Page 118 of Lovestrung

“Thank you so much for being here.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Dad jerked his chin at the door. “Let the masses in, honey. I’ll man the till for you.”

I nodded. “You’re sure you know how to do it?”

He huffed. “You’ve only shown me two hundred times. Yes! Now, enough stalling, Penelope. Let them in.”

I took a deep breath and smoothed my hands down my cream colored high waisted jeans. I’d paired them with a cream camisole and a pink blazer, plus added a few golden pieces of jewelry at my ears and neck. My hair was in a high ponytail that fell to my shoulders, and my makeup was subtle. I was going for casual but elegant, hoping the whole outfit would give me the confidence I’d need, and as I walked to the front doors, calmness filled me. I smiled at Ella, who was the first in line, through the window.

Once I’d unlocked the door, I took a last fortifying breath before I opened it and let everyone inside. I stepped back, making sure to greet every single person who’d been waiting so patiently.

“Good morning and welcome.”

“Congrats, babe,” Ella whispered as she hugged me briefly before she waved to my parents and went to greet them.

An hour later, the store was filled with potential customers, and I was overwhelmed with the sheer number of them. Never in my wildest dreams had I believed so many would turn up, even if the location was at the heart of Charlottesville.

But there was one person whose noticeable absence made me worry.

“Where’s Ethan?” Ella took a sip of champagne, dictaphone in hand.

I scanned the store. “Not sure. He said he’d be here but maybe something came up. He’s been really busy at the clinic this week, I’ve hardly seen him.”

“Hmm,” she mused.

I smiled at Louisa and her friend, Frances, who seemed to be busy choosing between two of my body lotions.

“I think I’m going to have to help my customers out, doll.” I put my hand on her shoulder. “Do you mind?”

“Nope, not at all. We can finish the interview later. I’m just going to browse a bit, find something delicious to buy.”

“Thank you again for coming today.”

“Where else would I be?”

She gave me a peck on my cheek before she wandered off, and I took a moment to myself, basking in the knowledge that I’d finally done it. I’d found my dream – or maybe my dream had found me? Growing up, I’d never thought that I’d one day wind up owning my very own brand of beauty products, or that I’d have a knack for choosing other items to sell, such as the arts and crafts I also displayed, but I loved every minute of it.

I’d even grown fond of spreadsheets and tallying up my accounts.

It was one of life’s mysteries, but I didn’t dig too deep in order to solve it.

Instead, I accepted it wholeheartedly.

Louisa sidled up next to me, carrying a handwoven basket filled to the brim with products. I almost salivated but managed to stop myself in time.

“Did you find everything you need?” I smiled at her.

She grinned. “And more than that.” She scanned the store and nodded. “This place is perfect, Penelope.”

I smiled gratefully at her. “Thank you so much.”

She touched my hand. “I know that Frederik was sorry to miss being here, but…”

I waved off her apology. “It’s all right. I don’t think Gramps would’ve enjoyed today. Too many people for him.”

She laughed. “Yeah, crowds aren’t really his thing anymore, are they?”

“Nope. Except when the whole family is together, of course.”