“At least my rose quartz bracelet attracts amazing besties who build me up after crappy breakups.”
“You know it.” Zara grinned. “Now let’s go check out that rack of vintage dresses.”
Fleetwood Mac blared through the thrift store speakers as Daisy and Zara wheeled their cart of vintage finds to the checkout. Frankie, who was now on the floor, danced excitedly around their feet, ready for their next adventure.
After scouring the pop-up flea market for hidden treasures, Daisy and Zara found themselves in a cozy corner cafe, enjoying a late lunch. The sun streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow on their table. Daisy took a bite of her avocado toast, savoring the creamy texture mixed with sea salt and honey.
Zara fiddled with her napkin, her gaze flickering between her plate and Daisy’s face.
“So, I have some news,” she said, biting her lip.
“I’ve been offered a job in Philadelphia. It’s an incredible opportunity, and I’ve decided to take it.” Her friend fidgeted in the chair.
Daisy’s hand froze halfway to her mouth, the toast forgotten. “What? You’re moving away? When?”
Zara took a deep breath. “In a few weeks. I know it’s sudden, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing. I can’t pass it up.”
The old familiar feelings crept up the back of her throat as her appetite vanished.
“I can’t believe you’re leaving. First Shawn, now you? Why does everyone always leave me?”
The words came out harsher than she intended, and Daisy immediately regretted them, seeing the hurt flash across Zara’s face.
“I’m not leaving you. I’m just moving. We’ll still be friends, no matter where I live.”
The bitter taste still in her mouth, Daisy swallowed, then ran a hand through her hair.
“I know, I’m sorry. It’s just... it feels like everyone I care about ends up disappearing on me.”
Zara reached across the table, covering Daisy’s hand with her own. “This isn’t the same as your parents, or Shawn, or anyone else. I’m not abandoning you, but life happens and we have to change with it.”
“I know. I’m happy for you, really. It’s an amazing opportunity.” Daisy nodded, squeezing her best friend’s hand.
They sat in silence for a moment, the clatter of dishes and murmur of conversation filling the space between them. Finally, Zara spoke again.
“Have you given any more thought to getting a more stable job? I know you love the flexibility of your side hustles, but you’re so smart. You could do so much more.”
Daisy shrugged, picking at the remnants of her toast. “The idea of being stuck in a stuffy office all day, having to be there for certain hours, and answering to someone? It makes my skin crawl. I like being my own boss, setting my own hours. I want stability in my relationships, not my job.”
Zara nodded. “I get that. But what about that marketing job I told you about? It’s creative, it’s dynamic, and I think you’d be really good at it. Just promise me you’ll think about it?”
She sighed, but a small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “Fine, I’ll think about it. But only because you’re my best friend and I love you, even if you are moving away.”
Her closest friend grinned, raising her glass of sparkling wine in a mock toast. “To new adventures, both in Philly and right here in Boston.”
As Daisy clinked her glass against Zara’s, the weight in her chest eased a bit. Change was something she’d never been comfortable with, but maybe, just maybe, it could lead to something good this time, maybe even a new beginning?
A few hours later, Daisy flopped back on the tufted velvet sofa, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio in hand. Frankie was sound asleep, nestled beside Zara’s portly French bulldog, Bart, as the wind rattled the window.
“This wine is delicious.” Daisy wiggled her bare toes against the plush, jewel-toned shag rug. “You found some great stuff today.”
Zara emerged from the walk-in closet, carefully stepping into a pair of embroidered velvet bell bottoms. “I love these.”
She tossed a granny square crocheted crop top Daisy’s way with a grin. “I saw you eyeing this. It’s too small for my big boobs, so it’s yours.”
Laughing, Daisy caught it and tried it on, admiring the bright colors. Her outfit for tonight was coming together. Tonight she was going all out, no more downplaying her eclectic style to please some buttoned-up rigid guy.
“We’re still meeting Kat and Meg for drinks, right?” Daisy asked, finger-combing her hair and securing the small braids on either side with a sparkly hair clip.
