The bar really is low
Not heckling me and wearing my jersey
I’m happy
>
Then it’s a good thing I’ve already got this one
And now the bar has been raised
See you at my place after?
I’ll be there
Strolling down Broadway, with my hair twisted into a braided bun and a Knights cap pulled low over sunglasses, I blend into the crowd.
These are my favorite kind of days—no one spotting me and being able to come and go as I please. With the game starting in an hour or so, I wanted to hit a few shops before heading over. The less time there is before the game starts, the less time to mingle and make awkward small talk.
Because if it’s not about my trial, it’s about when I’ll return to music. It’s why I wished we could settle out of court so it wasn’t blasted for the public, but that didn’t happen.
People might have the best of intentions with their questions, but it stings. Because with a court date pending, and no appearances scheduled because of it, I have no answer for them.
I’m in limbo until then.
Finding the right address, I push open the door, warmth and the smell of cedar surrounding me.
“Hi there.” A woman with long, blonde hair that I recognize from the gala greets me. “Welcome to Charms By Chloe.”
Chatter filters through the store with its high walls and bright lights. Tables sit in the center of the store, filled with velvet trays of gleaming silver rings. Glass display cases line the walls, filled with necklaces and bracelets.
After Jasper got to attend her soft opening with the guys, I figured I’d stop by and support her. I mean, supporting a local business of a friend of the guy I’m falling in love with? Not a hardship, considering I love jewelry.
The woman behind the counter brings a small basket over to me. “If you need any help, I’m Chloe. If you need a different size, I can see what I have in back.”
“Thank you so much.”
Her own jewelry is stunning. Silver rings with different stones. Flower earrings. It’s quirky and perfectly put together at the same time.
“All of these are beautiful,” I say. “Did you make them all?”
“I did.”
“Wow, that’s incredible. I don’t know how you do it.”
I finger a silver ring with intricate flowers carved into the metal, holding a single stone in the center.
“It was a lot of trial and error, but once I got the hang of it, it was easy.”
“I can only imagine.”
“I won’t bother you.” She smiles at me. “But I’m right over there if you need anything.”
“Thanks.”
She goes back over to help another customer as I take in everything she has to offer. If I’m not careful, I could buy every single thing she has here.
No matter what size, shape, or color, I always have at least three rings on each hand. It’s almost like they’re my shield against the world. Although one catches my eye.
