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“That’s so cool. Congratulations.” He stands to give me a hug before we both sit back down. “Emma is going to be ecstatic. You’ll have to tell her when we get home.”
“Yeah. I will.” I hesitate for a moment, taking a sip of water before continuing. “It’s made me start thinking about adding more content and maybe redesigning the logo, you know, polishing it up before there’s more traffic on the site.”
“Do you have time for that? With work and everything you need to be doing for your internship?”
“I’m busy, but I’d make the time. I think the feature will give me a nice boost in visibility. I’d want to capitalize on that.”
“Visibility for what?” he asks.
I shrug, trying to play it cool when my entire body is tingling with excitement just thinking about the possibilities. “I don’t know. I’ve been thinking about ways to build a business around the blog.”
“It’s great that your blog is getting recognition, but it’s more of a hobby, right?” Before I can answer, he continues. “I know you’ve got some advertisers, and that’s great, but it’s not a steady income. And while it sounds like this feature could be free marketing, it’s not a guarantee, right?”
Griffin’s words are the equivalent of a parent telling their child not to major in Art History or Latin Studies becausewhat are you going to do with those degrees? The real world doesn’t care about your passions, you need to pay your rent and bills.
“No, you’re right.” I can feel my smile dimming. “It was just a thought.”
The thing is I know Griffin doesn’t mean to be dismissive of my blog. He wants the best for me. He’s always wanted that. But with the exposure theBridesfeature could generate and the connections I’ve made so far in the industry, I’m starting to wrap my head around the idea of making this my career. A sustainable wedding planning business locally while using my blog to promote my ideas all over the world.
Maybe it’s wild and impractical. I could revisit this idea in five to seven years. Make it part of the ten-year plan.
Hunter doesn’t think it’s unrealistic.The thought surfaces, recalling his encouraging words.
But Griffin is my brother, my support system. I value his opinion so much. And when Hunter and I aren’t hooking up anymore, I doubt he’ll be available for business pep talks.
Griffin asks me a few more questions about theBridesfeature, and we order dessert which I can’t stomach for some reason so we box it up to take home to Emma.
At home, I say goodnight and head to my room.
With my laptop open to my blog, I grab a notepad and start jotting down ideas. It’s after midnight before I close my computer and get into bed. I think about Griffin’s concerns and Hunter’s encouragement and my own desire to create something I’m passionate about until my brain is mush and eventually, I fall asleep.
CHAPTER23
Hunter
The work week is moving at a sluggish pace. Typically, I’m engrossed in project briefings and financial meetings throughout the week so much that if I blink, it’s already Friday. The fact that it’s only Wednesday and there’s no possibility of seeing Sophie until Sunday, I fucking hate it.
After a meeting downtown, I find myself directing Stefan toward Mercer Street and Hannah’s boutique, Filigree and Facet. On my way, I stop at a coffee shop to grab Hannah’s favorite iced chai latte so I don’t show up empty-handed.
I’ve thought about getting the wildflower necklace for Sophie since the night of the soft opening, but purchasing it from Hannah will be tricky. She’ll have plenty of questions about me buying jewelry for a woman, and even more inquiries if she thinks it’s for Sophie. But she’s my sister and I want to support her business. Not to mention, I know Sophie loves Hannah’s jewelry. The wildflower necklace in particular.
When we pull up to her boutique, hanging above the white trim windows and cascading down the side of the door, there’s an enormous arch of flowers in various shades of pink.
Inside, the boutique is busy with customers. I make my way around a display table of earrings, while I overhear Hannah explaining to a customer how to layer necklaces. The conversation makes me smile. The only thing Hannah loves more than designing jewelry, is sharing her passion for accessorizing.
When I catch her eye, her brows lift in surprise. I hang back, lingering around a necklace case while she finishes her conversation. After she hands off the customer to one of her sales associates, she approaches me.
“To what do I owe this lovely surprise?” she asks.
“I was in the neighborhood,” I say, handing her the chai latte.
She laughs. “That’s the least believable line in the book, but thanks for the drink.” She takes a sip. “What are you really doing here?”
“Can’t I want to see my sister?” I motion around. “Visit her thriving business?”
“Sure, sure.” She motions me into the back room, before throwing a smirk over her shoulder at me. “But on a Wednesday afternoon? Not likely.”
The backroom is filled with wire shelving, boxes piled high. It’s brimming full but organized. A desk and chair are tucked near the back in an alcove.
