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“Then she’s totally not the girl for you, Miles.” I laugh as our running shoes pound the pavement rounding the corner to the boardwalk. The ocean now in view, the waves crashing onto the smooth sandy beach.
“You’re one to talk. You haven’t had one decent relationship your whole adult life. You take ‘smash and dash’ to a whole new level,” Miles says, upping his pace, making me work to catch up. My t-shirt now sticky on my skin, sweat dripping down my flushed face.
“Looks like you are getting too old for our runs there, old man. Might be time to sign up for a walking group.”
I kick it into high gear. There is no way I am letting my little brother outpace me. The three of us boys have been this way since birth, always competing for first place.
We were born into a family of over-achievers.
Three
Olivia
It is the day of the Bennett anniversary party, and my life is imploding.
When I answered the call from Ellie this morning, I knew right away that it wasn’t going to be good.
She could barely make it through our phone call without heaving. She’s sick- food poisoning sick - and there is no way she is leaving her bathroom today, never mind her apartment.
And you know what that means? That means the party is all on me. Shit just got real, and I feel an instant panic attack rising. I feel terrible that Ellie is sick, but this is the absolute worst timing!
“I’m so sorry this had to happen on the one day I promised I would be there for you,” Elle had groaned. “Olivia, I know you must be losing your mind right now. But you’ve got this babe. You can do this. Just get in and get out. I bet you won’t even see him.”
Promising to call her later with an update, I press end on the phone call and scream into my pillow. There is no freaking way I am going to be fine today. How am I going to do this?
I jump out of bed and head for the shower. So much for my relaxing Saturday.
I shower quickly, then blow-dry my hair. I put on mascara, a smidge of blush and a pale pink lip gloss. My phone sounds, letting me know I have a text message.
ELLIE: I’m really sorry again Liv, I feel awful that I can’t be there for you today. You can do this. You will be fine, I promise. And Liv, if he is there... remember it was a long time ago and a lot has changed. You are strong and you are brave. Remember how far you have come. xo
ME: Thanks Ells. You better have a bottle of wine ready for me just in case. Wish me luck xx
I slip on a pair of my nicest skinny jeans and a fitted ice blue sweater and run my hands through the long waves of my hair. I want to look my best. I am representing Bloom, after all. At least that’s what I tell myself.
A hundred different versions of what could happen after stepping foot in the Bennett home race through my mind.
Best case scenario: I don’t see Parker. The arrangements are all the party guests can talk about, and Bloom is later hired to do the flowers for all future seasons of The Bachelor.
Worst case scenario: I do see Parker. I panic, trip over a stray balloon string and land face-first in the Bennetts’ anniversary cake.
There are about a hundred other scenarios that fall somewhere in the middle.
Will I see Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, or even Miles, Jules or Liam? Oh my God, will I see Parker? The thought of it sends me spinning. Ellie’s not the only one feeling nauseous right about now.
I had run into them all over the years - minus Parker, of course. It never felt totally awkward, we would say the normal things that people say to each other, talk about the weather and such. Then we’d move on. They treated me with kindness every time, that’s just the way they are.
I make myself a quick cup of coffee and a bagel while I contemplate changing my outfit. Maybe a dress with my leather jacket and heels. But heels make me nervous. I could just imagine myself taking a dive in them across their hardwood floors while carrying a centerpiece. That would just be my luck.
I check my reflection in the mirror one last time, and am happy with the way I look. I grab my purse and keys, taking a deep steadying breath before I head for the door. I won’t let fear hold me back. I have come too far since then.
I drive straight to Bloom, letting the scenery distract me. It is one of my favorite times of year here in Reed Point with the azaleas and rhododendrons indicating the onset of summer. Restaurant patios are bustling and the city feels like it is coming alive after a long, cold winter slumber.
The weather is perfect today for the Bennetts as if they ordered it themselves. I smile, feeling the warmth of the sun on my face through the open window. They deserve a beautiful day to celebrate their milestone.
I park my white Prius in front of Bloom and hop out to a familiar face.
“Hey Jace, morning! What are you up to today?” Jace is a friend I met in college. We both studied business together - Jace going on to work for a local marketing firm here in Reed Point. Kate and Ellie have always tried to push us together but despite the fact that he is handsome and smart, we have never gone further than some harmless flirting.
