Page 19 of Lavender and Honey

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks, grateful Avery couldn't see me. "They were meeting with the owner of an art supply store in town. I got pulled into their conversation and... they invited me to lunch."

"And you went?" Avery's tone was a mix of shock and pride. "Lydia, that's huge! How was it?"

"It was... nice, actually," I admitted, surprising myself with the warmth in my voice. "We talked about art and business. They were so kind and understanding, Avery. It felt... different from what I'm used to."

"Different how?" Avery pressed gently.

I paused, trying to find the right words. "They didn't push or pry when I mentioned leaving my family's pack. And they offered to help if I ever want to expand the store or do workshops." My voice softened as I added, "It felt like they genuinely cared."

I could practically hear Avery's smile through the phone. "That's wonderful, Lydia. I'm so proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone like that. Are you considering it?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I don't know. The idea is appealing, but..." I trailed off, struggling with the right words.

"But it's scary?" Avery finished gently. "Opening yourself up like that, letting more people into your space?"

I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. "Yeah," I admitted softly. "It's just been me for so long. The thought of having more people around, of being more… visible… it's overwhelming."

"I get that," Avery said, her voice warm with understanding. "But Lydia, maybe this is a sign that it's time to start letting people in a little. You can't hide forever."

I felt a pang in my chest at her words. "I'm not hiding," I protested weakly, knowing even as I said it that it wasn't entirely true.

"Aren't you?" Avery challenged gently. "You've made such progress this past year, but you still keep everyone at arm's length. Except for me.” She wasn’t wrong. I did that to not be hurt. To have to choose family over what I wanted in life hurt me deeply. If my own family couldn’t accept me…why would others?

I sighed, knowing Avery was right. "I know," I admitted softly, voicing the fear that had been lurking in the back of my mind. "What if I let people in and they... they try to control me like my family did? Or what if they reject me once they really get to know me?"

"I know, sweetie," Avery's voice was gentle, filled with understanding. "But Elias and Finn don't seem like that type, do they? From what you've told me, they seem to respect you and your choices."

I thought back to the lunch, to the way Elias and Finn had listened without judgment when I mentioned leaving my pack. To their genuine interest in my store and my art. "No, they don't," I agreed. "They were... kind. Understanding."

"Start small," Avery suggested. "Maybe consider their offer to showcase some of their work in your store. It doesn't have to be a huge change all at once."

I nodded, feeling a mix of anxiety and excitement at the idea. "That could work," I said softly. "Just a small display near the register, like Elias suggested."

"Exactly," Avery said encouragingly. "And who knows? It might bring in some new customers, maybe even inspire some of your regulars to try new things."

I felt a small smile tugging at my lips. "That's true. And I have to admit, their work is beautiful. The way Finn's woodcarving complements Elias's preserves... it's really something special."

"See? You're already getting excited about it," Avery teased gently. "Just take it one step at a time…and who knows? It might open up some new opportunities for you."

I felt a flutter of nervousness in my stomach, but also a glimmer of hope. "I'll think about it," I promised. "Maybe I'll talk to them at the farmer's market this weekend."

"Good," Avery said warmly. "I'm proud of you, Lydia. You're taking steps forward, even if they're small ones."

As we continued to talk, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling up inside me. The idea of expanding my store, of letting more people in, was both thrilling and terrifying. But Avery was right— I couldn't hide forever. And maybe, just maybe, it was time to start taking small steps towards a fuller life.

Chapter Twelve

Istood in front of my closet, deliberating over what to wear, I felt a flutter of nervous anticipation in my stomach. Today felt different somehow, charged with possibility. Today was Saturday, meaning the farmers market. It had been five days since I had lunch with Elias and Finn…and I was a bit nervous for today.

I finally settled on a soft, oversized sweater in a deep purple hue— a color I rarely wore but had always loved. The fabric was comforting against my skin, and I found myself running my fingers over the sleeves, drawing strength from its softness. I paired it with my favorite jeans and a pair of well worn boots, practical yet stylish.

As I applied the new scent blocker, I paused, my fingers lingering on my neck. The skin there was no longer red and irritated, thanks to the gentler formula. For a moment, I considered not applying it at all, letting my natural scent free…but I quickly shut that down. That was a big step and I wasn’t ready for the attention I might bring. Maybe soon…but not now.

With a deep breath, I applied the scent blocker, feeling a mix of relief and regret as my lavender scent faded. Maybe one day I'd feel comfortable enough to go without it, but for now, this small layer of protection felt necessary.

I took a deep breath, inhaling the faint lavender scent that was still detectable beneath the blocker. It was a small step, but it felt significant. As I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, I saw a flicker of the person I used to be— the artist who wasn't afraid to express herself, who reveled in color and creativity.

I grabbed my bag and headed out, the crisp morning air invigorating as I stepped outside. The walk to the farmers' market was short, but with each step, I felt my nervousness growing. Would Elias and Finn be there? What would I say to them after our lunch earlier in the week?

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