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“Aren’t they your friends?” I asked her.
“In a way, I guess it’s just because they were nice to me last time. We didn’t exactly stay in touch during the two year break.”
“So are they thatniceto all new girls or just me?”
“They’re actually nice but very guarded. Eva is the leader as you can see but Ella and Esme are super nice. When Eva isn’t around, they are like me.”
“I feel like I’m back in high school,” I admitted, feeling safer now that it was just me and her.
“It does feel that way sometimes,” she said. “But this conference is so much fun. Trust me, even you will have fun.”
I smiled at her, realizing how standoffish I had been. “Sorry, I’m still not sure I belong here.”
“I felt the same way last time, fresh off a divorce that fried my senses, and I found some real friends, not just them but others who helped my business after the conference. I actually think Eva is putting up a front. Her fiance was just caught with a woman and it was all over the papers.”
“That’s horrible.”
“I know, but she still insists the photos were doctored, even after he called off their engagement but no one really knows that yet. Esme got a little drunk last night and let it spill when Eva wasn’t around.”
“Secret is safe with me,” I said. “So what do we do after breakfast?”
“Didn’t you get your schedule in your hotel room?” Sophie asked.
“No, I don’t think so.”
Sophie sighed. “Sometimes, I swear these wait staff like to make things difficult. Don’t worry, I’ll get you one in a minute. But first, let’s eat.”
We went back to the table where Eva was regaling a story about her amazing and adventurous fiance who went to the Andes over the summer to go hiking and fought off bears and murderers in the mountains. It was so unbelievable that I think even Eva knew we didn’t believe it. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. After Scott had told me he would never stop seeing women, I had been so broken I didn’t want to believe it, nor did I want people finding out about our impending divorce. Especially when no one believed it would last anyway.
“Tell me about your business,” Sophie said. The others were still talking but I could tell they were kind of listening.
“I created Waltzing Matilda skincare when my divorce was finalized. I’d always loved making my own skincare products because I have super sensitive skin and everything I bought would make me red and itchy.”
“That’s awesome,” Sophie said. “Skincare is so important.”
“What business do you have?” I asked her.
“You know those nail wrap things for your nails?”
I nodded.
“Well I create my own designs and print them on demand.”
“That’s awesome. I hate doing my nails.”
“Most women don’t have time, that’s why I started doing it.”
“So are most people here with skincare and accessories?” I asked, looking around. If they were, how the hell would I stand out?
“Everyone has their own thing, really. But there are some that are coaches so they come to network with potential clients. Some are social media gurus, others can be make-up artists who want to network with cosmetics peeps. It really depends, but there will be a little crossover, I guess.”
My fear was real, and I could feel my stomach churning with nervousness at having to prove myself among so many popular and obviously successful companies.
Someone came into the dining hall, and my gut fell. I would recognise her anywhere.
Genevieve Swinson.
The woman who broke apart my marriage, well the one I blamed for its downfall anyway. I could feel my stomach burning, my chest aching with unshed rage.
