The energy was amazing, and business was booming and very busy. I loved my job, though it was a very different vibe here as far as design.
It was an amazing mix of styles, which reflected the city well. The two clients I’d taken on so far were definitely on the contemporary side. One of the projects was a modern loft, and the other was what I would call industrial chic.
Both were very minimalist, whereas my preferred design was definitely not that.
I loved floral arrangements and pottery and area rugs and curtains and artwork.
I loved to show life in every room I designed.
But you had to be adaptable as a designer.
I stepped out of our office building and strode down the street toward my favorite café. At moments like this, I did feel like I was channeling my inner Carrie Bradshaw.
But I missed the mountains and the lake and the peacefulness of small-town living.
I’d grown up in a small town. I’d gone to college in a small town.
And then I’d lived in Los Angeles for a few years, and I remembered liking city living so much more in my early twenties than I did now.
I’d also be lying if I didn’t admit that what I missed most was Cutler.
We talked every day and texted as well. But it wasn’t the same.
I wanted to ask him if he was dating anyone, but I never let myself go there, nor did he.
We were just going to play it by ear.
That was the plan, or the lack of a plan.
I cried myself to sleep most nights because I missed having him beside me. I couldn’t tell him that, because he was a fixer, and he’d want to make it better.
But this was something that I needed to do.
I needed to take on this challenge and give it a fair chance.
I pulled the door to the café open, and Jovi waved at me. She was going to school not too far from here, and we’d been trying to meet for a glass of wine at least once a week.
It helped me feel like a piece of home was here with me.
“I ordered you your favorite chardonnay,” she said. “And happy Halloween, by the way.”
“Is it Halloween? How did I not know that?” I chuckled. “I swear the days are blurring together.”
“Well, that will happen when you put in sixteen-hour workdays.” She smirked. “I’m proud of you, though. You’re doing your thing, girl.”
I snorted. “I’m trying.”
I worked long days, which kept me from stopping to think about how homesick I was.
Could you be homesick for a person?
Yes, apparently I can.
“Are you and Cutler still talking every day?” she asked as she sipped her wine.
“Yes. But we’ve always talked every day, so we’re in a weird place. I don’t know what we are.”
“Are you dating anyone?”
