it feels good to be so busy . Its a nice change , especially since Bill hasnt been bothering me . Before , it felt like I saw him everywhere , and I even wondered if he was following me . But ever since he got really mad and said hed break into my apartment , he hasnt come around . This break from him has let me relax more than I thought I could and focus on getting my shop ready . After finishing up in the shop , I head back to the studio to change . I pick out a soft , flowy dress that gently drapes over my growing bump , comfortable yet flattering , paired with a light cardigan . Slipping into the soft , flowy dress , I pause , smoothing the fabric over my bump . Its weird , getting butterflies just because Im going to see Calvin for lunch . I tell myself its just a normal day , but it doesnt feel that way . As I butin up my cardigan , I think , Why am I so nervous ? Its not our first lunch together but never anywhere fancy . Just regular spots , sometimes even fast food joints . Hes been giving me some business advice , which I find really valuable as the opening day gets closer . Thats it , nothing more . Still , my heart skips a beat thinking about meeting him . I meet Calvin in front of a burger restaurant in the mall . Despite his always packed schedule , he stands there looking relaxed , with a casual elegance about him . Hes wearing a crisp , well fitted shirt and dark jeans . As he notices me , his smile broadens , and he waves . Serena , great to see you , he greets warmly . Hey Calvin , good to see you too , I reply . We step into the fast food restaurant together . As we wait for our orders , the butterflies in my stomach flutter uncontrollably . I silently remind myself , This isnt a date . Have you decided on the name yet ? Calvin asks , pulling me back from my thoughts . Sorry ? I respond, a bit startled . Is he asking about the babys name ? Because I still have no idea what to call it . Heck , I dont even know the babys gender yet . I mean , have you decided what to name your shop ? he clarifies , with a curious tilt of his head . 1 nod , realizing the mix up . Oh , its uh … S. Nixon & Co. I see , Calvin says , his eyes lighting up . I like it . It has a premium sound to it . +15 BONUS Chapter 0040 Well , Stevie thought of it , I explain . I suggested we put our surnames together , but she declined , saying that Im the one designing the jewelry . Nixon , Calvin muses . Tell me , what does the stand for ? Rose , I reply . My middle name is based on my moms favorite flower . Calvins smile widens . Well , what do you know ? he says . 1 learn something new every day . Calvin picks up our tray , which holds two burgers wrapped in paper , their contents just barely contained inside . Beside them , there are two large fries , golden and crisp . Fordrinks , theres a pair of sodas , condensation beading on the outside of the cups . I hadnt realized how hungry I was until I saw the food laid out in front of us . Calvin must have caught the eager look I gave the food because he says , Lets eat . Yeah , I admit , feeling my stomach rumble a bit . Ive been working all morning . Didnt have the chance to grab breakfast . Calvin frowns , concern evident in his expression . You shouldnt do that . You have a baby in you . Take care of yourself better . Im not sure if Ill ever get used to Calvins kindness . Unlike with Bill , who never seems to pick up on my hints I need care , Calvins gestures are genuine and constant . It makes me realize what Ive been missing all along . Youre right , I reply , nodding slowly . Ill make sure to take better care of myself . Thank you . I allow my gaze to linger in his eyes , hoping that hell pick up on the silent cues Im sending his way . Calvin looks away , leaving me unsure whether its because hes not interested in me or if hes just shy around Women . Not wanting to create any awkwardness , I decide to break the silence . So , the opening day is on Sunday . Got any advice ? ask . I think you got this , Serena , he says reassuringly . I have a feeling your hard work will soon pay off . Today is the opening day , and 1 can feel the nervousness gnawing at me . Stevie , bless her heart , has taken time off her photography gigs to help me set up . As I step outside the shop , my eyes land on the grand opening sign and the shop name illuminated in bright lights . Its bold and colorful , with balloons adorning the storefront Yet , despite the cheerful look of the shop , there arent many people around . Feeling disappointed by the lack of visitors , doubt starts to creep in . I wonder if I have what it takes to succeed after all . I start to wonder if launching a new business right after my divorce was a mistake . 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