She reached the door of the bicycle shop, and looked up at the new sign. Smartly done in stainless steel, the outline of a chain ring was emblazoned with a whimsical font reading Off the Chain! As she pushed open the door, a delicate wind chime announced her entrance.

Be right with you! A soft Southern voice rang out, and Marina smiled at the memory of Sadie from earlier in the week. She gazed around the shopbicycles were mounted in racks on the wall; and a couple of bikes were situated on the floor hanging on tool stands. The wall opposite the rows of bikes was brick that had been freshly stripped of paint. Honey stained wooden shelves were mounted asymmetrically on the walls at varying heights with bicycle helmets, shoes and jerseys arranged in attractive displays lit by bicycle lights mounted by wire.

The store seemed deserted, but as Marina walked towards the open counter that separated the floor from the repair shop, Sadie popped up from behind the counter. She was clad in gray sweats rolled down at the top. Her black t-shirt sported a Cannondale logo, and hugged the contour of her torso snugly. Her face was flushed, and there was a smudge of grease on her cheek. Marina felt an almost overwhelming urge to reach over the counter and gently stroke Sadies cheek.

Marina! Im so glad you came by! Sadie smiled broadly. Ive been meaning to come over for coffee, but theres been so much going on here the last three days.

I seethe place looks great.the last time I was here, the floor was cramped for space and that side wall was painted the most atrocious purplish color. Youve really been busy!

ThanksIve enjoyed trying to put the place togetherMike and Steve, my bike monkeys, have been really helpful during the shop hoursbut the evening hours have been the best opportunity for rearranging everything. Though, I must say, I am beginning to feel a little social deprivation! Sadie smiled ruefully. I guess thats part of the sacrifice you make with your own business, though.

Fortunately, for me, my business fills out my social calendar, and thats part of the reason I came over. Marina pulled the cookie from behind her back and placed the tea on the counter. For youand thank you for the flowersGerbers are my favorite, and they really brightened my day.