Chapter 25
ALEXA
The outdoor terrace of the Greenhouse Café feels like dining inside a fairy tale.
Our small bistro table sits among an artful arrangement of potted plants—trailing ivy spilling from hanging baskets overhead, clusters of snake plants standing sentinel in large ceramic pots, and delicate ferns creating natural privacy screens between tables.
Mason jars filled with wildflowers serve as centerpieces, and string lights wound through the surrounding greenery give the whole space a magical quality, even in daylight.
From our table, I can see Ash crouched by the small pond about thirty feet away, completely absorbed in watching a family of ducks paddle contentedly through the water. He’s close enough that I can keep an eye on him but far enough that our conversation won’t reach his ears.
“This place is incredible,” I tell Esme as she settles across from me with her own coffee, an elaborate creation topped with foam art that looks too pretty to drink. “I can’t believe I’ve never been here before.”
“It’s my new favorite Sunday spot. Perfect for deep conversations.” Esme gives me a knowing look. “Speaking of which, you mentioned you had news when you texted?”
I take a deep breath, the words I’ve been practicing all morning suddenly feeling heavier. “I’m selling the house.”
Esme’s cup freezes halfway to her lips. “What? When did you decide this?”
“I’ve been thinking about it since last week, but I made the final decision last night.
” I watch Ash through the space between two large planters as he crouches by the pond’s edge, completely absorbed in watching the ducks.
“It’s too big for just the two of us, and honestly, I think we need a fresh start. ”
“This is about Jordan, isn’t it?” Her voice is gentle but direct.
Of course she sees right through me. “Partly. But it’s also practical. The maintenance costs, the property taxes… If I move somewhere smaller, maybe a townhouse across town, I could reduce our monthly expenses significantly.”
“And get away from daily reminders of your complicated neighbor situation.”
“That too.” I fidget with my coffee sleeve. “I also have my second interview Tuesday. With Hauser it’s about the people you love and who love you back.”
“Wise woman.”
“The wisest.” I watch Ash stand up and wave at us, his face bright with pure Sunday morning joy. Right now, the people who love me back are sitting at this table and feeding ducks outside a plant nursery. Not hiding behind work schedules because they’re too scared to take a chance.
Ash comes bounding up to us, his cheeks flushed from the cool air. “Mom, did you see the baby ducks? They’re so tiny, and they follow their mom everywhere!”
“I did see them. Pretty amazing, right?” I ruffle his hair as he settles beside me. “Did you have fun?”
“The best. Can we come back here sometime? Maybe bring Jordan and Henry?” The question is so innocent, so hopeful, that it makes my chest ache.
“We’ll definitely come back,” I say carefully. “This can be our special Sunday spot.”
“Just us?”
There’s something in his tone that suggests he’s picking up on the shift in my answer. Kids are perceptive that way.
“Just us,” I confirm gently. “Is that okay?”
Ash considers this for a moment, then nods. “Yeah. It’s nice having mom-and-son time.”
“It really is.”
Esme catches my eye and smiles, understanding passing between us. This is what matters. This connection with my son, this ability to make decisions that prioritize our well-being, even though it’ll hurt short term.
“Should we walk around the nursery?” Esme suggests. “I want to find some plants for my apartment, and maybe Ash would like to pick out something for your new place.”
“New place?” Ash looks between us, curious but not alarmed.
Esme makes an “oops” face, but I give her a look that tells her it’s okay.
“I’m thinking about finding us a new house,” I explain to Ash. “Something smaller, maybe a townhouse with a pool. How does that sound?”
“Cool! Can I have my own room still?”
“Absolutely. Your own room is non-negotiable.”
“Then I’m in.” He grins and stands up. “Can we look at the weird plants? I saw some that look like they’re from outer space.”
As we wander through the nursery, Ash chattering about exotic plants while Esme and I browse the more practical options, I feel something I haven’t felt in weeks: peace. Not the resigned acceptance I’ve been carrying, but actual peace with my decision.
Tuesday’s interview will go however it goes. The house will sell when it sells. But regardless of those outcomes, I’m taking control of my life again.
For the first time since that night Jordan and I almost kissed, I feel like myself again. Not Jordan’s employee or the woman pining for something she can’t have, but Alexa. The person I was before Jordan and I even met.
Someone who’s brave enough to walk away when staying would slowly break her heart.
“Mom, look at this one!” Ash calls from beside a display of succulents. “It looks like a tiny tree!”
“That’s a jade plant,” I tell him, moving to examine the small, sturdy plant with its thick, glossy leaves. “They’re supposed to bring good luck.”
“Should we get it? For the new house?”
I look at the little plant, so perfectly self-contained and resilient, and smile. “I think that’s exactly what we need.”
As we head to the checkout counter with our jade plant and Esme’s collection of ferns, I feel not happy, but okay. For now, it’s enough.
And soon, very soon, I’ll hand in my notice and finally start building the life Ash and I deserve—one that doesn’t depend on someone else’s capacity for love or commitment.
One that’s entirely, beautifully our own.