The only bright spot from the cloudy haze of memories from that time is the look on her face when I told her I was leaving Appleton. Crystal came to my apartment to return the ring, but she wore the red dress she had on the day we met. I realize now that she was trying to win me back or keep me on the line. But I felt nothing, which shocked her. I’m sure she thought I'd pine for her for years, but I burst that bubble real quick.
I'm not upset about losing Crystal. No. It was my cousin’s actions that shattered my trust. He was like a brother to me, someone I would have trusted with my life. His betrayal practically destroyed me. My therapist helped me understand that their actions were no reflection on me. Their behavior said more about the people they were, and I wasn’t to blame for choices I didn’t make. I wonder what she would say about my resistance to making a move on Naomi, even though my heart is one thousand percent invested in that little situation.
Emmett claps me on the back, interrupting my thoughts. "From what I've heard, they're miserable."
I grunt in response. I've heard the same, but it doesn't give me the satisfaction that everybody thinks it does.
"Did you see Naomi today?" Emmett asks, taking his sweet time gathering his tools as he fishes for information.
I ignore his question, texting him the measurements I jotted down earlier. "Get those baseboards cut and primed. The annex will be free this afternoon, so we can install it."
Emmett raises a questioning eyebrow.
"She's going apartment hunting today," I snap.
"Maybe you should ask her out for—"
"Get to work, Emmett."
Emmett chuckles as he saunters off to start on his list.
I'm left alone in the main foyer, staring at my clipboard, trying not to remember Naomi’s round, luscious ass in the air.
Work. Home. Repeat. Nobody gets hurt.
I nod abruptly and throw myself into the tasks for the day while my desperate heart begs me to reconsider.
Chapter two
Naomi
The rich scent of coffee wafts over me as I push through the door into The Reading Grounds. I hold the door for Violet and Piper, who are chatting behind me. My mouth waters as I glance at the menu. I should go for a green tea because I'm desperately in need of antioxidants, but the special today is "A Mountain Man in Gray Sweatpants," so I might indulge in a chocolate and caramel frappe with whipped cream instead.
Jameson's visit this morning has me all hot and bothered with no outlet in sight, so I may as well drown myself in delicious calories.
"Ladies!"
All three of us turn to find Betty, the town's pseudo-grandmother, waving us over to sit with her. Piper smiles and walks toward Betty's table.
"It's so exciting to have you in the same town," Violet says, putting her arm around me and giving me a little side squeeze as we follow Piper.
"It's been a long time," I agree.
Violet was my roommate when she fell in love with her mountain man, Brooks. I stayed in the city for a few more years, navigating more than one relationship that fizzled out in a matter of weeks.
When Violet told me she had an opportunity that she thought I'd be perfect for, I decided to join her in this magical world she's built for herself. Violet and her husband, Brooks, are opening a reception hall in Duhring Park. Brooks is an artist and has gathered quite a following among art collectors in the area, which, as far as I can tell, includes people who have a lot of money.
Brooks is also the owner of his family's flower shop, Petals and Blooms, but he doesn't have much to do with running it. The manager, Melody, is a genius with flowers. Violet sent me pictures of some of her arrangements, and they’re breathtaking. Petals and Blooms has brides from all over the country vying for Melody's pieces, but the transportation alone makes it almost impossible to fulfill for one person.
Violet decided to offer wedding coordinator services, which helped with getting flowers to nearby towns like Festival Valley, but she realized there was a need for a wedding hall in Duhring Park. One day, she found this huge old house, more of a mansion really, and started dreaming. Violet is good at what she does, and with the extra boost it would mean for the flower business, Brooks talked her into giving it a shot.
They bought it and immediately started an expansion to make it an incredible reception space that still manages to be quaint and special.
It has an outdoor and indoor ceremony option, as well as a bridal suite annex, which is where I'm living right now. During one of our phone calls, Violet could hear my malaise and offered me a job. I have pretty much every certification you can imagine, from yoga instructor to massage therapist to aesthetician services, so I'm going to be in charge of coordinating bridal experiences. We've worked out a deal that I'll get a commission on all the add-on services.
I'm excited about my job for the first time in a long time, and I can't wait to provide that wow experience for wedding parties. I think we're going to do something amazing.
Violet kisses Betty’s cheek as we reach the booth. I wave hello and sit across from her at the table.
