“I see.” He blew out a steady air of breath before he plastered on a smile that showed off his straight, white teeth. “Next time, then.”
I nodded, stepped into my sanctuary and shut the door. I was thankful for the barrier between us. The awkward kiss still lingered on my lips, and I wiped it off with the back of my hand.
I inhaled the lavender essential oil that was still being diffused as I took comfort in being home. My numerous plants were on the oak table in front of my balcony’s sliding door. The street lights from outside shone a streak of light into my living room. A mauve-colored couch sat against the wall adjacent to the balcony that was worn down but comfortable. An oval oak coffee table sat in front of it with more plants scattered on top of it. The life plants brought by simply being around was refreshing.
I snagged my phone out of my bag before I tossed it on the couch. I undressed on the way to the bathroom, a trail of my clothing lingering behind me. I turned the hot water on and poured in my bubble bath solution that smelled like strawberries. As the tub filled, I grabbed my makeup wipes and took off the date night makeup.
I turned off the water once it hit right below the height of the tub and stepped in. I sunk into the scalding water and inhaled the strawberry scent. It was a rough night. A bunch of cumbersome smiles and terrible jokes. Declan was a great guy, just not for me. The only reason we’d made it to date number three was because I’d tried to force myself to like him. He was stable, owned a few laundromats in the biggest city closest to Violet Ridge. He was nice and held doors open for me. He’d brought flowers when he picked me up. He was a gentleman down to his core and everything women were supposed to want in a man.
My phone rang and vibrated on the side of the tub. I clicked the green answer button followed by the speaker with dripping wet fingers. Water droplets lingered on the screen. “Yeah?”
“Hey, Mags!” Faith’s cheery voice bounced off the walls of the closet-sized bathroom. “You ready for the wedding festivities?”
I chuckled. “Oh, I’m ecstatic. Glad you and Asher are finally tying the knot. Though, I have to ask. Why is it a whole-week event? That’s so unlike you.”
She giggled. “My dad. He’s been really excited about the wedding and wants to ensure that it’s perfect. If he wants to plan this whole thing, then I’ll let him. It feels nice to have him involved.”
“That’s awesome, Faith.”
She and her dad had a rocky relationship up until about a year ago when she found out that her troll of an ex-fiancé had been cheating on her since the start of their relationship. Her dad had been her protector alongside Asher, probably because of the guilt. He was the one who had introduced Faith to the scumbag at one of his work events. It was good to see him step up to the plate for her, but did he have to make a whole-ass week of wedding festivities?
“Yeah!” I could hear the giddiness in her voice. “Are you packed and ready to go?”
“Babe, the events don’t start until Monday.”
“Yeah, next week!”
“It’s Wednesday of this week. My vacation at the bank doesn’t start until Sunday anyway.”
What started out as my first big-girl job at the only bank in Violet Ridge turned into my career. I’d shown those high school bitches I could do what they said I couldn’t. They awarded me with “Most Likely to get Knocked up” on senior night. They slut-shamed me relentlessly, but I moved past their immature words and actions thanks to my best friends, Faith and Eve. They encouraged me to embrace my sexual nature, and I did. Accepting that side of me gave me the confidence to get out of my shell and push boundaries in all aspects of my life.
I was in charge of serving customers by completing account transactions. I also received deposits and loan payments, cashed checks, issued savings withdrawals, and recorded night and mail deposits. I sold cashier's checks, traveler's checks, and series e-bonds. I’d even been promoted to help home buyers obtain mortgage loans. Which, I had to admit was pretty fun. The problem was the bank relied on me far too much, and everyone was in shambles as they prepared for my week-long vacation.
She huffed, breaking me out of my thoughts. “Mags. I need my maid of honor in her tip-top form!”
“Okay, Bridezilla, chill. I’ll be ready at the hotel Monday morning. I promise.” I sunk deeper into the tub and blew at the bubbles.
“You have the resort’s address, right?” she asked.
“Yes. You gave me everything. Your wedding is on the beach at the back of the resort. The reception is inside the resort, and we are all staying in rooms at the resort. You told me all about it!”
“But did you take notes?”
I snorted. “Of course, future Mrs. Wells. Have you talked to Eve?”
“Yeah, but she’s been distant. She promised she’d make it, though. Also, Jamie will be there!”
“Your teacher friend?” I asked.
“Yep! She’s great. You’ll love her. I promise.”
“As long as she’s nothing like that one teacher you worked with, we won’t have issues.”
She made a gagging sound. “Linda is gone. She got fired at the end of last year. Thank goodness.”
“Didn’t her and that ex of yours end up getting engaged?”
She groaned. “Oh, yeah. But who cares about those monsters? What’s happening with that guy you’ve been seeing? Derek?”
