“Fun. Oh, Tony’s work friend was asking about you.”
“Oh? Who?” Dahlia’s posture perked.
“Simon, the tall British guy with the unusually nice smile.”
“He was?” Dahlia’s mouth hung open.
“Yup, he found out about you and Spence. And as a matter of fact, he’s going to that party tonight. I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner. You’ll come. It will be perfect; you can make McHandy jealous.”
Dahlia grew quiet. She felt her forehead wrinkle. She wondered if Kara could sense her hesitation.
“Just think about it. You can decide later.”
“I don’t know, Kara. I have so much to do, and I’m starting to get stressed. But it does sound fun.”
“Okay, what are you stressed about? Tell Doctor Kara.”
“What am I not stressed about? Getting the house in tip-top shape, finding the key before I leave … oh, and that job, they want me to start in less than a month. And I have to buy a whole new wardrobe.”
“And you told them you needed more time, right?” Kara leaned in and stared at her with wide eyes.
Dahlia shook her head and pursed her lips. The smell of fresh ground coffee permeated through the air, giving her a good reason to get the cups ready.
“Dahlia, you do know how insane this is?”
“I know, but I thought I’d lose it if I asked for more time. And I need this job and a change of scenery.” Dahlia knew she’d die a slow death if she didn’t find a new sense of purpose after Lil’s passing and her divorce.
“At some point, you might have to stop running and actually let people in.”
Dahlia’s cheeks grew warm. What did Kara know? Her life was privileged and perfect. “I’m not running. And I do let people in. Plus, Daisy is there, and Charleston is an amazing place to start over. That city has always felt like a second home.”
“I just mean that there are people here who love you. Maybe give them a chance.”
Like who?Essentially, there was no one left. “I know, Kara.”
“Don’t kill me for asking this, but do you even like gallery work? You were miserable at MoMA.”
“What? Of course I do. I had a cheating husband, a dying aunt, and a monster of a boss,” Dahlia declared, feeling her entire body now stiffen.
“Or is it more because it’s your connection to your mom? Maybe even Lil too?” Kara asked delicately, inching closer.
“Kara, that’s not fair.” But could she be right? No, Dahlia loved her job. Then why was she so unhappy there? Her eyes pinched shut as she remembered she still had to tell MoMA she wasn’t coming back in the fall.
“If I can’t be the one to challenge you with these things, then who? This is your opportunity to figure out whatyouwant. You’ll never get this chance again. Don’t get me wrong, I’m crazy proud of you, especially for leaving, but I don’t want you to feel rushed or influenced. You deserve for this next chapter to be epic.” Kara smiled, holding her hand. “Please don’t be mad at me. I love you, and I’m coming from a good place. Plus, you can’t be too mad at me because I’m here to help you today, whatever you need. I am your hired help until four,” Kara said with unwavering eye contact, clearly trying to reassure Dahlia.
“I’m not mad. I could never be mad at you. You’re like a sister in every way that matters,” Dahlia said. She wasn’t alone; she had Kara on her side, and that was everything. The problem was thatKara didn’t fully understand the stakes and how complicated it was for her.
“And sisters tell each other the truth. Right?” Kara asked.
“Right. But I’m not changing my plan. I don’t belong here beyond the summer, Kara.” Dahlia knew she didn’t belong there without her family. It would be too lonely. It would be unbearable.
“We’ll see,” Kara shrugged. “Now, where’s my coffee? I have a feeling I’m going to need it for what’s ahead.”
After hours of mulching and trimming in the front flower beds and catching up about Noah, Dahlia and Kara took a break. They retired from the blazing midday heat to Lil’s studio with their ice-cold lemonades. Dahlia checked on her oils in the cupboard, and Kara poked around the rustic space. The wood creaked with every step, and a flowery medley was starting to overtake the scent of pine and dust.
“I never realized how talented Lil was,” Kara said, pulling a painting from the bin. “There are so many gorgeous botanicals here. She could have sold them online—youcould sell them online.”
“No, I couldn’t.” Dahlia shook her head; she was 100 percent sure Lil wouldn’t want that. She was too private.
