Lib Novel Page 81
“But this isn’t a romance novel,” I say. “It’s my life, and his, and my cousin’s. Now I’ve done something unforgivable to her, but still kicked her out of my house just for redecorating.”
“She shouldn’t have touched your things,” Maren says.
“And I shouldn’t have touched hers.”
She tilts her head, agreeing … but not.
“When I saw everything Jordy had done, I lost it. But honestly, the place isn’t that bad. I mean, I would have liked to have had a say in this, and maybe picked some more comfortable furniture. But it was time to let go of the past. It’s just that when I saw the house, it’s like all my guilt, plus how badly it hurt to see Brayden just re-enter his old life like none of it mattered… I had to put my anger in something. So I kicked her out and told both of them they couldn’t come back. I quit the ranch too.”
Maren places her hand on mine. “Oh sweetie,” she says, and her sympathy spills tears onto my cheek. Damn it, I was trying so hard not to cry.
“So, what will you do now?” Claire asks.
“I’m doing it,” I say, wiping my tears and then sweeping my hand over the place. “I’m existing until I wither away and die.”
“You could work for me,” Maren says. “Between recording and lessons, I hardly have time for the administrative stuff. You could help me keep track of my calendar and bookkeeping.”
“Obviously my organizational skills have impressed you,” I laugh, wiping away my tears. But really, I can’t bear the thought of my friends playing charity. Besides, I don’t need the money, I just need something to do besides look at these four walls.
“Point taken,” Maren says. “Well, have you considered Insomniacs? I heard the owner canned Susan after she ran that place into the ground, and hired a new manager who’s now running a respectable coffee shop, free of garage bands.”
“Tempting. But I don’t know. I think that chapter has passed, especially since you don’t work there anymore.”
“I haven’t been back since I quit,” Maren confessed.
“Same,” I say. “That place could catch fire and I’d fan the flames.”
“Face it,” Claire says. “They lost their soul when they gave you your last paychecks.” Then she looks at me. “Have you thought about investing in a business?”
I tilt my head for a moment. I usually dismiss Claire as some ditzy blonde, but time and time again she proves me wrong. I’d never tell her as much, but the girl has brains, and right now, her idea is interesting.
“I know you inherited a lot of money a while back,” she continues, then wrinkles her nose in apology. “Ethan told me. But it’s also kind of obvious, with this big house on a coffee shop paycheck.”
“Yeah, so? I don’t use that money if I can help it.”
“But what if you could make that money work for you? Like, invest in a business or some other financial opportunity that lines up with your interests. What are some things you like to do or that you’re good at?”
“Fashion,” Maren says without hesitation.
“Wait, what?” I look down at my clothes now—purple sweats with a lime green crewneck sweatshirt, and some hot pink socks decorated with scenes of goat yoga. “Excuse me while I laugh, because this is the first outfit I changed into in a week, and this is what I chose.”
“A bold, colorful statement,” Maren says. “Point is, you have a unique style that makes people happy. What if you were to start a clothing boutique that specialized in colorful clothes that inspire joy?”
“You mean, I’d be the Marie Kondo of the fashion industry, sparking joy everywhere.”
“Well, kind of,” Maren says.
“It’s brilliant!” Claire exclaims. “We can work on consignment for now, pulling pieces from small designers who are looking to make a name for themselves. I see them all the time on Etsy, and I’m sure they’d be thrilled to have a storefront.” She turns to Maren. “Can you talk to Mac, see if he knows any businesses for sale?”
“Wait, hold up. I haven’t even said yes.”
Both Maren and Claire turn to me. “Well?” Maren asks.
I breathe out a sigh, my heart racing as I consider the possibilities. Honestly, with Claire’s business sense, Maren’s boldness, and my crazy fashion style, this could actually become something.
But do I dare? I’ve only ever known what it’s like to work for someone. I’ve never been the kind of person who tries new things or even leaves the comfort zone. Risk is foreign to me.
I look around the house, at the rooms that no longer feel like Nanna Dot—that still have a sense of home, but maybe not mine. Then I look at my friends. I have an opportunity most people don’t have, and maybe I’m ready for a change.