Leave it to Fate (Fate Series - Book #1)

Chapter Twelve - Hopeful Interaction

I went to work the next day with a ball of anxiety in my stomach. I came in through the entrance sheepishly, but was greeted by Keri and Leslie normally, with the added question of if I was feeling better. I resisted being honest and saying no, and stuck to, "Yes, thank you. I hope yesterday wasn't too much trouble for you."

Leslie waved me off, "No, of course not. This was the first time you've ever even called out. I'm glad you took time to rest. Come check out your schedule for today."

I was thankful for her kindness that I didn't deserve, and to find that I would be busy until the end of the day.

Keri watched me through out the day, and at lunch she quietly asked me, "Hey, are you feeling okay? You're not looking too good."

What she thought she was seeing was my lingering illness, but in reality it was my broken heart.

I thanked her, and told her I would be fine, "I think I just need more water."

Dehydration was my favorite reason for ailment.

She eyed me suspiciously. We had grown close during my time here, and I knew I would tell her everything eventually. Just not now, while it was fresh.

Lorelei had invited herself over that night. She showed up at my door with my favorite bottle of rose and Cherry Garcia ice cream.

"A perfect combo," I said, taking the ice cream and putting it into the freezer.

She popped open the bottle, and I presented two stemless wine glasses.

She poured in silence until her thoughts came tumbling out, "Luna, are you sure you can just let him go?" She hesitated about her next words, but seemed determined they needed to be said, "I like him for you. He pulled you out of your shell."

Taking a long sip from my glass, I contemplated my answer. Letting him go didn't seem to be just my choice. There was no word from him, text, phone call, or otherwise. I struggled with the misery of not hearing from him and trying to convince myself that it was for the best.

"I like him, too." I said finally, "But Lorelei, you can't imagine the chaos that happened in one night."

She shrugged. "I don't know. It sounds fun to me. Like how we used to be," she offered, taking a sip of her own glass.

"Maybe in our early twenties, but now? It's just too reckless." I shook my head. "Plus, we were never arrested," I added.

"But we could have been," she countered.

I shook my head, wanting to argue but she cut me off, "But I hear what you're saying."

She reached into my cabinet to retrieve bowls for the ice cream, and we sat on my couch to watch tv.

"This is for the best," I said out loud. I wasn't sure if I was saying it to her or myself at this point.

She nodded but I could tell she wasn't convinced. But I was. About 90%, I was.

❧

With a refreshed focus on my own life, I threw myself into my work. Moving into the warmer months began the bridal season, and I was working hard to book as many weddings as possible. For income and for the sanity of keeping busy. My first one of the season was with a woman I had met through a mutual friend.

"Hi Luna!" My bride called as I arrived at her room with a makeup train case, and the director's chair slung over my back.

It was the day of her wedding, and I had driven up to Maine to meet her at a luxury hotel called Cliff House. Named after the cliff it was built on, the higher priced rooms had gorgeous views off of it to the ocean. The waves were soothing.