Page 90 of The Snowflake Effect

I step completely over the cracked heart in the pavement, unwilling to imagine its fractured fate as mine, because Raven is right.

Sensing Kolton’s hesitation and odd silences, I’ve avoided pushing this option, but it makes perfect sense. Being apart would be hard. Missing him after Aspen was bad enough. After the time we’ve spent together now, a year would be agony, but I’d get to build my career.

Plus, phone sex.

Surely, if I explain my hopes better, Kolton will understand. When he sees how much this means to me, he’ll give long distance a shot.

I just have to convince him this won’t be a repeat of his past.

I smile, feeling relieved. “Thank you both. I think I needed that push. I was stupid for not forcing the issue with him earlier. Middle ground it is. I’ll take the job for a year or so, build my portfolio, then look into moving to Vancouver.” My pulse quickens, nearing light speed. Me moving to Vancouver. With Kolton. “Is this nuts? Hauling my life across the country? It seems nuts.”

Raven shrugs. “Nuts is Lily’s apartment overflowing with recycled goods. You’re in the clear.” Lily chews on her nail, and Raven claps. “With that solved, I think it’s time to go inside, so you can celebrate your design accomplishment and new job. There’s an open bar, and that red dress of yours needs to be seen.”

I smooth a crease on the front of my silk dress—the dress I picked out weeks ago. I knew Kolton would love the plunging neckline, the cutaway back, the empire waist, and the loose fabric that falls below my knees. He came to the event early and hasn’t seen me yet, and he doesn’t know I’ll be moving to Vancouver yet…after I convince him we can make long distance work. My excitement builds, nerves buzzing through my shaky fingers.

CHAPTER 39

SHAY

I follow the girls inside the busy store, and a burst of pride swamps me. The gray pipes and ductwork on the industrial ceiling stand out just enough, the restored brick walls—graffitied in sections with tattoo-inspired images that are echoed on the silkscreens twisting over the hanging wall—pop. Splashes of purple and wine swirl, the mottled concrete floor shines, and the rusted corrugated metal wrapping the cash counter adds a warehouse feel.

I almost fist-pump Whistler Cup style.

I’ve basically lived here the past week, but seeing my vision so alive—with voices and laughter and the rock band lighting up the space—pushes my Kolton stress to the background.

I created this stunning space. Me. No one else. Still, a tinge of doubt taints my exhilaration. Maybe this is the best I’ll ever do. This could be the extent of my creativity and Hilary will fire me in a few months when I fail to impress.

Gritting my teeth, I shake my head, knowing all artists go through this: impostor syndrome. I force myself to stand straighter. Nothing and no one, not even the Dick and his insinuations, can ruin this moment. This is the start of my promising career.

Among the throng of people, there’s no sexy ponytail, but Raven waves at me from the bar. By the time I join my friends, two blue shots are waiting for me. It’s time to celebrate this space, my job, and my future with Kolton.

Lily raises her glass. “To Shay. I always knew you had it in you.”

“To Shay.” Raven aligns her shot with Lily’s.

“To me,” I say, grinning.

Liquid fire slides down my throat, followed by another round. Then I order a glass of wine. Raven stands with me, and Kevin joins Lily at the bar. The tense energy between the couple thickens with…something.

They don’t touch. Don’t speak. He drains his beer in minutes while Lily examines the crowd. Then her face falls.

I follow her line of sight, to Sawyer and the woman suctioned to his side. I have half a mind to drag that blond hussy out of here, the alcohol coursing through my blood leading me into invincible territory, but Sawyer hasn’t done anything wrong. He has every right to date whom he chooses.

As though sensing our attention, he glances our way. The way his face twists at the sight of Kevin is hard to miss. Not so different than Lily’s reaction to him. This date of his is likely a ruse. A desperate attempt to forget Lily or maybe make her jealous. The way Lily loops her arm uncharacteristically through Kevin’s, I’d say the jealousy angle is working.

Sawyer narrows his eyes at her, then whispers in his date’s ear. A second later, both couples kiss, giving off intense PDA.

Forget interior designer, I should pilot a reality show titled Seriously Bad Ideas.

Lily needs a wake-up call. She and Sawyer are awesome together. This week, while setting up, the two of them worked side by side, sneaking heated glances. Still, she stays with Kevin. With comfort. With safety. The more she rubs it in Sawyer’s face, the less likely it is he’ll be around if she ever rocks that boat.

“Perfect,” Raven says beside me, her tone clipped.

I twist my neck to see what she’s glaring at. The other Aspen man, of course. Nico’s huge chest, colossal shoulders, and massive neck are larger than I remember. As is the intensity of his focus on Raven.

He smiles at me, then nods at Raven, who’s already turned on her heels, her hips swaying as she struts away.

He sidles up to me. “Congrats on the space.”