Even with all I’d bought put away, this place felt empty. Sooner rather than later, I’d need to fill it up with stuff so it would feel like a home. I’d found a furniture store not far from here while I was at Target. I bought a queen-sized mattress and bedframe, dresser and nightstand, sofa, chair and coffee table, and a small, four-chair dining set.
The salesperson had looked at me like I’d robbed a bank when I paid cash for everything. Honestly, I didn’t think $7,400 in cash was such a big deal. Guess my attitude showed how I’d adapted over the last ten months being with Will. He’d never blink at anything under ten thousand dollars.
Tonight though, I would sleep on an air mattress I picked up on my way home from the furniture store. I didn’t have the panache Will had to get my furniture delivered the same day. I might have been able to bribe someone, but I didn’t want to be foolish with my money. I didn’t have unlimited resources like Will.
So the air mattress would have to do. Fun times.
Think positive. You have your health and your baby. You don’t need anything else.
11 Miranda
IT’S JUST A job. You need this.
Radiance Bridal was in a 1930s French manor on the South Hill. As I pulled in front of it, I stared in awe at the stately building surrounded by pine trees and maples.
Finally, a week after my life imploded, this job was another step forward in my new beginning. I was all moved into my little cottage. I’d nursed my injured heart as much as I would allow myself yesterday. Today, I wanted to get back into a somewhat regular routine. I was ready to return to the workforce.
The landscaping was a stark contrast to the palm trees and sand I adored outside my former home. Every time I thought of anything in Southern California, a walnut-sized lump appeared in my throat. Next, my eyes would tear up.
I wished this were all an insanely wild and crazy nightmare. That I’d wake up in my old bed, wrapped in Will’s safe arms.
But it wasn’t a nightmare. I couldn’t go home.
I inhaled and exhaled several deep breaths to calm myself as I admired Radiance Bridal.
When I had called about the position, the day after Will went to Vegas, I spoke to the owner, Nina Adams. It had been an unconventional call, in my opinion. There were pleasantries in the beginning, then Nina switched gears and we talked about the wedding industry. I had mentioned my event planning experience but didn’t brag about my success.
Nina had immediately asked, “Why do you want to work in a small boutique when your experience is in event planning? The two are vastly different.”
I should have expected the question, been prepared to answer it, but I wasn’t. In fact, I would have asked the same if I’d been the interviewer. Yet, I surprised myself with my response, “Honestly, I need to get away from Southern California.”
And by the grace of all good in the world, Nina had said, “The job is yours.”
Radiance opened at nine every morning, Monday through Saturday. It was half past eight as I approached the gorgeous manor. Nina had mentioned entering from the side door near the ornamental topiary with twinkling lights. I’d spotted it right away when I parked the Subaru.
My nerves were off the charts, despite being desperate for human contact. I had to get out of the house. I couldn’t live in fear. I needed to talk, engage with people, and build a new life.
I just wished my heart would stop racing.
Perhaps I wasn’t as ready as I thought to begin this new chapter. Hell, it wasn’t a new chapter at all. It was an entirely new book. There shouldn’tbea new book. I shouldn’t be Anna Gordon.
I had a great life, friends, a business and—
I stopped myself before thinkinghisname. It was stupid how I couldn’t stop thinking about him. He occupied every freaking minute of my day. I needed to stop.
God, this wasn’t how my life was supposed to turn out.
I inhaled, placing my hand on my stomach.I’ll do anything for you.
No more tears. Time to go in and start my new role as the manager of Radiance. With my skinny latte in hand and my favorite Louis Vuitton tote over my shoulder, I confidently entered the building, ready to begin my new life.
“Hello…” I called, closing the side entrance door.
Dark stained cubbies lined the wall. I counted eight. On the opposite wall hung a beautiful, ornate gold-framed mirror above a bench. Already the tone of this small space said high quality and elegant. I liked it.
“I’m back here,” a familiar voice returned.Nina.
I followed in the direction it came from through a dark hallway, passing a large room packed with garment bags.