Page 119 of Big Dill

She hurries over and I rush through the introductions.

“Jami, I love your designs,” Nicola says warmly. “Pickle Ball Falls?” She laughs. “Look how cute the pickle is.”

“Thank you,” Jami says, barely breathing.

Nicola leans in. “Would it be too much to ask if I joined your next class?”

“No,” Jami blurts. “I—I have room.”

“Perfect.” Nicola smiles and sets the clothes on the counter. “I’ll just pay and change.” She hesitates and gives her phone a little shake. “Would you mind taking a photo together afterward? I heard these might be available in stores soon, and I have friends who would adore them.” She rubs the fabric between her fingers. “They feel incredible.”

Jami blinks rapidly, like a caribou caught in headlights. “I…would love that.”

Nicola pays quickly and disappears into the changing room.

“What just happened?” Jami whispers, turning to me. “Wait, did she say these were going to be available in stores?”

“Sorry,” I say. “I panicked.” Then softer, “But that is your dream, right?”

She laughs, breathless. “Unless a production team and a buyer magically appear, I don’t see how.”

I tip her chin up and grin. “Hey. What happened to dreaming big?”

She exhales, shaking her head. “That’ll have to wait. I need to freshen my face and comb my hair if I’m getting my picture taken with Nicola Fairfax.”

“Nicola who?”

I turn to see Elise. No clue how long she’d been standing there.

“Nicola Fairfax,” I explain, giving the quick lowdown on her husband fishing while Jaxon heads to the smoothie counter.

“Nicola Fairfax,” Elise repeats, glancing down, lost in thought. “That’s… perfect,” I think I hear her mutter. Christ, I can practically hear the wheels turning in her head. Maybe she’s thinking about showing Nicola some of her costume designs. Is that what’s on her mind?

“So, your big party is tonight?” she asks.

Ah. So no, it’s my party that’s on her mind.

“I don’t want a big party. Just family and a few friends.” She pouts a little, as I glance at my watch. “I have to run, appointment.”

As I make my way to my office, I hope, really hope, she isn’t planning something outrageous. I just want a quiet night with the people I love.

Love.

Yeah. I’m in love, and I have absolutely no clue what to do about it.

My first patient is waiting. We dive into work. The day spins by—appointments, pickleball practice with Jami, my phone pinging endlessly with birthday wishes.

By the time darkness falls, I go in search of Jami. She’s gone. Probably back at my place, double-checking she’s packed everything for the move.

At the front, I find Jaxon. “Ready to call it a day?”

“You bet, buddy.” He glances around. “Jami gone?”

“Seems that way.”

“She was so excited getting her picture taken with Nicola. Look at this.” He holds up his phone, and my jaw drops. Nicola’s post is blowing up—millions of views.

“How does she have a million views already?”