Chapter 29
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Damien
Glitter, Grief, and Breakup Boxes: Inside New Manhattan’s Most Unhinged Wellness Trend.
That was the headline on Page Six, along with an interesting article.
Step aside, hot yoga and celery juice cleanses—Manhattan’s newest emotional detox involves breakup bingo cards, glitter bath bombs, self love notes, and different emotional well-being boxes galore—all for the freshly dumped.
Welcome to Curated Chaos, a heartbreak recovery shop that is equal parts therapy, thrift store, and a Taylor Swift music video. All of this was created by Willa Blackwood (yes, that Willa—the Vegas bride of billionaire Damien Blackwood). Patrons can shop boxes labeled Thanks For Nothing, Blocked & Bathing, and No Contact Club while sipping wine and taking selfies in the corner called the Self-Love Snap Spot. Curated Chaos is a healing hotspot for the romantically wrecked.
While the idea is far-fetched and unbelievable, I had to find out exactly what all the hype was about. One customer sobbed into a tissue with gold stars and called the experience life-changing. Another customer left with a box called You Are the Whole Damn Package and said for the first time since getting dumped, she felt a new sense of peace. Blackwood is calling her products ‘healing with humor.’
Final thoughts: It’s messy, emotional, and somehow works. I arrived at the shop ready to roll my eyes and left with a bath bomb labeled Blocked & Bathing . I dropped it into my bath water last night and enjoyed the fragrance and sense of well-being. If healing feels this good, then maybe chaos deserves a crown. Only time will tell.
I couldn’t believe that wretched bitch actually gave Willa’s shop a good review.
“Hey.” Charlie smiled, walking into my office. “Did you see the article in Page Six?”
“Just read it.” I held up my phone.
“I was worried when you told me she was in Willa’s shop yesterday.”
“So was I.”
“Did Willa see the article?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t had a chance to call her yet. I’m sure she would have called me.”
Suddenly, Willa appeared in my office doorway, doing a little dance.
“Sweetheart, what are you doing here?” I smiled, standing from my chair.
“Did you see the article?” she asked.
“I did.” I kissed her.
“I told you she was unhappy. Did you see the part where she used the bath bomb and felt a sense of well-being?”
“I did.” I smiled. “I’m so proud of you.” I hugged her tightly.
“Thank you, Damien. Okay, I’m off to the shop.” She grinned. “I have three interviews set up for sales associates.”
“Good luck.” I kissed her goodbye.
* * *
Two Months Later
We sat in the middle of the nursery, surrounded by more gifts than we could ever have imagined, thanks to the incredible baby shower that Lucy Vale and Charlie’s wife, Donna, threw for us. We already had the walls painted a light pink with bright white molding, and white furniture graced the room with a large pink swivel glider by the window and a matching ottoman.
“Aw, look at how sweet this is.” Willa grinned, holding up a newborn baby sleeper with tiny pink roses.
“It’s very cute.” I smiled.
“Look at all these headbands. I hope she’s bald. Were you bald as a baby?” Willa asked.
“Yes. I was.”
“Yay!” Willa clapped. “So was I. So that means Daisy will be bald and look adorable wearing these fabric headbands.”
“You don’t know that for sure, sweetheart.”
“What?” Her brows furrowed. “That our baby won’t look adorable in these?” She held the headbands up.
“No.” I chuckled. “That she’ll be bald. Just because we both were, it doesn’t mean our daughter will be.”
“Shut your mouth, Blackwood. She’s going to be bald.”
“Okay. I apologize.” I grinned, leaning over and kissing her.
“Guess who came into the shop today,” she said, as we folded all the sleepers.
“Who?”
“My ex-boss from the firm.”
“Did you kick him out?” I smirked.
“No. I hugged him and thanked him. He bought a breakup box for his son, who’s breaking up with his girlfriend after eight years together. He told his son not to tell her what it is and just leave it on the table after he breaks up with her.”
“That’s just wrong,” I said.
“Right? But hopefully it helps her. Gee, that will be a tough one after eight years.”
“Your box will help her.” I winked. “We’d better get ready. Matt and James will be here soon.” I extended my hand and helped her up.
“Oh shit,” she said.
“What’s wrong?”
“I think I just peed myself a little.”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
“It’s not funny, mister. Your daughter is on my bladder like nobody’s business. I don’t think I’m going to make it another month.”
“You’ll be okay, sweetheart. Let’s go get you changed.” I kissed the side of her head.