Chapter 47 I Have an Idea #2
There’s not a lot more on his end that needs to be done now.
He’s going to have the aircons installed, the chandelier I want in the center of the room put up, some shelves and the plumbing for the basins.
I sit on my phone and email the colour company I want to work with after looking at their deals, finding a salon package I was happy with.
Then I start ordering the furniture and the decorations I want for the space.
I’m going for coastal vibes. Lots of neutral tones.
It’s all happening so fast, but once we came up with the idea there was no stopping us.
By the time we finish up, it’s late afternoon.
I’m staring out through the front windows. Still in disbelief this is what I get to see every day at work.
The sun casts a soft golden glow over the water. A kaleidoscope of butterflies drifts pasts, their purple wings flashing like stained glass in the light.
My heart stutters.
My mum loved butterflies.
It was one of our favourite things to draw together. She even had a small tattoo of a lilac butterfly on her ankle. I used to trace my fingers over it when I was little. I have one the same as hers now.
I press a hand over my mouth. I don’t know if I believe in signs… but this feels like one.
A message from her. A quiet nudge telling me I’m on the right path.
I close my eyes and take a long breath, letting myself sink into the memory of her.
Just for a moment, it’s me and her again.
After a couple of minutes, I feel Lucas come up behind me, his arms slipping around my waist, a soft kiss landing on my neck. I lean my head back onto his chest.
“I feel like pasta. Want to go to Onzo’s?” he murmurs into my neck, referring to the little Italian place a few shops down.
I open my eyes and smile up at him, nodding.
“Heck yes. I’d kill for one of their carbonaras right now.”
I grab my bag and glance once more at the counter—the one we just…
We walk down, holding hands like a normal couple.
But I realise we’ve never actually talked about whether we are a couple.
It feels like we are. Should we have that conversation?
It shouldn’t matter, but for some reason, the label makes me nervous.
I don’t know why, I don’t want anyone else but him.
I remind myself to stop worrying about what other people might think and focus on what feels right.
Lucas looks over at me, like he can sense the storm in my mind.
He smiles and squeezes my hand tighter. And somehow, that’s all the answer I need.
We sit down in a little booth at the front of the restaurant. Our conversation drifts between our plans for the salon, his business and our families.
About halfway through dinner, a group of women walk in and sit a few tables behind Lucas. One of them keeps staring at us. I shake it off—I’ll have to get used to the attention. It’s no secret that women stare at Lucas whenever we’re out.
Once we finish eating, I go to stand up.
“I’m heading to the ladies’. Can you pick a dessert? It all looks amazing.”
“Of course,” he says, eyes dropping to the menu as I walk away.
After using the toilet, I’m washing my hands in front of the mirror when the tall woman with reddish-brown hair—the one who had been staring earlier—walks in. She heads straight toward me. I glance around, unsure why she’s looking at me like she knows me.
“You’re with Lucas?” She asks with her head tilted.
“Um, yes. Why?” What does she want?
She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “I figured. Saw the two of you all over each other out there.”
I raise an eyebrow. “And?”
“I’m Claudette,” she says, brushing her hair behind her ear. “His ex.”
Oh. This bitch.
“You must be really something,” she adds, gaze flicking over me. “He never usually goes for your type.”
I blink. “My type?”
She shrugs, innocent. “Just… different than what he used to want.” Holding her hand to her chest, she means her. “But hey, maybe that’s what he needs right now. A change.”
“Good to know,” I say, voice flat.
“I mean, Lucas is—was—an amazing man. So loyal. So giving. I’m not surprised you’re clinging to that.”
“Clinging?” I repeat, tension winding through me. “Do you want him back or something?” I ask bluntly. Trying to hold back the green eyed monster in me.
“Don’t get defensive. And no, I mean… if he wanted to try again, I’d say yes. But he never will. I’m just saying—hold onto him. He’s the kind of guy who gives everything, and when it’s gone, it’s gone.” She smiles, then adds, “Trust me.”
I stare at her. “Thanks for the advice. But we’re doing just fine.”
She leans back slightly, crossing her arms over her chest. “Very well then.”
I exhale slowly, rage simmering just beneath the surface.
“If you’ll excuse me,” I say, walking past her. Leaving the smell of perfume and her passive aggression behind me.
Back at the table, Lucas looks up and smiles, but his gaze shifts over my shoulder. I glance back to see Claudette walking behind me. He stands slowly, confused.
“What’s going on?”
“I just met Claudette.”
His smile falters into something awkward. Claudette gives him a sad smile and heads back to her table.
We sit down just as dessert arrives.
“Did she follow you, or was that a coincidence?” he’s frowning slightly.
“I think she followed me,” I reply honestly.
“What did she say?”
“I think she wants you back, for starters.”
He huffs. “I would never—”
“I know,” I interrupt. “She knows that too. She pretty much just told me how great you are, which I already know. That was it.”
“Huh. Weird. Unexpected. Did she make you uncomfortable?” he reaches across the table to take my hand.
“Nothing I couldn’t handle. I think she’s harmless. Anyway, let’s forget it. I’m dying to try this sticky date pudding. Great choice.”
I scoop up a bite with my spoon. Lucas chuckles and does the same.
This man is mine now and I will not take him for granted.