by Susan Hatler
“Now I know that the wallpaper is really outdated . . .” Jillian waved her arms as she spoke. “But I spoke with the landlord about that and she agreed that you could paint or re-paper the walls if you’d like.”
“Outdated? Is that what we’re calling it? ” My eyes widened as I turned in a slow circle, checking out the living room wallpaper with its faded tropical birds and palm fronds. Outdated might be the understatement of the century, or maybe the millennium. It looked like the wallpaper had come from some tropical island a hundred years ago. “It’s, um, very interesting.”
I glanced at Jason to find him nodding. I wondered what he meant with that nod. Was he agreeing with me that the wallpaper was really, um, something? Or was he agreeing with Jillian that I could just change it if I wanted?
“Let’s move on.” She waved us through a narrow hallway that led to the kitchen, where I discovered a gray countertop, which made the had-to-be-decades-old whitish-gray appliances look even more outdated. But, it did look scrubbed clean.
“I can see myself baking in here,” I said, even if the oven would take some getting used to.
“Avery’s a talented baker,” Jason said, with pride in his voice, as Jillian led us to the bedroom in the back of the apartment.
“Thanks.” I shot him a smile. “You can decorate my cupcakes anytime.”
“I’ve been assured that all appliances work in the kitchen,” Jillian said, stopping at the next door. “Fair warning, the bathroom hasn’t been redone in a number of years, either. And the previous renters had quite a unique decorating style.”
I stepped into the bathroom, my eyes bulging. “They painted the walls pink?”
“Mmhmm . . .” Jillian nodded, tilting her head to the side. “To match the pink bathtub and sink.”
“It’s like being inside an antacid bottle,” I said, with a giggle.
“As I said before, the landlord is fine with you making cosmetic changes,” Jillian said, keeping her voice perky and upbeat.
“Yes, I remember that,” I said, still laughing. I wasn’t sure what color would improve the bathtub or sink. But, whatever.
From the bathroom, we crossed the hallway to the last remaining door.
“Now I know this bedroom is a bit on the small side,” Jillian said, as she opened the door and crossed the room. “But I think the balcony more than makes up for the cozy size. Outdoor living space is highly valued these days.”
“Wow,” I said, stepping out onto the balcony, which had a magnificent view of a park with tall, mature trees, and lots of lush lawn space. A breeze blew my hair back from my face, caressing my shoulders like a welcome hug. My heart warmed and I felt a sense of peace that I hadn’t had in months. Suddenly, nothing else about the apartment mattered. I loved it here. I had to have this view. This had to be my home.
Just as suddenly my heart had lifted, my heart dropped to my stomach. There was no way I could take this apartment. Weren’t “cosmetic changes” just a code for money pit?
“I’ll just give you a few minutes to talk things over with your boyfriend. I’ll be in the kitchen if you have any questions. Take your time,” Jillian said.
Before I could remind her that Jason wasn’t my boyfriend, she ducked back into the kitchen just as Jason was coming my way. I wondered how much he’d heard. My cheeks heated. What if he thought I’d told Jillian he was my boyfriend? Oh, embarrassment.
“Apparently, she wants me to take some time to discuss the benefits of this apartment with my boyfriend,” I blurted, the heat in my cheeks deepening. Maybe I had a fever, one that only spiked when I was with him. Sigh.
“Oh, really?” he said, coming up beside me.
I leaned against the balcony railing, drawing in a deep breath of fresh air, which did nothing to cool me off. “Somehow Jillian got it in her head that’s what you are.”
He grinned that heart-stopping grin of his, causing butterflies to go wild in my belly. That smile should’ve been illegal. “Since you’re already my girlfriend, it’s a good thing you’ve finally agreed to a date with me.”
A rush of pleasure rolled over me. “Dinner in the park wasn’t a date?”
“Not an official one,” he said, lifting an eyebrow as he gazed at me with what I could only interpret as an intrigued look. I bit my lip, wondering if I’d ever intrigued anyone before. Being around Jason made me feel special and I didn’t even have to try.
“An official date is definitely a must.” I rested my hands lightly on the railing and turned to gaze at the view over the balcony, loving the feel of his arm brushing against mine. “Dinner in the park would only be considered half a date, or a quarter of a date. I’m pretty sure apartment hunting doesn’t count as a date, either. So, yeah . . .” I let my voice trail off before tossing a smirk over my shoulder at him. “Not an official date. Yet.”
His gaze caught mine, the corner of his mouth lifting. “It’s settled then that I owe you a complete date. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Me, too.” I smiled, leaning toward him a little. Then I caught sight of the platinum watch dangling casually from his wrist and my chest went hollow. How could I have missed that watch earlier? It sparkled bright enough to blind me.
Jason’s watch probably cost more than I’d have to pay for all of the fees associated with renting this apartment, including the first and last month’s rent and any so-called “cosmetic changes” after that—with money to spare.
A strangled noise caught in my throat and Jason gave me a curious look. Panic choked me, rendering me unable to speak. He had more money than I’d first imagined and I only had my modest income from managing the bakery.
I’d almost forgotten that we came from such different worlds, which was saying something considering we’d arrived in his Ferrari. His apartment—or mansion, wherever he lived—was probably large and new, with the latest appliances and the most modern décor.
And I’d told him about the time I was homeless. No wonder he was falling over himself to take me out. Who wouldn’t? He probably felt sorry for me.
“Where do you live?” I blurted, desperate to know. “What’s your place like?”
He gazed out at the trees and then turned back to me. “I live on the twentieth floor of a high rise apartment building in San Francisco.”
“Wow.” I blinked a few times, taking in what he just said. The twentieth floor? I was guessing it was a very expensive apartment, quite the opposite of this one. “I’ll bet the city lights at night are amazing.”
“Yes . . .” A strange look crossed his face and then a line formed between his eyebrows. “The city has so much to offer, but sometimes I feel like the pace is too fast for me.”
“I can actually understand that,” I said, thinking about how Sacramento had just enough city life in it to offer a variety of good restaurants, shows, and nightlife. But I also loved the scenic spots by the river, a quiet walk in the park, or a serene view like the one off this balcony. “I’m sure your place doesn’t need cosmetic changes, though,” I said, turning back to the view, clutching the railing tight enough to make my hands ache.
“It was furnished by an interior designer before I moved in.”
“An interior designer?” I cringed, thinking this was worse than I thought. Jason and I were from such different worlds that I couldn’t help but wonder what he thought of this place and all of the work it needed. I could guess what he thought, but what I guessed wasn’t pretty. If I lived in a high rise in one of the most expensive cities, I’d probably think this apartment was the pits. My stomach knotted, but I had to know the answer. “So . . . what do you think of this place?”
He turned to me, the corner of his mouth lifting. “Your face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning when you stepped onto the balcony. I think it’s perfect for you.”
“You don’t think it’s too run down?” I bit my lip, noticing all of the imperfections as I figured someone with a professionally designed apartment might see them. “I mean, the windo
ws in the living room look a little slanted, to say the least, like one gust of wind might knock the place over.”
“I’m sure the place is up to code.” He chuckled, brushing his fingers along my arm. A shiver shot through my body, sending every nerve on high alert. I inhaled sharply and looked up at him, wondering if he’d felt the same jolt of electricity that I had. There was a slightly dazed look on his face, making me think he was feeling the connection, too. “I love it.”
“Really?” I smiled, warmth filling my chest that he could see the potential of this place. I let out a little laugh. “I don’t even know how to do half of the things that this place needs.”
“Are you kidding me?” He smiled, showing a fondness in his gaze I hadn’t seen before. Then he leaned closer, placing his hand on my shoulder as he gazed into my eyes. “Think about all the projects you do over at Founding Friendships. If you can do all of that work for them to make their home better, then why would this place be any different?”
I gave him a wry look. “Don’t forget that you are the one who fixed the plumbing.”
He laughed again, throwing his head back, as the guffaws came from deep in his belly. I would do anything to keep him laughing like that—and knowing I’d been the one to make him do it made the sound that much sweeter.
“Well, thank you for the compliment, but that was only a temporary fix. I’d be happy to offer you my meager plumbing services if you need them.”
My mouth curved upward. “You don’t think all of the work this place needs is a deal breaker?”
“Not if you love this place like I think you do.” He gestured to the park in front of us. “Isn’t this the view you had in mind? Does it give you that feeling of joy you told me about? Like when you lived with your stepdad and mom?”
I nodded, surprised that he’d been thinking about that, too. I squeezed his hand, realizing how happy I felt here. Just like I felt right now with Jason. Both had to be a sign. “I need to go talk to Jillian.”
“Are you going to take the apartment?” he asked.
“Yes, I want this to be my home.” I nodded, excitement bubbling up in my chest as I went to tell Jillian the news.
As soon as I’d said the words, I knew I was making the right decision. This should definitely be my home. I couldn’t believe I’d even considered letting this place slip through my fingers, just because there were minor obstacles.
Jason had helped me see the potential here—so much potential when I let myself imagine all of the possibilities. Thinking of possibilities, I glanced back over my shoulder to the balcony where Jason was still standing and admiring the view.
Even though there were obstacles between Jason and me, like our backgrounds and living in different cites, I wondered if there was potential for us, as well. Crazy to think I’d almost let him slip through my fingers when I’d turned him down flat that first morning at the bakery.
Now? I found myself wanting to see where this thing between us could go.
Chapter Nine
The next day, I parked my car at the curb in downtown Sac and walked along the sidewalk toward Blissfully Bridal. I spotted the address for the bridal boutique, which was located in a brick building with a white and black striped awning above the front door.
I checked the time on my cell phone, noting that I’d arrived a few minutes early for my noon meeting with Melinda and her maid of honor, Mary Ann, so we could select bridesmaid dresses for Melinda’s rapidly approaching wedding—only eleven days away.
I’d just learned last night that Jason was one of Nate’s groomsmen, which made me wonder if Jason and I would dance together during the wedding party dance. My application was in for the apartment—squeal!— and I was waiting to hear back from them, so it was the office couch I’d tossed and turned around on last night, imagining various scenarios of Jason and me dancing together—all of them ending with a kiss. Dreamy sigh.
Worry shot through me. I wanted to take a chance with Jason—I really truly wanted to—but did two people who were so different even stand a chance? I didn’t know the answer to that question, but alarms sounded in my head warning me to proceed with caution.
It wasn’t like I had a good dating track record in the first place, with one ex ending up a slimeball cheater and the latest ex accusing me of having a wall around my heart. A potential relationship between Jason and me shouldn’t start off with the odds stacked so hard against us, right? Not a good sign.
Pulling the bridal shop door open, I stepped into a wedding wonderland. Shiny marble flooring stretched across the foyer. The white wall to my left displayed a series of wedding photos of brides and grooms who looked in love. A sign that true love was possible . . .?
I shook my head. Those couples were most likely models. Man, I was reaching.
Directly ahead of me, in the center of the room, a mannequin stood on a white pedestal. Her golden curls were piled up elegantly on her head and she wore the most elaborate wedding dress I’d ever laid eyes on: a white ball gown with lace sleeves and intricate beading decorating the bodice. She reminded me of a Cinderella come-to-real-life and I couldn’t help rolling my eyes at the attempt to pedal a fairytale happily ever after. Puh-lease.
Reality check, mannequin: my mom had divorced several times and was currently single.
“You can stop rolling your eyes, because Melinda won’t be wearing that poofy of a dress.” Mary Ann’s voice chirped from behind me and I turned to see her sitting next to Melinda on a red velvet couch. Noting they’d also arrived early, I watched Mary Ann pop to her feet and hurry over to me. “Simple and elegant. Those are Melinda’s dress requirements.”
“I didn’t see you guys sitting there.” My cheeks heated. I hadn’t meant to display my marriage skepticism in front of the bride. My eye rolling wouldn’t exactly win me an award for bridesmaid of the year. Oops. Mary Ann gave me a squeeze, immediately putting me at ease, though. It was impossible not to love Melinda’s bestie. Mary Ann radiated enthusiasm in everything she did and she had a genuine, outgoing nature that made you feel like her lifelong friend. “How long have you guys been here?” I asked, as she released me.
Mary Ann waved her hand. “Hours and hours. It’s about time you showed up.”
I checked my watch. “But I—”
“More like two minutes ahead of you.” Melinda laughed, pulling me into a hug. “Thanks for being here. I want you both to find dresses you’ll love wearing. Pick a color you find flattering. Or, if luck will prevail, a dress you can actually wear again.”
“It’s supposed to be about what you want,” I said, touched at her thoughtfulness.
“Right?” Mary Ann smiled at Melinda, whose face was glowing with excitement. “Avery should pick a dress that works for her and then I’ll find one that compliments it.”
Melinda turned to me. “Sounds like a plan.”
“Good afternoon, ladies!” A female voice chirped from our right, followed by the click-click-click sound of heels marching across the marble floor at a rapid pace.
I turned to find a petite woman in a pink pantsuit coming toward us, her arms opening wide in greeting. A third hug coming my way? Clearly proof that I didn’t have “a wall around my heart” and that Jason and I wouldn’t be doomed from the start.
So, why was my stomach still bubbling with worry about him?
“Hello,” Melinda greeted the middle-aged woman, who gave us each a peck on our cheeks, while managing to keep a pair of diamond-studded spectacles perched on her nose. Impressive. Melinda placed a hand to her chest and smiled. “My name is Melinda Morgan. These are my friends Mary Ann and Avery. We have a twelve o’clock appointment.”
“Of course, of course.” The woman fluttered her hands in the air, her movements so enthusiastic I thought she might accidentally smack me. “I’m Mimi, the owner of Blissfully Bridal. I understand you’re here to search for the perfect bridesmaids dresses, correct?” She paused for our nods and then took off down the hallway, waving for us to fol
low. “Come, come.”
Mimi had definitely had her coffee that morning.
“You’re going to absolutely love our collection.” She led us through the store, and then she turned left down a short hallway and ushered us through an open archway. We stepped into an elegant white room with two walls lined with racks of dresses in a variety of colors.
“Wow,” Melinda said, exchanging a glance with me.
“You’ll find what you’re looking for at Blissfully Bridal. Trust me,” Mimi said, gesturing around her. A circular red velvet couch sat in the center of the room, with dressing rooms off to the left and to the right that had red velvet curtains instead of hardwood doors and a floor-to-ceiling mirror separating them. “I just received new pieces this morning and they are stunning. To die for. I’ll run and get them from the back to show you in a moment. Are you looking for any style of dress in particular?”
“Avery is choosing the first dress and then Mary Ann will find one that compliments it,” Melinda said, prompting everyone to turn my way.
My eyes widened and I bit my lip.
“Um . . .” Even though Melinda said the dress would be my choice, I mulled over what kind of dress she would want me to wear to her wedding. I crossed the floor to a section of blue dresses and started to thumb through the hangers. “A deep-color, like a royal blue or violet, would be pretty. And long . . . like, down to the floor.”
“Excellent!” Mimi clapped her hands and then came up beside me, giving my arm a gentle nudge before immediately locating a dress and asking my size. It seemed as if the number had barely left my lips before a pile of dresses were handed to me.
Wow, this woman was good.
“Thanks,” I said, watching Mimi’s short legs zip back and forth along the racks of dresses until several more dresses were thrust into my arms.
Then she ushered me over to a dressing room with one of her hands on my lower back. “In you go, while I fetch the new dresses from the back!” she said.
