"Until we made them doubt it," I agreed. "Now they believe one fight makes them fundamentally incompatible."
"We projected our pain and insecurities onto them."
Too agitated to sit any longer, I stood and paced to the window. I saw the parking lot, the landscaped grounds, and the normal Saturday afternoon activity of people going about their lives.
"For the record, Blossom is nothing like my ex-wife." I turned away from the view. "She's responsible and thoughtful and realistic and grounded. Anyone who hires her is going to be lucky."
Tallulah crossed one leg over the other. "Manuel is nothing like Karl. He's not dismissive or obsessed with structure."
"Our kids got the best of us, don't you think?"
"They did, and I believe they'll last. I had my doubts at first, but these two young people belong together. They're not too young, they didn't move too fast, and getting married is not too risky."
"We have to fix this," I said.
Tallulah stood and came toward me. She rested her hands on her hips. "I agree."
"Any ideas?"
She appeared thoughtful for a moment. "I have one."
Chapter 30
Tallulah
"Your mother is a hero," Mrs. Chen said to Blossom.
My daughter and I were at the counter of Far East Market. Chips for Blossom and drinks for both of us were on the counter.
"Stop," I said, slightly embarrassed.
"Do not be modest," my friend said, ringing up the purchases. "You saved all of our businesses. You should be proud. Have you already signed your new lease?"
"I did. How about you?"
"We did, and my husband is working on a frequent customer card for the partnership program. He is taking it very seriously."
"As he should. If planned right, it'll mean more business for the store. I'm working on my ideas. Julie wants to be included, and so does LaVon," I said, referring to the man who did reiki and reflexology in my center.
After chatting a bit more, we left. Mrs. Chen knew Manuel and Blossom had broken up, so she didn't mention the wedding, as she normally would have.
I unlocked the door to my store. "I really appreciate you helping me with this," I said. I let my daughter go ahead of me and closed the door without locking it again.
"It's fine, Mom. Not like I have anything else to do."
I placed the snacks on the counter, my heart hurting at her despondent tone.
She had been like this for the past four days, ever since she and Manuel called off the wedding. Hollow and simply going through the motions, her normally vibrant light had dimmed. Each time I looked at her, my heart broke a little bit more.
Which was exactly why Jamison and I had planned an intervention.
"The items are back here," I said.
I had told Blossom I needed her help with inventory that had been placed in the yoga room. I said I needed to go through everything so Julie could have the space.
When we walked in, Blossom looked around at the empty room with its polished bamboo floors. She frowned in confusion. "Where's the inventory? There's nothing here but mats."
"How odd. I should?—"
