Chapter 58
Chapter Fifty-Eight
Eva
A few days later, Stori and Hannah came to visit me at Kain’s place. Kain went out to meet with Godfrey, Hudson, and Timber, who had stopped by yesterday to see how I was doing. The camaraderie between them was touching to see. They were like brothers, and I was glad they had each other back then.
“You didn’t have to bring any food.” I gestured to the fruit platter, a tray of vegetables and dip, a bowl of sweet potato fries, a bucket of chicken wings, a container of dumplings, and a box of cookies. “We’ve got plenty here.”
“We know.” Stori put down her plate of dumplings to fix a pretty floral clip in her black hair. “But we miss our girl and want to feed her. Besides, we wanted to see your new accessory.” She laughed and tapped my cast.
“Don’t make me kick you.”
She grinned. “I’d like to see you try.”
I shook my head, rolling my eyes.
“You’ll have leftovers for the rest of the week.” Hannah grabbed another chicken wing, waving it around. “Besides, after what you’ve been through, you need all the comfort you can get. And food does precisely that.” She flicked her curly brown hair back when a few strands fell close to her food.
I smiled at my friends, appreciating their presence more than they could ever know. Just sitting here chatting and laughing with them made the horrific ordeal seem like a dream.
“Do you mind if I add a scene about your experience to my book?” Stori asked.
“Go for it.” I bit into a sweet potato fry.
Hannah scooted closer to me, smirking. “So, how are you and Kain doing?”
Warmth bloomed in my chest.
“We’re in love.” I blushed, remembering his confession and how he’d helped me fall asleep that night.
“The entire world can tell. Even this dumpling could see how much he wants you.” Stori poked it with her fork. “Love oozes from the two of you.”
“Wait until you fall in love.” I laughed. “Love’s gonna ooze out of your eyes and ears.”
“Maybe. But I’ve learned to stay away from the good-looking types. The more handsome they are, the less you can trust them,” she scoffed, probably thinking about her cheating ex. “I’m content with the single life right now. How about you, Hannah?”
“It’s liberating to be single.” Hannah shrugged. “And you’re right, Stori. Handsome, wealthy men don’t stay faithful long. It’s like they have this cheating virus that lies dormant until something triggers it.”
Kain was handsome and wealthy, and I didn’t see any of those symptoms in him. I didn’t comment, knowing my friends were merely venting. I’d been there when things ended with me and Dennis.
“Right? Have you seen the Bernstein Files?” Stori huffed.
“They’re all rich, obnoxious creeps who think they can get away with anything.
The amount of corruption is beyond me. And why hasn’t anyone been arrested for hurting kids?
I mean, I see them arresting people for stealing food!
Makes no sense.” She stabbed her fork into another dumpling as though it were someone who had committed heinous crimes against children.
Gregory Bernstein ran a pedophile ring, among other things, for the rich and powerful. I was glad everything was coming to light. In doing so, the world I knew wasn’t as beautiful as it once was.
“It’s so corrupt,” Hannah fumed. “I don’t trust anyone, especially the so-called elites.”
The Bernstein Files were all over the news this week, which pushed out the incident at Ozarrow Lake. I supposed it was a good thing the limelight wasn’t on me or the other victims.
Wanting to lift the mood, I said, “I’m taking over Happy Flowers, and I need your help.”
“Really?” Stori beamed. “When?”
“I just have to sign two more documents, but I can start making changes when I return to work.” I reached for a folder with the printouts of my ideas.
“This is what I have so far. Let me know what you think.” Nerves stirred as I waited for their feedback.
This flower shop was a long-awaited dream—my baby.
It was personal for me, and I needed an objective perspective.
Was I missing anything? Were my designs fresh enough and yet still saleable?
“Wow!” Hannah exclaimed. “I love this leather tie idea for bouquets. The metallic embellishments too. They make me want to buy a guy a bouquet of ferns or eucalyptus. Any green would do.”
I beamed at her feedback because it was precisely what I had intended. I wanted a plant collection geared toward men and welcomed any additional income that resulted from that idea.
“That looks like my hair clip.” Stori pointed to an image on the printout.
“It is.” I beamed. “They’re adorable, and people would love them. Wanna make some for my shop? I’ll display them for you.”
My flower shop would have a display for gift items from local artists. Stori had other talents besides writing.
“Sure!” She beamed. “That’ll be fun. I’ve signed up for a crochet class. Want to join?”
“Thanks, but I’ve got no time.”
“You should sign up for a self-defense class,” Hannah said. “I need to shift my schedule around to make one of my classes. We must protect ourselves.”
“Yeah, I’ll look into it.” Stori clenched her fist, punching the air.
“Are you changing the name of the shop?” Hannah asked.
“Yes, but I’m not sure what to call it yet. I’ll let you know once I narrow it down.”
An hour later, the girls left, leaving me with all the food and joy in my heart. Their feedback removed any doubts I had about the direction of my shop. This adventure was a big change for me, requiring more responsibility and energy. But I wouldn’t change it for anything.
The house was quiet, allowing me to ruminate on my own for a moment. I still wondered what would’ve happened if my crazy plan hadn’t worked, or if Kain hadn’t shown up at the right time. I shivered at the frightening thought of what might have been.
I looked at my foot, which had healed faster than I’d expected. Feeling inspired and energetic, I removed the walking boot and took baby steps. Kain told me to take it easy, but I needed to move.
I limped over to the counter and grabbed the two ceramic bowls Kain had brought home the other day.
I took them back to the coffee table and admired the adorable bowls that represented me and him.
An idea popped into my head. Smiling, I grabbed my notebook and sketched out a new beginning for Kain and me.