NATALIE
The next morning, I got up earlier than usual so I could squeeze in a quick Peloton ride and shower before everyone woke up. It wasn’t my typical routine, but I needed the movement to clear my head after the emotional roller coaster of the day before.
After dropping the kids off at school, I returned home and started getting ready for my meeting. I blow-dried my hair, applied just enough makeup to look polished but not overdone, and slipped into a casual yet sophisticated pantsuit. It was the perfect balance of professionalism and creativity for the day ahead.
I spent a little time reviewing my notes for the bakery and finalizing details for the restaurant I was working on with Jasper and Lucas. My sketches and samples were ready, but I wanted to make sure I could confidently sell the vision to everyone involved.
By 9:30, I was pulling into The City Center’s parking lot. I spotted that both Will’s andLori’s cars were already there. Great. I hated when they were there ahead of me, it made me feel like I was late, even when I wasn’t.
I hurried to the space for the bakery and found them already inside.
“Good morning,” Lori said, her tone brisk, but friendly.
“Morning,” I replied cheerfully, nodding at both Lori and Will.
“I brought some samples for the bakery,” I added, pulling a few boards from my bag and placing them on the wall.
Lori stepped closer, tilting her head to get a better look. “I like it,” she said. “Very French and chic. Hopefully, this fits the style of the woman we’re meeting today.”
Will nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the samples. “It’s good. It has integrity and feels authentic, which is important for this center.”
I smiled, pleased by their reactions. “Glad you both like it. Hopefully, it helps sell the vision.”
As if on cue, the two sisters we’d met earlier arrived with another woman. She was stunning—long, curly blonde hair, a natural glow to her skin, and a casual style that looked like she’d just rolled out of bed and started her day with yoga and meditation. She wore leggings and a white long-sleeve shirt but looked like she belonged on the cover of a fit magazine.
“This is Lisa Simmons, the baker,” one of the sisters said as they introduced her to us.
Lisa smiled warmly, and as her gaze landed on Will, I noticed their eye contact linger just a little too long. My stomach twisted. Of course, she found him attractive. Everyone did. But did he find her attractive too?
I forced myself to focus, stepping forward to shake Lisa’s hand. “It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Natalie Bradford. I would love to show you what I’ve been working on.”
I walked her through the samples and opened my laptop to display the sketches I’d prepared. She leaned in, genuinely interested, and her praise was effusive.
“You’re so talented,” she said, her voice sincere. “I can tell you’ve put a lot of thought into this. It’s beautiful.”
“Thank you,” I said, feeling a small surge of pride.
As we talked more, Lisa shared that she had spent time in France learning how to bake with natural ingredients. She was passionate and knowledgeable, and it was clear she’d poured her heart into her craft.
We discussed appliances and a few details about the space before Will stepped in to go over the lease terms and monthly costs. I didn’t have much more to contribute, so I excused myself to give them room to talk.
But instead of feeling relief, I felt a knot of jealousy tighten in my chest. Watching Lisa and Will interact made me feel uneasy, like I was witnessing the beginning of something I didn’t want to see.
I stepped outside to clear my head, and that’s when I saw Lucas walking toward me with another man.
“Hello,” Lucas said, his British accent cutting through my jealousy like a gust of fresh air.
He introduced me to Jasper, who looked put together, with jet-black hair, neatly trimmed facial hair, and framed glasses.
“Do you want to see the progress of the restaurant?” I asked, eager to redirect my attention.
“Absolutely,” Jasper said with a smile.
As we walked toward the restaurant space, I glanced back and noticed Will and Lisa exchanging phone numbers. Ahandshake sealed their interaction, but my imagination filled in the blanks with possibilities.
I refocused on Lucas and Jasper as I showed them the updates on the restaurant. They were both impressed, marveling at the woodwork and light fixtures.
“We’re making headway,” I said, gesturing around the space. “If everything stays on schedule, we’re looking at opening in a couple months.”
