Page 2 of Keepsakes and Kismet

Shockingly, none of those feel appropriate to share with a new client. Nothing says “give me referrals” like hashing out my demons during small talk, so I push them down and smile politely. “I don’t think Ohio’s boring at all. I grew up in New York but spent summers here as a child with my grandparents. They had a small lake house near Put-In-Bay. When I decided the fashion industry wasn’t for me, I moved here to open my own business.”

The genuine smile Caitlyn’s had on her face since the store opened stays put. “Well, I’m lucky you chose to set up shop here. Today’s turnout is larger than I ever expected, all thanks to you.”

A mixture of pride and relief buzzes through me. “We aim to please.”

She readjusts the small sunglasses display on the counter. “I don’t know if it’s in your wheelhouse, but I’m throwing a party in about six weeks and need more people to fill the room. Is that something you do?”

“Absolutely. In fact, I was hired for a wedding last weekend. They wanted someone to be the first one on the dance floor to break the awkwardness.”

Caitlyn’s lips part in disbelief. “You’re kidding.”

“Nope. It’s one of my most requested services.”

“You don’t mind just dancing by yourself, in front of a bunch of strangers?”

I shrug. “Not really. Although, I didn’t care for the song this time. It’s one thing to dance to a classic by yourself, but setting the tone with ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’? If they would’ve chosen literally anything else, they wouldn’t have needed to hire a tastemaker.”

Caitlyn makes an audible “yeesh” sound. “Did you…?”

“Do all the parts?” I wince. “Yeah. No one joined me until the third ‘mamma mia.’”

“Oof. The universe must’ve forgotten to bestow me with that level of confidence.”

I gently shake my head. “Trust me. From one small business owner to another, it takes plenty of confidence to do what you’re doing.”

“True. But picking out jewelry that someone else made is one thing. Putting yourself out there like that is another.”

“Honestly, after years on the pageant circuit, showing up with self-assurance is basically a survival instinct.” I try on a pair of pale gold aviators to justify my extended presence at the counter. “Plus, not all of my gigs are like that. I’ve also worked as a wave starter at a Mud Hens game and a seat filler at a teen poetry slam. Took ages to get the stench of mango vapes and hormones out of my favorite sweater. Pretty sure I sprained a thumb from all the snapping.”

Caitlyn blinks. “I didn’t even know those were jobs you could have.”

“Yep. This past Tuesday, I attended an amateur comic’s performance as a planted laugher, and he was actually pretty good. Only one misogynistic joke, if you can believe it.”

Her responding laughter lights up her whole face. “Only one? Is he single? I could use a date, and the pickings are slim around here.”

I retrieve my cell phone and pull up a photo of the comic. “If you’re into guys who still wear Livestrong wristbands unironically, he’s your man.”

Caitlyn’s eyes suddenly spark with anticipation, and I follow her gaze to Jenna, who has a basket full of clothes and looks almost ready to check out.

I slip my phone back into my bag. “Looks like you’re about to be too busy to chat! I should get going. The air conditioning has done its job, but my sweat is now a layer of salt, and I’m in dire need of a deep cleanse.”

Caitlyn moves to stand directly behind the register. “Before you go, do you want to come to our post-opening party tomorrow night? We’re celebrating with family and close friends next door at Solid Grounds cafe.”

On the surface, I give her a soft smile. But an unexpected pang of sadness echoes in my chest, and I find myself missing my girls back in New York. The fashion industry was ruthless, but it also formed bonds between coworkers that turned into forever friendships.

For a moment, I wonder what it’d be like to have a core friend group here. But I quickly shake those thoughts off. No mixing business with pleasure—especially in a town this small.

“I appreciate the invitation, but I have some prep work to do for a few events.”

“No worries.” She places the bangles I’d been using as a prop in a small giftbox and hands it to me. “This is for you.”

I hold the box close to my chest. “That’s really kind of you. I love it.”

Caitlyn waves goodbye just as Jenna approaches, her basket now close to overflowing, and I spend a minute browsing some clothes before I slip out the back. I don’t want anyone to see me dip out early.

That would ruin the charade.

Chapter 2