2. Naomi
Chapter two
Naomi
T he rich scent of coffee wafts over me as I push through the door into The Reading Grounds.
I hold the door for Violet and Piper, who are chatting behind me.
My mouth waters as I glance at the menu.
I should go for a green tea because I'm desperately in need of antioxidants, but the special today is "A Mountain Man in Gray Sweatpants," so I might indulge in a chocolate and caramel frappe with whipped cream instead.
Jameson's visit this morning has me all hot and bothered with no outlet in sight, so I may as well drown myself in delicious calories.
"Ladies!"
All three of us turn to find Betty, the town's pseudo-grandmother, waving us over to sit with her. Piper smiles and walks toward Betty's table.
"It's so exciting to have you in the same town," Violet says, putting her arm around me and giving me a little side squeeze as we follow Piper.
"It's been a long time," I agree.
Violet was my roommate when she fell in love with her mountain man, Brooks. I stayed in the city for a few more years, navigating more than one relationship that fizzled out in a matter of weeks.
When Violet told me she had an opportunity that she thought I'd be perfect for, I decided to join her in this magical world she's built for herself.
Violet and her husband, Brooks, are opening a reception hall in Duhring Park.
Brooks is an artist and has gathered quite a following among art collectors in the area, which, as far as I can tell, includes people who have a lot of money.
Brooks is also the owner of his family's flower shop, Petals and Blooms, but he doesn't have much to do with running it. The manager, Melody, is a genius with flowers. Violet sent me pictures of some of her arrangements, and they’re breathtaking.
Petals and Blooms has brides from all over the country vying for Melody's pieces, but the transportation alone makes it almost impossible to fulfill for one person.
Violet decided to offer wedding coordinator services, which helped with getting flowers to nearby towns like Festival Valley, but she realized there was a need for a wedding hall in Duhring Park.
One day, she found this huge old house, more of a mansion really, and started dreaming.
Violet is good at what she does, and with the extra boost it would mean for the flower business, Brooks talked her into giving it a shot.
They bought it and immediately started an expansion to make it an incredible reception space that still manages to be quaint and special.
It has an outdoor and indoor ceremony option, as well as a bridal suite annex, which is where I'm living right now.
During one of our phone calls, Violet could hear my malaise and offered me a job.
I have pretty much every certification you can imagine, from yoga instructor to massage therapist to aesthetician services, so I'm going to be in charge of coordinating bridal experiences.
We've worked out a deal that I'll get a commission on all the add-on services.
I'm excited about my job for the first time in a long time, and I can't wait to provide that wow experience for wedding parties. I think we're going to do something amazing.
Violet kisses Betty’s cheek as we reach the booth. I wave hello and sit across from her at the table.
Betty gazes at me kindly. "So, Naomi. Violet tells me you've been staying at the studio space while the boys finish up the building. I imagine that's quite loud."
I smile and shrug. "I'm an early riser. It hasn't bothered me." And the frequent pop-ins from Jameson certainly sweeten the deal.
Betty eyes me shrewdly, as if I said that last part out loud.
I like Betty. She is the unofficial mayor of Duhring Park.
No children of her own, but she's taken on the entire town as her family.
And Betty also happens to know everything that's going on with everyone, so unless I want to scare Jameson away forever, I decide to keep my enormous infatuation with my gruff and sexy construction worker a secret.
"And you're going to be in charge of bridal experiences. Is this correct?" Betty takes a sip of her coffee.
I nod enthusiastically.
"Naomi has so much experience in service and hospitality. The brides are going to love her," Violet gushes.
I'm flattered by my friend's enthusiasm. I spent my twenties bouncing from job to job. Now, I realize I was gathering the skills I needed for this moment in time.
Betty smiles at me and nods. "Make sure you sync up with Aubrey. She and Max are getting married at Violet and Brooke's place this fall."
"Oh, yes. We talked at the pedicure night. We're still working on the menu of experiences, but she seemed open to being a guinea pig."
"What kinds of things are you offering?" Piper asks.
I lean forward, excited to talk about the different options I'm looking into.
"Violet and I are still pinning down the details.
We're starting with the basics like yoga, massage, and spa treatments for the morning, and coordinating all that with makeup and hair for the bridal party.
We're offering special matching pajamas and robes, and a brunch station with a coffee bar. "
Piper's eyes light up. "I'm in Aubrey's wedding party this fall. I love all of this."
"When will you offer the bridal services?" Betty asks.
"I have my first appointment tomorrow with a couple getting married in July." I look at Violet. "We'll have to come up with a few suggestions for the grooms too."
"Yes, I have a list. They always want to do something active in the morning, like golf, and axe throwing was popular for a while. One groom had me hire a video game truck, and the guys played for hours before getting ready. Their prep isn’t as intense, so I'll coordinate that part.
I'm so sorry I can't be there tomorrow." Violet shakes her head.
"Daisy has a birthday party, and Brooks has to finish a piece by the weekend. "
"No worries." I wave her off.
"Is this couple going to be easy?" Piper asks.
Violet wiggles her hand back and forth with uncertainty.
"We'll see. They're both from Festival Valley, which means they’ll be open to spending money.
They said everything out there has been done before, and they want something new and fresh, something their guests have never seen before.
" Violet bites her lip and looks at me. "I think they're driving Melody crazy with flowers already. "
"The bride wants to be special. I'll make sure she's wowed by the options," I assure Violet.
Violet grimaces. "Honestly, I'm a little concerned. She's been sending me videos of that scene from Crazy Rich Asians where the bride walks down in a stream of water that slowly fills the aisle. I'm worried the guests will need umbrellas."
"Well, you have insurance, don't you, dear?" Betty asks.
Violet snorts out a laugh, then quickly covers her mouth. My heart soars. I'm thrilled to see my friend so happy.
When we were roommates, Violet was as shy as could be. Not around her friends, but around anybody else, especially men. She almost lost out on her chance with Brooks because of it. They met on a dating website and talked for a long time, but she had no intention of meeting him until I meddled.
When she found out what I'd done, I thought she'd never forgive me, but I have a good sense for people. I read some of Brooks’ messages, and I knew they were destined. He’s a good egg.
It's the same feeling I get from Jameson. Just the thought of the way his muscles felt under my hands today has me clenching my thighs together. The dull throb between my legs hasn't stopped since our interaction this morning.
Shaking my head, I refocus on the conversation, only to find the ladies looking at me expectantly. "Sorry. Were you talking to me?"
"How long are you staying in the studio space?" Betty repeats.
Her question prompts more images of the dreamy man who preoccupies all my thoughts. "Jameson stopped by this morning, and it sounds like they're almost done." I glance at Violet. "Piper and Violet helped me look at a few apartments this afternoon."
"Did you find anything?” Betty asks. “I've lived here a long time. I can help if you need it."
"Thanks, Betty.” I smile gratefully. “They were all at the top of my budget, maybe pushing over if I’m being honest. I have my dog, Fred, so I have limited options for places that will allow him."
"Is he friendly?" Betty asks, her wheels already turning.
I smile. "He's so lovable, but he doesn't like men, so I'm going to have to be pretty picky about our neighbors."
Piper cocks her head to the side. "Really? Emmett said he's become Jameson's best friend."
"Yeah, he’s fallen in love with that man." I grin, thinking of the way he scratched Fred's ears this morning, then look up to see all three ladies staring at me again. "What?"
Piper and Violet shake their heads.
Betty leans forward. "Anybody else falling in love with Jameson, dear?"
My cheeks heat, and I let out a manic laugh as I reach for a coffee cup that doesn’t exist. "I don't know what you're talking about. Are we ordering? What does everyone want? I'll go get it."
Piper presses her lips together to suppress a grin, and Violet's eyes widen.
I sigh heavily. "It's nothing."
"Oh, my god. It's not nothing," Violet whispers. "Are you into Jameson, Naomi?"
"I invaded his space, and now we see each other all the time. That's all." Jameson seems like a guy who values his privacy. If word got out that I was talking about him—with Betty, no less—he might never speak to me again.
"Emmett thinks Jameson is head over heels for you," Piper declares.
Violet swivels her head toward her with excitement.
Betty nods thoughtfully.
"Stop." I hold up my hand, my heart beating out of my chest. "I don't want to talk about it." I hold Betty’s gaze. "Please don't say anything."
"Of course not, dear. Who am I to meddle?" Betty claps her hands.
Piper and Violet exchange grins.
"I have gifts for all three of you." Betty digs in her bag and pulls out three bundles of fabric.
"Since you're both connected to the construction crew"—she nods at Piper and Violet, tossing a bundle to each of them—"and you, my dear, are living in the belly of the beast.” She tosses the remaining bundle my way.
“I picked the ones I thought were most appropriate. "
I narrow my eyes at her, grateful she’s changed the subject, but it feels too easy.
It’s wild how much Betty's energy reminds me of my mom.
I've never felt more at home in a place in my life.
The city was great in my twenties, but once all my friends moved on or got married, I became lonely—which says a lot when you're surrounded by millions of people.
This move is important for the rest of my life. I can feel it in my bones.
Piper and Violet burst into a fit of giggles as they unroll their shirts.
" My Caulking Game Is Well Above Average ," Piper reads aloud, then dissolves into more giggles. "It has a picture of Emmett on it."
Violet wipes her eyes. "Mine says, DP Construction Erected My Dream ."
I stare at them, then glance at Betty, trying to figure out what's going on.
Betty takes a sip of her coffee, her eyes wide like it's all news to her.
"Oh, my god. Naomi, what does yours say?" Violet asks as I open it.
" I Lay Pipe Until We Both Come Away Happy ," I read.
Violet gasps for air because she's laughing so hard, and Betty grins like the Cheshire Cat.
"Betty has been trolling the DP Construction crew all year," Piper finally explains between giggles. "Most of the guys think it's funny, but you might want to hide that one from Jameson."
"I can't help it if the name he chose for his business has a sexual connotation and they all look like they do," Betty says primly. "He gave me a softball, so I'm going to hit it out of the park."
I grin, suddenly realizing that she means DP could stand for double penetration instead of Duhring Park.
Opening the shirt, I reread it and grin.
Let's hope Betty is right because I'm desperate for Jameson's pipe. Behind all the grunts and grumbles, he looks like a man who aims to please, and boy, do I want to make him lose control with me.
I squeeze my thighs tightly and take a deep breath. "I'm going for the special. What does everyone else want to drink?"