Chapter 7
Chapter 7
Joselyn
T he Bean by that, I mean it wasn’t here nine years ago. When Emma called this morning and asked to meet for coffee, my curiosity was piqued. We hadn’t exactly bonded when we ran into each other at the beach.
I pull up to the curb right in front and spot her at a cozy little table in front of the window, furiously typing on her laptop with a large cup sitting beside her. Her coffee addiction started at a young age, and I assume it’s still going strong. I head directly to the counter, order an English Breakfast tea, and after perusing the glass case full of treats, I can’t pass up getting one of the enormous blueberry muffins on display.
As I set my purchases down on the bistro table, Emma looks up from her laptop, seemingly still distracted by whatever she’s working on. As she waves a hand for me to sit, I notice a rock the size of the Hope Diamond on her left ring finger. That wasn’t there the last time I saw her.
She closes her laptop and gives me a half smile. “Hey. Thanks for meeting me.”
I have no idea why I’m here. “Sure. What’s up?”
“I’m wondering if you’ve spoken with Brennen yet?”
Emma doesn’t wonder about anything. She’s asking for a reason. And there’s no reason at this point for me not to be honest with her. It’s the only way I’m going to be able to let go of all the baggage and move on from the past. With or without Brennen. “The short answer is yes. I did run into Brennen and tried to apologize. It didn’t go well. He doesn’t trust me. And I’m not sure he ever will.”
“Do you want him to trust you? What exactly do you want from him?”
Good question. What do I want? I take a sip of my tea, savoring the potent hot liquid before answering. “It’s complicated. I’ve been trying to figure out for a while now how to make peace with my past, and at the least, how to reunite with my father. He and I are taking it day by day right now. I assumed trying to reconnect with Brennen would be a lost cause. After all, it’s been nine years. I expected he would be married with a few kids by now.”
Kids with gorgeous dark hair and eyes. Kids that should have been a mixture of him and me.
As always, Emma doesn’t mince words. “Nothing worthwhile is ever easy. You did a number on Brennen. He’s put up walls that will be difficult to break down. But if your intentions are good, and you honestly want to reconnect, now would be a good time. There’s a lot going on with the winery and he could use someone in his corner. I’m already there, but I’m his sister and his attorney. He needs someone else. He needs you.”
Wait, Brennen’s not involved with anyone? I feel a flutter of hope. I want to be that person for him again. “But how am I going to convince Brennen he can trust me? How do I build back that trust?”
“The best friend I remember was not a quitter or one to back down from a challenge. And it likely won’t happen overnight. But I need to know. Are you in it for the long haul? Are you back here for good?”
I nod my head affirmatively. “I don’t plan on returning to Vegas, that’s for sure. There’s nothing for me there. I told my father I’m here to stay. If I can’t start over here, I’m not sure what I’ll do.”
“You can start over here. My brother needs you. The winery needs you. But I’m warning you again, if you hurt him, you’ll have me to deal with.”
“I promise you, Emma, I’ll do whatever it takes to win his trust. Even if there’s not a future for us as a couple, I’m here for you both as a friend, and I want to give back to the winery for everything it gave to me and my father.”
“Speaking of Carlos, you do know that Brennen brought him back to work there?”
“Yes. I’m aware. He seems to be happy about it, and if he’s happy, then I’m happy. What help does the Celtic Knot need from me?”
Emma looks down at her left hand. “As I recall, you were a pretty savvy events planner and marketing manager.”
“That’s what I did in Vegas.”
“Brennen could use that type of help right now. Offer your services, and I’ll make sure he accepts.”
I think I know exactly how I can approach him. “I didn’t see that ring on your finger the other day.”
Emma’s smile is electric and genuine. “No, you didn’t. I just got engaged. You’re very observant.”
“It’s my job to be observant about these things. I’m available if you need a wedding planner.”
“You know what? I think you just figured out your way back into the winery. You’ve got a client who’s interested in a wedding there.”
I hold out a hand for Emma to shake to seal the deal. She clasps it with her left one, causing the diamond to sparkle in the sun coming through the window.
“Jos, one more thing. Don’t reveal the client just yet. I haven’t told my big brothers that their baby sister is getting married, or to whom.”
The next morning, I wake to a text from Emma asking me to meet her at a local address. It’s also on Seabreeze Avenue, near the cafe we met at yesterday. The location is the Reilly building, one of the oldest structures in town. As I approach the store front, I see that it’s been beautifully restored, and it houses a bridal shop now. In keeping with the old Florida vibe, the display windows feature vintage-inspired wedding dresses and coastal décor. The sign above the door is embellished with the name of the shop: Coastal Couture.
A bell above the door tinkles daintily as I enter. I’m greeted by a gorgeous Black woman about my age. “Welcome. You must be Joselyn. Emma and Isabella are in the back lounge waiting for you.”
Isabella? I have no idea who that is. “Yes, I’m Joselyn. Joselyn Vargas.”
“I’m Desirae Russell, and this is my shop. Emma tells me you’re her wedding planner, and that you’re new in town.”
That’s how Emma described me? I’ll take it. I can’t help but smile at the pleasant demeanor of the shop owner. “Yes. I recently moved back here from Las Vegas.”
“Well, it’s great to meet you. I can’t tell you how many times a prospective bride asks me if I know of a wedding planner.”
She leads me into the back, where a comfortable lounge area exists for prospective brides to try on and show off dresses. It’s decorated with crystal accents and velvet covered furniture in soft pinks and grays, providing an air of elegance. Emma and a striking young woman who must be Isabella are sipping champagne and browsing through catalogs.
Emma calls out. “Jos, you’re just in time to help me select a dress. Meet Isabella. She’s a friend, and she’s Brennen’s assistant at the Celtic Knot.”
We exchange greetings, and Desirae gets things started.
“Now that everyone’s here, Emma, why don’t you tell us what you’re looking for?”
Emma blinks rapidly. It’s one of the few times I’ve seen her at a loss for words. She gives me one of those help me looks, so I improvise, based on what we talked about when we were kids, lying among the grapevines and sunflowers, dreaming of our own weddings.
“Emma’s taste is simplistic and rooted in Irish tradition. She’ll want something in ivory, with some traditional Irish lace, yet appropriate for a beach ceremony.”
I glance at Emma to gauge her reaction, and she’s beaming. I think I nailed it!
Desirae responds. “I recently completed some designs that I think will work. Be right back.”
With Desirae gone, I need to find out more about what Emma envisions for her wedding. “When were you thinking about getting married? Sometime next spring? How long do I have to plan?”
Emma and Isabella look at each other and laugh. “How long have you known me, Jos? I’m a woman of action. I’m ready to marry the man of my dreams tomorrow, so get to planning!”
“But seriously, Emma. Let’s take some time. Everything should be perfect for your special day. What about the groom and his family? Will they want to be involved?”
“Miles is a former Navy SEAL, just like Ryan. The Navy is his only family, so Ryan will be his best man. He just doesn’t know it yet.”
My mouth falls open in shock. “Ryan? As in your brother, Ryan, who left home when we were just kids? He was a Navy SEAL? And he’ll be here for the wedding?”
Emma grins. “Yes, that’s him. You’re not the only one who’s returning to the fold.”
I don’t know what to make of that revelation.
Desirae returns with two dresses draped over her arm. “Let’s start with these two. They’re both ivory, which will be lovely with your skin tone and hair color.”
The shop owner places each one over a dress form so we can see how they look. One is very simplistic with a bohemian style which would work well on the beach. The other one—it’s absolutely stunning. If I were the bride, the style would be my choice. It’s an A-line dress with a sweetheart neckline, showing just a bit of cleavage, with vintage Irish lace covering the straps and bust. The lace has a dainty floral pattern with tiny shamrocks scattered throughout. The dress flows from the waist in a light satin material with a modest slit for easy walking. The length is short enough that it would not touch the ground, or in this case, the sand.
I look over at Emma to get her take on the dresses, and I don’t have to ask which one she likes. Her eyes are set on the same one. She tilts her head toward it, and I turn to Desirae.
“Please help her try on this one.”
After they depart for the dressing room, I strike up a conversation with Isabella. “How long have you been working at the Celtic Knot?”
“About three years now.”
“I see.” We sit in silence for a few moments. I try not to think about how closely she works with Brennen. Does she know anything about our past? Instead, I try to mentally plan details of Emma’s wedding. Isabella interrupts my thoughts with a surprising statement.
“I recognize you. You used to work at the winery, right?”
I focus on a painting on the wall behind Isabella, struggling with what to say. How much do I tell her? And why would she care? But the words come tumbling out of their own accord, almost like I’m at confession and she’s the priest.
“Yes, I did. I lived there for most of my childhood. My father was the caretaker for many years. Carlos Vargas.”
“I just met Carlos recently. He’s a lovely man.” I can practically see the wheels turning in her head. “That explains why I recognize you. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen you in photographs.”
“Really?” What photos would she have seen? As if I voiced that question out loud, Isabella continues.
“A while back, I pitched the idea of an anniversary celebration for the winery to the marketing manager. She didn’t seem interested in pursuing it, and then she left abruptly soon after. I’ve been thinking of proposing the idea to Brennen directly, so I did some research. I was going through some old files and pictures, and found tons of photos of the Murphy family over the years. I recognized the younger versions of Brennen and Emma, and a guy I assume is their older brother. There was also another young girl in so many of them. One day, I was going through some old newspaper articles mentioning the family, and I found an engagement announcement with a name and a photo. Your name and your photo. You were engaged to Brennen.”
“Yes.” It’s the only response I can muster as tears form in my eyes.
“When I looked through the employment files, so I could compile names of former employees, your name was there, too.”
I nod in the affirmative. Isabella continues.
“You know, ever since I’ve been working for Brennen, there’s been a sadness about him, a loneliness. He’s polite, professional, compassionate, but he keeps a distance. I think he’s often misunderstood. He has a kind soul and some people take advantage of that or mistake it for weakness. I know from conversations with Emma that their brother Ryan left a long time ago, and their parents have passed away, but I’ve never heard Brennen mention anyone special in his life besides his sister. He has the look of a man who’s been hurt in the past. And he’s put up walls all around himself.”
Now the tears are flowing freely. So many years have passed for us that we’ll never get back. And it’s my fault. “You must think I’m a horrible person. Who runs out on their fiancé?”
She takes my hand. “Look. I don’t know you at all, but I’ve been around long enough to know that fault rarely lies with one person. I’m sure you had your reasons, and that doesn’t make you a bad person. I ended up in Pelican Point because I was running from some shit myself. And the reason I know Brennen is a good man is because I needed a job and a place to land. He took a chance on me, no questions asked. And I’ll always be grateful for that. Everyone deserves a second chance. So, take it, girl. If you still care for Brennen, and it sure as hell looks like you do, you have to try. Confront the past head on, own up to your mistakes, and move forward.”