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“Olivia, you need to chill!” Ellie lectures me, adjusting the messy top knot that is secured with one of her signature scrunchies on the top of her head.
Since we started working together Ellie has grown accustomed to talking me off the ledge. She isn’t rattled easily, where I can be a roller coaster of emotions.
It has always been a dream of mine to open and run my own business - a business that I would build from the ground up through blood, sweat and tears. I knew that I never wanted to depend on anyone in life, that I needed to be able to stand on my own two feet. It was a lesson I have learned the hard way.
When the space for the flower shop became available for lease, it only made sense to include Ellie because we did everything together anyways. We were sophomores in high school when we met and have been inseparable ever since. Having Ellie as a partner helped financially too, to get the business up and off the ground.
“You’re not helping, Ellie. You of all people should know where I’m coming from.” I tuck a loose strand of my hair behind my ear and narrow my eyes in her direction.
Ellie suddenly drops what she’s doing, her eyes meeting mine. “Can we talk about what’s really going on?”
“No,” I answer defensively, hoping she’ll accept my one-word answer.
“I think you might feel better if you get it out.”
“I think I’ll feel better when the coffee shop on the corner stops charging five dollars for a cookie. I can practically buy an entire box for almost half that price.”
“Don’t change the subject. I know what you’re doing.” Ellie rounds the table and brings me in for a hug. “You are going to be fine. You just need a few days to get over the shock of seeing his mom.”
“I am fine, Ells,” Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes and try to be fine. I can do this.
I pull back from Ellie’s embrace. Her head is cocked to the side. She sees right through me. I’m not surprised.
“Okay Liv, if you say so.” She shrugs, walking past me to fetch another vase. She’s dropping the subject and I’m grateful.
I fiddle with the chartreuse hydrangeas and try to concentrate on the task at hand. Twenty-four pink, white and green floral arrangements for the Bennett party tomorrow. I have to admit, they are perfection. I really am proud of what we’ve created. There is no way I am going to disappoint Grace Bennett. I have put my all into her order but coming face-to-face with her son… nope, that isn’t going to happen. Ellie will be driving the Bloom van to the Bennett estate tomorrow and will be placing the arrangements exactly where they need to go all by herself. I, on the other hand, will be sleeping in and enjoying the day to myself. Bennett-free.
We lock up for the day, hugging goodbye, and I wish Ellie good luck for tomorrow. Needing to clear my mind, I make my way down First Street towards the boardwalk that runs along the beach.
The laid-back beach vibe of the oceanfront streets paired with charming historical architecture set Reed Point apart from your average beach town. When I was a kid it was much quieter, but in the last decade it has grown into one of the more popular cities to visit on the east coast. At this time of year, the beginning of summer, the sycamore tree lined streets are buzzing with shoppers. On any other day I’d be one of them, window shopping the high-end boutiques and browsing the influx of pop-up shops that cater to the demand of tourists. Today though, my thoughts are too wrapped up in Parker.
How can he affect me like this after so many years? I have dated plenty of guys since our breakup, but no one has ever compared to him. I have never come close to feeling that spark like I did with Parker. With Parker, it was like gasoline to a flame. It was fire.
I make my way to the ocean and slip off my sandals. The feeling of my feet in the warm sand and the salty smell of the ocean is just what I need to clear my mind. I sit on the beach with my knees bent towards the sky and watch as the waves roll within inches of my bare feet.
My breathing slows and I feel a calm wash over me. My long golden blonde hair breezes across my face in the wind. I feel like myself again. It has always been my form of therapy to sit on the beach and listen to the waves. And it doesn’t cost a penny. I have been coming here since I was a kid. My mother used to always say I was happy anytime I could see the ocean. She was right. It sets my soul free.
My life is good. I am right where I want to be. I own a cozy apartment that I’m proud to call my own. I own a successful business that turns a good profit. I spend my days at Bloom, working a job I love with my best friend by my side and I am doing it all on my own. I don’t need a man to complicate things or mess with my heart. I have everything I need to be happy. Don’t I?
But if I am totally honest with myself, I do miss having someone special in my life. Someone to come home to at the end of the day.
By the time I get back to my apartment, I feel much more relaxed. After a quick dinner and hot shower, I am tucked cozily into my queen size bed with a glass of rosé in one hand and a romance novel in the other. The perfect Friday night.
I drift to sleep thinking about how I will spend my day off tomorrow - they don’t come along often. A morning run, a stop at my favorite bakery for a caramel apple croissant and maybe a lunch date with Kate. It’s the beginning of summer- my favorite time of year - and the forecast for tomorrow is sun. I plan on making the most of it.
Two
Parker
A knock on the door jolts me awake. I roll over to check the time on the clock. It’s 7 a.m. on a Saturday. Who freakin’ knocks on your door this early on the weekend? Whoever it is better have waffles and bacon.
I get out of bed, throw on my sweatpants and head for the door. I run my hand through my hair, making a half-assed attempt to look presentable.
I glance through the peephole and see Jordan, my assistant, looking wide awake and far too energetic for this time of day. It’s a blessing and a curse living where you work. They always know where to find you.
My penthouse suite on the sixth floor of the Seaside Hotel has an unobstructed view of the Hudson. You can’t beat living in Soho with its cobblestone streets, high end restaurants and designer stores. I have taken advantage of it all since moving to New York eight years ago.
We knew we struck gold when the previous hotel went on the market. And that’s exactly when I packed my bags and made the big move from my hometown. When my dad had offered me the opportunity of opening the first Seaside Hotel in New York, I knew it was too good to turn down. Besides, I needed a distraction after everything that had happened in Reed Point. A fresh start in a new city, I thought that would do the trick. But here I am, still talking myself into that theory eight years later.
