19. IZZY
The soft chime of my phone disrupted the quiet morning as I groggily reached for it. Tanya’s cheerful voice echoed through the speaker, “Happy birthday, Izzy! Ready for tonight?”
I let out a half-hearted “thanks” and a mumbled affirmative. I turned around on my bed, and the flowers from Nick caught my eye. Oh, boy. A groan escaped me. The complications of the past few days crashed into my consciousness, disrupting the calm morning.
“Birthdays should be exciting, you know? What’s the plan for today?” Tanya pressed.
“Nothing. Just a lazy day,” I replied, hoping she’d drop the subject.
“A lazy day? Not on my watch. I’ve got plans for us! Dinner is just the beginning. Get ready for a fun night out with your best friend!” Tanya’s excitement radiated through the phone.
“O…kay…” I reluctantly agreed. I really wasn’t in the mood for anything except to sleep in and lounge around. The whirlwind of activities and emotions over the past weeks had caught up to me and was taking a toll now.
“I’m going to let you sleep now, but you have to be ready at lunch! Aren’t you even going to see your mom?”
“We’re seeing each other tomorrow,” I told Tanya. “So today is just for lazing around since I have no meetings or any work obligations.”
“Suit yourself, birthday girl. I have to go now, but I’ll see you later, that’s for sure!”
As I sank back into my pillows, contemplating the quiet day I had hoped for, my phone buzzed with a message. The screen lit up with Nick’s name, making my heart skip a beat.
Hope you’re having a relaxing morning. Got an unexpected opportunity for you—a potential business partner interested in your work. My driver will swing by to pick you up.
“Shit, what the hell. So much for my quiet day.” But I couldn’t help growing excited over this potential business partner.
As I showered and dressed, I also couldn’t help wondering if this meant that Nick would also be there. I hoped he would.
I kept checking the clock. Nick’s chauffeur arrived on time. When I slipped into the luxury car, I was half expecting and hoping Nick to be there. But he wasn’t. My face fell.
So much for a birthday wish. Haha.
“Well, I shouldn’t be wishing to see him, anyway,” I muttered to myself, feeling both silly and stupid as I looked out the window and watched the streets go by.
The ride was a bit longer than I expected. I wondered where we were heading. Finally, when we stopped, and I stepped out of the car, I was shocked. I found myself staring at the towering redwoods that surrounded me. The serenity of Muir Woods was a stark contrast to the hustle of the city. I couldn’t fathom why Nick would choose such a place for a business meeting.
Maybe it’s that potential business partner who had requested it, I thought.
As I made my way deeper into the woods, the towering trees above creating a canopy, my phone buzzed. It was Nick. Answering the call, I asked, “Hey, Nick, what’s happening? Is the meeting really here in Muir Woods?”
“Yes, thanks for making it on short notice.”
“Well, I’ve nowhere to go today, anyway.”
“Great. Head over to the Fern Creek area. I’ll meet you there. Mr. Andrews must be there already too.”
The call abruptly ended before I could respond. The only good thing I heard from him that boosted my energy was the fact that now I knew he was going to be there too.
Confused but curious, I followed the signs toward Fern Creek, my steps echoing in the quiet woods.
The towering redwoods, their trunks reaching towards the sky, created a natural cathedral that embraced me in an otherworldly calm. Streams of sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting a warm glow on the forest floor. I could smell the soothing scent of damp earth and ancient trees in the air, which relaxed me as I walked.
I marveled at the sheer majesty of Muir Woods, feeling dwarfed by nature’s grandeur. Each step on the soft, padded ground resonated with a sense of tranquility. The winding path led me through the heart of the grove, the towering trees creating a symphony of rustling leaves and creaking branches.
This is so calming and beautiful.I realized then that I hadn’t been to Muir Woods in many years, so this was an unexpected, lovely surprise on my birthday.
As I approached Fern Creek, the gurgling sounds of a gentle stream added a melodic undertone to the serene atmosphere.
My heartbeat quickened as I anticipated seeing Nick again. I sped up my pace, eager to meet up with the man who seemed to have captivated me.
As I approached Fern Creek within Muir Woods, the quiet ambiance was soon accompanied by the delicate strains of a live string quartet, their melodies wafting through the air. The sun-kissed forest path guided me toward a quaint bridge adorned with intricately woven garlands of wildflowers and twinkling fairy lights. The distant sight unfolded like a dream—tables adorned with eco-friendly centerpieces, softly glowing lanterns, and the unmistakable hum of anticipation.
“Hhmmm…is that a wedding?” I wondered aloud, knowing that this place was sometimes used for wedding ceremonies.
I marveled at the meticulous arrangement of botanical elements and rustic décor, feeling a sense of wonder and gratitude for the unexpected spectacle that awaited me.
But as I came nearer, I caught sight of familiar faces. My heart seemed to stop when I saw Tanya and…Wait, is that my mother?! What the—?
I froze in my tracks right before where a few tables were arranged. The place was filled with people I knew—close friends from college, some family members, former colleagues, people from my EcoChic Couture team, and staff.
Then there was Nick in the center, moving forward with a lovely cake in his hands. A single candle glowed, causing a few shadows to dance on his face even in broad daylight.
“Surprise! Happy birthday!” they all suddenly screamed at the same time.
What the hell!