“And you don’t know if you want her back now?”
Nina shook her head. “A big part of me says, yes, we should absolutely give it another try. We only stopped seeing each other because I wasn’t available. But then I flash back to when Lacey broke up with me for the last time, the look in her eyes. It was so cold, so definitive, like her love for me was dead and nothing I said or did would’ve brought her back to me.” Nina paused. “It terrified me.”
“I remember what that felt like, too,” Daphne said. “I didn’t think I’d ever get over it.”
“How did you?” Nina said. “Just give it time?”
“She showed up at her ex’s wedding,” Sophie blurted out.
Nina shot her an incredulous look. “Savannah’s? You never told me that.”
“It must’ve slipped my mind,” Daphne said, glaring at Sophie. “In retrospect, yes, it was a grossly ill-conceived plan, but it sure pushed me over that final hurdle.”
“That’s funny,” Sophie said. “I would’ve said that happened when you began your friendship with Nina.”
Daphne’s stomach tightened as she anticipated Nina’s reaction. “It was a combination of things. But yes, friendship is the best medicine for heartbreak.”
Nina melted into the sweetest smile as she squeezed Daphne’s hand. “Aww, that’s so poignant, Daph.”
“I agree,” Sophie added. “I lost Willie three years ago, but since Daphne and I became close, it hasn’t been so hard.”
“Aww, Sophie.” Daphne mimicked Nina’s exact inflection and gestures.
The three of them held hands around the table and shared a hearty laugh.
“So are you excited about meeting this new woman?” Nina said.
Daphne shrugged. “It’s just coffee, and who knows if I’ll even hear from her. She may have had second thoughts once she sobered up.”
“Stop it.” Nina gave her arm a playful shove. “If she passes up a coffee date with someone as great as you, then you don’t need a fool like that in your life.”
Sophie smiled as she sipped her coffee. “Listen to her. She knows what she’s talking about.”
Daphne smiled, appreciating both their efforts.
“I don’t know why you two just don’t go out together,” Sophie said as she nibbled a slice of bacon.
Daphne exchanged an awkward grin with Nina. “No. That’s not how this…no, Sophie. Friends don’t go there unless they’re interested in making things super uncomfortable.”
Sophie shrugged. “Like I said, I don’t know how you ladies do things, but I think you’d make a beautiful couple.”
Nina opened her mouth to speak, but Daphne cut her off.
“Thank you, but she’s practically back together with Lacey, and who knows where it might go with Brynne. If she ever contacts me.”
“Okay. Fine,” Sophie said and began clearing the breakfast dishes. “So what do you girls have on your agendas today?”
“I have to pick my son up from my mom’s,” Nina said. “But that’s not till later. Daph, if you want to take a ride with me, we can review some graphics options for your new website.”
“Yes. I’d love to.” Daphne looked over at Sophie. “I’m finally getting my business going—with Nina’s help.”
“It’s about time. I’ve been hearing about it every week for a year now. You know how many times she’s dragged that vision board over here?”
Daphne demurred like a proud daughter. “I had to, Sophie. At one time, you were the only person who believed in me.”
“I’m glad you have someone to show you the ropes now.”
Nina nodded. “If I can just convince you, then you’ll have three people who believe in you, and that’s all you need to officially launch your own business.”
“I may be the toughest sell in the room,” Daphne said. “But I’m sure you wouldn’t waste your time if it wasn’t worth a shot.”
She looked at Sophie and Nina and smiled. All her life, she’d measured her value by the quality of her relationship with Ann Marie. Now that she had two such strong, diverse women in her life, she realized the immeasurable value of unconditional support from friends.
Chapter Ten
Nina and Daphne sat on the same side of the shaded picnic table in the park near Nina’s mother’s house as they studied the iPad screen. Nina had two unanswered texts from Lacey waiting for her, but at the moment, she challenged herself with the task of simultaneously pumping Daphne up about her new business venture and calming her down.
“What if I do all this, and the business fails anyway?” Daphne said as a breeze blew through her hair.
“Then you’ll be like nearly every person who’s ever gone into business for themselves. It’s not uncommon for the first incarnation of a small business to falter, if not fail altogether. But since yours is small, with little to no overhead, it’s relatively low risk, so why don’t we focus on the what-is instead of all the what-ifs?”
“The what-is?”
Nina nodded. “You can’t embark on something this important if you succumb to the early temptations of self-sabotage. Here’s what is today. We’re getting your website up and ordering you a set of business cards. You already have the stock at your house, so you’re basically ready to go when your flea-market booth becomes available in a few weeks.”
“I am?”
Nina giggled, finding Daphne’s newbie vulnerability endearing. “Yes, you are. I wish you’d stop acting like I’m air-dropping you into a war zone without weapons. You know antiques. All you have to do is sell them to people.”
“It’s the people part.” Daphne grimaced. “Flea markets are so peoply.”
“An astute observation,” Nina said dryly. “I’m trying to understand your aversion to engaging with customers. You’re quite personable with me and other people I’ve seen you interact with.”
Daphne sighed, visibly anxious. “I’m okay once I know someone, but initially meeting them makes me feel inside like a dentist’s drill sounds. You don’t remember how awkward I was when we met?”
Nina recalled Noah’s assessment of her being a nerd. “I was so relieved to get my lamp back I wasn’t paying attention to anything else. If it makes you feel any better, you weren’t so awkward that that was my first impression of you.”
“It does a little.” Daphne groaned as she examined the layout of her website prototype.
Nina watched her study the screen. “Daph, do you really want to do this?”
“Yes. I do.” She sat straight up, seeming determined. “I swear.”
“Maybe the people part isn’t the true issue.” She turned her gaze from the iPad back to Daphne. “Maybe you’re afraid of success.”
“Wait. Did you say success?”
Nina nodded. “Sometimes people hesitate to move on big ideas or dreams because deep down, they know their lives won’t be the same anymore once they’ve achieved that next level. You can’t fall back on the same old excuses you’re used to.”
Daphne looked at her in surprise. “That really happens to people?”
Nina nodded again. “For my MBA, I took a business-psychology class that explored the correlation among success, failure, and the human psyche. We can self-destruct in many ways, and fear of success is one of them.”
“Hmm. Savannah sure as hell never had that fear. She eats success like a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts.”
“It all depends on your definition of success. If you’re just looking for ego validation, then yeah, fear of success won’t be an obstacle. But that’s not you.”
“That’s so accurate. I just want to be fulfilled in the way I earn a living. What better way than to infuse your personal passions with your livelihood?”
“That’s the very foundation of the American dream.” She studied Daphne for a moment, proud of her progress. She wanted to grab her in a hug and reassure her that she was on the right course, but wouldn’t that have seemed kind of weird? Anyway… “I wish I was like you—that I fel
t passionate enough about something to turn it into a career. I mean, besides Noah.”
Daphne’s mouth twisted in the cutest way. “If he’s your passion, you’re doing a great job fostering it. Think about it. You provide security for him and his future through your career, even if you’re not exactly doing the kind of work that personally interests you.”
“Thanks.” Nina smiled, genuinely touched. “I take raising a small human seriously. We have more than enough dicks in this world, and I don’t intend to add another one to the mix.”
Daphne laughed and nodded. “I can’t express how much I appreciate what you’re doing for me. You’ve really helped me sharpen my focus on what’s important.”
“No thanks necessary. It’s not even like I’m helping you. I’m having fun with all this stuff.”
“Well, I’m glad.” Daphne fixed her with an earnest gaze. “Even if this never turns into a profitable business, I already feel good. Just seeing the website with my business name on it is a dream come true.”
“And I’ll be there for your first sale at the flea market.”
Daphne threw her arms around her and squeezed, whispering “Thank you, thank you.” Without saying a word, Nina closed her eyes and leaned into her. Maybe a celebratory hug between friends wasn’t so weird after all.
Suddenly, as though Siri was watching and had tipped off Lacey, another text chimed on Nina’s phone.
“It’s Lacey again. I have to answer her.”
“Sure,” Daphne said.
Nina smiled as she read the series of texts. Lacey had an amazing time last night, couldn’t stop thinking about her, and hoped they could do dinner this week.
“Must be something good,” Daphne said with a grin.
“Yeah. Dinner again this week.”
“Looks like we’re both getting what we want.”
Daphne held up her hand for a high five. Nina swiftly slapped her palm as she powered off her iPad, and they left the park to pick up Noah.
* * *
On the car ride home, Daphne remained silent lest she say something dumb and be called out for it by a ten-year-old who hadn’t yet missed a chance to share his insight. It didn’t matter anyway. She was reveling in the banter between Nina and Noah, who seemed to have such a tight relationship. Nina’s ability to relate so comfortably to anyone she talked with, regardless of age, awed Daphne into silence. At one point during brunch that morning, she thought Nina and Sophie would exchange phone numbers and start hanging out together without her. Every woman should have someone like Nina as a friend.
“You must be excited about dinner Wednesday,” Daphne said, softly enough for Noah not to hear.
“I am.” Nina raised the volume on the radio. “I wish I hadn’t slept with her last night, though. It muddied the waters on something I should be approaching with a clear head.”
“Meh. It’s not like you just met and did it. You guys have a complicated history with some unresolved stuff.”
“That’s true.” Nina gripped the steering wheel tighter. “Still, I’d like to be able think things through logically, without the influence of hormones.”
“Good luck with that. You’re still in love with her. The hormones would take over even if you hadn’t acted on them. They’ll probably do the same thing Wednesday night.”
Nina’s brow wrinkled. “Now that I think about it, I should probably change our dinner date to a night when Noah will be home.”
“Don’t be a wuss. You can handle this. Besides, what do you still need to think about with Lacey? She wants to come back.”
“I don’t know. I guess I’m locked in self-protect mode. I mean, should it bother me that she didn’t stand by me through my divorce?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I was going through an excruciatingly painful time, faced with making critical decisions that would change other people’s lives. And she just…she just bailed. I didn’t adhere to her strict timeline, so she just leaves me. Is that what you call true love?”
“Ugh. I hadn’t thought about it that way.”
“How had you thought about it?”
“That she was on the outside looking in. I read an article once that said most people who have affairs don’t leave their spouses. The affair fills a temporary need, and the person doing the cheating compartmentalizes the other person while they continue to live in their primary worlds.”
“That’s fucking deep,” Nina said. “But that’s not what I was doing. Lacey wasn’t just a fling. She’d led me down a brand-new path, one that finally felt comfortable under my feet. Once I started, I didn’t intend to turn back.”
Daphne shrugged. “It must’ve been hard for her to see that. Sometimes people will tell you what you want to hear just so they can get what they want from you. I lived it long enough to know. Savannah was stringing me along until she was certain things were solid with her stomach surgeon, Francesca. Once Francesca released Savannah from her care and was free from a medical-ethics violation, she told Savannah she was in love with her, and then it was adios, Daphne.”
Nina was staring at her, aghast. “That’s awful.”
“It’s all good now, honest. I’m so much happier now than I’ve ever been. It truly was for the best.”
“I suppose it would make more sense to talk to Lacey about it instead of spiraling down a rabbit hole of speculation.”
“‘A rabbit hole of speculation.’” Daphne giggled as she repeated the phrase. “I spend so much time there I should buy a vacation home.”
Nina laughed, too. “We need to make a pact. From now on, we’ll make sure we both keep our feet planted on the firm ground of reality. No spiraling anywhere.”
“This will be a game-changer,” Daphne said with a resolute nod. She then chirped in surprise when she felt a vibration on her butt, having left her phone in her back pocket.
“What’s the matter?” Nina looked concerned as she drove down the exit ramp.
“Oh, my God. It’s a text from Brynne.” Daphne looked over at her and smiled. “She wants to meet for cocktails on Thursday.”
“She upgraded you from coffee to cocktails already. You must’ve made a lovely impression.” Nina held up her hand for a high five.
Daphne slapped her palm and added a squeeze of Nina’s fingers. “There really is a first time for everything.”
Nina gave Daphne a playful shove. “You’re a goof. This is so exciting. Let’s meet up Friday night at my place and compare notes on our dates.”
“Is it wise to plan that far ahead? You could be moving Lacey in by then.”
“Lacey’s moving in with us?” Noah asked from the backseat.
“How long have you been eavesdropping on us?”
“Not long,” he said. “You have the radio so loud.”
Nina shot Daphne a knowing grin. “Mom tricks.” She then looked into her rearview mirror again. “No, honey. Nobody’s moving in with us. Daphne was just joking.”
“Okay,” he said. “I wouldn’t mind too much if she did.”
Now Daphne shot the first look.
Nina smirked. “What did we just say about spiraling?”
“Right. And I’m pretending that I’m not spiraling about meeting Brynne for drinks this week. I’m totally cool about it. It’s whatever.”
“Did you reply to her yet?”
“Oh. Yeah. I should probably do that, huh?”
Nina nodded, and they remained quiet for the rest of the ride to drop Daphne off at her house.
* * *
Nina had decided to keep her dinner date with Lacey on the night originally planned. It seemed ridiculous to have to procure a sitter for Noah when he already spent Wednesdays with his dad. Besides, Nina didn’t have to rely on safety nets and escape hatches. She fancied herself evolved enough not to do things she hadn’t wanted to and to accept responsibility for the things she’d chosen to. Sleeping with Lacey last weekend after she’d appeared out of nowhere hadn’t been the smartest ide
a, but Daphne had correctly observed that they’d left a lot of loose ends.
“We didn’t have to take two cars tonight,” Lacey said during a lull in the conversation. “If you hadn’t wanted me to move so fast last Saturday, you could’ve said so.”
The statement pulled Nina’s gaze away from the sun setting over the harbor. “Did my behavior that night indicate I didn’t want it to happen?”
Lacey smiled and moved a wisp of her shiny auburn hair off her face before sipping her Manhattan. “To be honest, I had no idea what to expect, from myself or you. I was more than pleasantly surprised.”
“The power of unfinished business,” Nina said.
Lacey smiled in agreement. “It was more than that. I mean it was for me. It felt so good to make love with you again, Nina. And without the shadow of a third party lurking in the room, it was like a brand-new experience.”
“We’ve come a long way since we first made love two years ago,” Nina said pensively. “I’m different now, stronger, I think.”
“You’ve always been strong. That’s one of the many things I find attractive about you.”
“Strength is relative. We’re only as strong as the hardest situation that’s tested us. I’d never been thrown a significant curveball before in my life. But you, though.” Nina smiled ironically as she braved the memory of Lacey’s first seduction. “The more involved we became, the more I felt I was losing myself. Some days I didn’t know how I’d get out of bed and function in my daily life. Most days I didn’t want to. I just wanted to run to you, climb into your bed, and never leave.”
Lacey wrapped her fingers around Nina’s. “I would’ve gladly let you, baby.”
Nina picked at her scallop-and-bacon app, trying to deconstruct her conflicted feelings about Lacey. She’d wanted this a year ago; she’d practically begged Lacey to hold on for it. She’d also mourned losing it like a widow. Then through a series of misadventures involving that damn lamp, she’d revived the fantasy she’d clung to for survival during her loneliest hours. Now it was real and tangible, yet something was holding her back.
One Woman’s Treasure Page 10
