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“Oh my God, it’s like walking up to someone’s home,” Noelle squeals as we approach the door of my office. “You even have flowers outside and…are those gnomes?”
I chuckle. “Yes. I saw them at the store and thought they were too cute. I had to have them and even bought a set for my house. I just wanted the front to feel welcoming because the idea of going to therapy can be daunting for some people.”
“Well, you have definitely achieved that. Hell, I might just come by here to hang out since I’m digging the vibe so much.”
Charlotte hugs me from the side. “I am so freaking happy for you, Amelia. This is incredible.”
“Wait until you see the inside.” I turn the key in the lock and welcome my friends into my office. A small table with a marble top and gold legs sits by the door to the left, full of business cards from other local businesses I support or recommend clients to, like the men’s clinic I told my client John about. Next to that are a few chairs with olive-green cushions and a small coffee table full of magazines for people to read while they wait. To the right is my desk, which I’m hoping will serve as a receptionist’s desk soon once I find the time to hire one. And then beyond that is the door to the small room where I actually speak with clients. I have a brown leather couch, two matching chairs, some plants, and my cushioned chair where I sit during each session, all in shades of tan, green, and white.
Noelle and Charlotte walk around, taking everything in. But then Penelope walks through the door a few minutes later.
“Where did you go?” Charlotte asks her.
“I was just scoping out the rest of the complex. Amelia,” she says as she turns to me. “Did you know that there’s a divorce attorney’s office right across the courtyard from you?”
Noelle and Charlotte turn around so all three of my friends are facing me now with questioning looks on their faces.
“Ugh, yes.” I move to sit in the chair behind my desk and begin to rub my temples.
Noelle furrows her brows at me. “I take it there’s a story there.” The three of them take a seat in the chairs in front of me.
Charlotte speaks up first. “You didn’t tell them about Ethan?”
Penelope and Noelle spin their heads toward Charlotte. “Who the hell is Ethan?”
“Ethan is the divorce attorney.”
“And Charlotte knew about him?” Noelle asks.
“I ran into him the night before we left for Hawaii. He was pompous and entirely too pleased that a marriage counselor was in an office right across from him. He kept alluding to the fact that I was going to make him rich because my clients would realize what a waste of money therapy is and just decide to divorce instead.”
Penelope arches a brow at me. “Is this why you were acting weird at the airport?”
“Yeah. It messed with my head.” I lean forward in my chair, resting my forearms on my desk. “I’ve waited so long to finally have this place.” Waving my arm around the room, I let out a heavy sigh. “The last thing I ever imagined happening was having to worry about someone ruining it for me, making me walk on eggshells and wonder if his presence will affect my business and the mind frame of my clients.”
“What do you mean?” Noelle leans forward in her chair.
“Well, it’s like signing up for a gym, and then McDonald’s builds a restaurant right next door. Now every time you walk into the gym, you’re going to smell French fries and be tempted to drive through the drive-thru on your way home instead of waiting to make dinner for yourself, which you know is going to be so much better for you. But McDonald’s is so much easier…”
“I don’t know if people actually believe that divorce is easy,” Charlotte challenges. “But I kind of see your point. However, you didn’t mention the worst part about him.” The corner of her lips tip up in a knowing grin.
“What’s the worst part?” Noelle asks.
I slump back in my chair. “He’s entirely too good-looking.”
“I believe what you told me is that he’s hot as hell.” Charlotte laughs.
Penelope snickers. “Of course he is.”
“Yup. So not only is the man the bane of my existence, but he’s way too attractive, and my vagina took notice. And even the other night, he came into my office after my last client left, scared the crap out of me, insulted my singing, then basically told me to watch my back.”
Noelle scrunches her nose up in disgust. “Ugh. He sounds appalling.”
“What do you think he meant by watching your back?” Charlotte asks.
“I have no idea. But honestly, I’m sure he’s capable of way more than I think he is.”
Penelope stands up, tapping her finger to her chin. “I feel a war coming on.”
“What?”
“Just be alert, Amelia. Don’t let your guard down around him, and make sure that your clients know what a huge step they’ve taken by working with you—keep their eyes on the prize. But if Ethan starts messing with you, you let us know. We’ve got your back.”
“I don’t know what to expect, but I’m glad I have you girls to lean on.”
Charlotte and Noelle both stand up. “Always, Amelia. That’s what best friends are for.”
I walk over to my girls and the four of us share a hug.
I love these women. They are my extended family. And no matter what happens, I know they’ll be there to catch me if I fall.
* * *
