Chapter Thirty-Two #2
“Sophie!” Alicia scolded. Her dark hair shone under the fluorescent kitchen lighting as she hurried in my direction. Her bright smile and little black dress made her look like the very young woman I’d met on campus all those years ago. How lucky were we to know a lifelong friendship like this one?
She opened and closed her hand, arm extended in the universal gesture for gimme. “Come on. Let’s go. Stop fussing over those cookies. You don’t even work here anymore. It’s time to dance.”
I untied my apron and pulled it away from my deep-purple satin dress.
I’d turned in my resignation at Chez Margot shortly after my divorce for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it was time to chase my dream. To keep choosing happiness.
Virginia’s Secrets’ coverage of my LLC had led to the launch of a crowdsourcing effort by her followers.
I didn’t know about it until she returned to deliver the news.
Live. The video of my impassioned impromptu speech about women supporting women had gone viral while I was out of the country, and people from all around the world donated to help me reach my dream of opening a storefront.
Something I’d done in grand, show-offy style one week ago today.
I did it scared, knowing all the ways new businesses fail. I did it knowing if I failed, my friends would still be right beside me, and I’d still be proud of myself for taking the leap and reaching for joy.
Because I didn’t let fear or insecurity win, I’d baked my daughter’s wedding cake in my very own commercial kitchen.
The bustle of a half dozen tipsy women echoed down the restaurant’s hallway to our ears, and Alicia snickered. “They’re coming!”
My book club arrived a moment later, cheeks pink from too many glasses of Lucas’s free-flowing wine at the bar.
Lucas graciously offered Chez Margot to us for the rehearsal dinner venue. He’d used the opportunity to try out his new black-tie menu and atmosphere. And we’d packed the place with our nearest, dearest family members and friends.
Alicia’s sons shared the role of DJ.
When Robert was arrested, Camilla was horrified, thinking he’d purchased her gown with stolen money.
She was then thrilled to learn I’d sent the anonymous gift.
I didn’t tell her the money came from the boat, because she deserved to be happy, and not worried about the details.
In the end, the authorities would figure out the money situation, untether the amounts that were legitimate and not, and the details would be clear.
Until then, I chose to count my blessings and find peace where I could.
I could always take out a personal loan if I needed to return the dress funds.
I fussed with the trays of pastries for tomorrow’s wedding reception. They really were beautiful.
Ilona pushed her way through the group for a closer look at my work. “I thought those were ready when we brought them here from your store.”
“They were,” I said. “But there’s always room for another detail or two.”
“Not tonight,” Alicia said, looping her arm with mine. “But I’m glad I heard you say that. I’ll be prepared if you get any ideas about adding anything more to the cake.”
I nodded soberly. “Wise.” I’d already considered completely reworking the flower patterns and color scheme. My pinks were a little too red, and the green wasn’t pulling its weight the way I knew it could.
“Cameron and the boys will get it over to the reception, so you don’t have to think about anything other than making memories with your daughter.”
“Thank you,” I said. “And thank them again if I forget tonight.”
Somewhere beyond the kitchen walls, a round of cheers grew into a roar.
We were missing something good, and I didn’t want to miss another minute of anything in my life or Camilla’s.
I opened my arms and moved our little group toward the party, herding them back through the swinging doors in the direction of the fun. “Okay,” I said brightly. “Let’s go.”
Jeannie laughed and bounced against the others, a group picture of bliss.
Sylvia steadied her and smiled over one shoulder at me. “Your new life is so cute. I want it.”
“Everyone wants it,” Jeannie said.
“If it still comes with spending twenty-plus years married to Robert, I’ll pass,” Alicia said.
I laughed. “Touché.”
“Oh!” Jeannie snapped her fingers. “Someone should write a book about it! I’d read the shit out of that.”
The ladies nodded in agreement.
I grinned. It wasn’t often that justice was served so abundantly in life, or that happiness prevailed so thoroughly despite unfortunate circumstances. And I would never downplay my mind-boggling good fortune.
My friends often said the life I had today was a result of that first, brave step I took last spring, when I walked away from my longtime bully and husband.
I preferred to think the life I had today was a result of all the love I put into the world boldly shining back on me. I believed in good karma, because I’d seen it in action.
I hoped my mom could see me now, and that she knew Camilla had chosen a better path than either of us had at her age. Camilla chose her own path. Finding a handsome, helpful best friend to go along for the journey was a really nice bonus.
As if on cue, Lucas rounded the corner into the hallway, and my book club ladies dispersed in a cloud of goofy giggles.
“Get her on the dance floor,” Alicia called as she led the women away.
“On it,” he returned.
“They’re all drunk,” I told him. “Your work here is done.”
He opened his arms and smiled. “Your little girl’s getting married tomorrow.”
I stepped into his embrace with a deep, contented sigh.
Of all the things I never saw coming a year ago, Lucas topped the list. I probably would’ve guessed Robert’s arrest before thinking the handsome restaurateur would give me hope for a different future—romantically speaking.
Things changed for us in France, though I hadn’t realized how much until the dust on my divorce finally settled.
Lucas walked beside me on my journey from frightened, newly separated, part-time pastry chef to confident, joyful, full-time businesswoman.
From a woman who hated all men for the sins of one, and deplored marriage as an institution on principal, to one who deeply appreciated that anything was possible.
Mary’s words often came to mind, because whatever Lucas and I had, wasn’t it first built on friendship?
Lucas kissed the top of my head and rocked me gently in his arms. “Are you nervous for tomorrow?”
“Nope.” I rested my cheek against his broad chest and inhaled the fresh, crisp scent of him.
“I’m excited. Thank you again for letting us use the restaurant tonight.
” Holding the rehearsal dinner here made the day feel more personal and family oriented.
I’d also saved a fortune on renting a venue, and the food was unequivocally fantastic.
“Anything for you or that precious girl of yours. Plus, you know how I like to party.”
If party meant feed me and ply me with wine, then yes, he certainly did.
I laced my fingers with his, taking one more look into his soulful brown eyes before getting back to the event.
My thumb swiped across the backs of his fingers. The ring I always found there was gone. I worried instantly that he’d lost it. I liked knowing Lucas wore the band symbolically. An outward showing of his dedication and loyalty to Margot’s memory and the relationship he’d cherished.
I raised our joined hands for a closer look. “Your ring is missing,” I said.
“No,” he said, touching his thumb to the naked patch of skin.
“Not missing.” His lips curved into a small, careful smile.
“I spoke with Margot yesterday when I brought flowers to her grave. I told her I thought it was time I put her ring away, and she agreed. Long past time, maybe, but nonetheless.”
My heart ached for him as I imagined his visit with her, and for the incredible, unfair loss they’d experienced. “I’m sorry,” I whispered. “Are you okay?”
He chuckled and pulled me close. “Sophie,” he said, voice low and gravelly in my ear. “I’m better than I have been in years. I’m with my best friend on the eve of her daughter’s wedding, celebrating with her family and friends. And I think I’m falling in love.”
I pulled back to search his eyes, skin tingling and proverbial butterflies in flight.
Lucas released my hands, moving his warm palms to cup my jaw instead. “I admire you, Soph. I am oh, so proud of you all the time. And I am head over heels in love.”
Delighted, amazed, and speechless, I rose onto my tiptoes and kissed him.
Because I loved him too. This time, the experience wasn’t jangling nerves and skyrockets at midnight.
It was rainy Sundays in jogging pants and holding hands on long walks through the snow.
It was knowing Lucas saw me for exactly who I was, and he didn’t want to change me.
He, somehow, thought I was the coolest person he knew.
Make that make sense if love doesn’t exist.
Another round of cheers echoed through the building, and I couldn’t help thinking they were for Lucas and me.
He draped his arm across my shoulder and turned me toward the party. “How about a glass of wine?”
“Always trying to get me drunk,” I teased.
The dining room came into view as we approached the foyer.
Camilla and Jeff danced in a circle of family and friends.
Easels on the bar held an enlarged photo of Mom and Sébastien beside another of tomorrow’s bride and groom.
My parents’ photo carried a banner with the words In loving memory.
Mary had brought the gift with her from France to congratulate and meet her unofficial granddaughter.
She sat with Ilona, smiling and watching as everyone danced. I wished my mom was here to see this, and maybe she was. I would be forever thankful Mary and Ilona could be here too.
Seeing so much joy on the faces of everyone I loved, in the same place, at the same time, I couldn’t help wondering if I’d ever be happier than this. Considering I felt happy a lot lately, I supposed the answer was yes.