Page 33 of Snowflakes and Sparks

“I’m sorry, I’m pushy, right? It’s just… I’ve been hurt before, just like Alex, and it shook me up big time. So when I see that two people share a connection, a spark even, I get excited. Because to me, love needs to win. Love is the only cure for having had your heart broken. Love is… life. Seeing you and Alex together gives me hope. Hope that I too will be able to love someone again someday. My gosh, it sounds so silly and dramatic when I say it out loud, doesn’t it?”

“It doesn’t,” I said. “I had no idea you’ve been through a heart-wrenching breakup like that.”

“It’s okay, Suzie. And in a way you’re right. I shouldn’t meddle like this.”

Irene turned to me and put a hand on my leg. “In all honesty, though, do you like this guy? Could you see whatever is going on between you two blossoming into something more? Because if there’s something I’ve learned from watching people come in here and listening to their stories all these years, it’s that you should always follow your heart.”

I sighed. “The thing is, I don’t know what my heart wants. How does anyone? How can you trust an act so irrational as opening yourself up to someone?”

I didn’t want to tell them I’d never been in a serious relationship before. At least not one that lasted longer than a couple of months and where I got to introduce the guy to my family.

“It’s about diving into the deep end with your eyes closed, I guess. You expect the best, but also brace yourself for impact. Living it is the only way to discover if it was the right choice.”

I mulled over Irene’s words for a moment. When Alex and I talked, I often felt that familiar feeling of joy that I’d felt ten years ago. But that was just because I used to have a crush on him and my subconscious mind still associated him with those feelings, no?

A shiver went through me when I presented myself with the thought of Irene and Addy being right all along. Maybe therewassomething more between us. More than I’d dared to admit. Did I… have genuine feelings for Alex that I should pursue?

Even if that was true, there were still risks involved. If I gave up my life in L.A. for him and things didn’t work out between us, then what? I would have nowhere to go. I couldn’t imagine staying in Old Pine Cove if Alex broke my heart. But my L.A. job wouldn’t be there for me to return to either. I didn’t know if I was willing to take those risks.

“I’m coming out again,” Addy said, jolting me out of my reverie. She shoved the curtain open and twirled in front of the mirror. “What do you think?”

The dress she was wearing reached all the way to the floor, the soft pink chiffon falling elegantly around her legs. The sleeveless top was embellished with tiny rhinestones and a small sash sat snug around her waist.

“This is the one,” I said. “This is the dress.”

Irene nodded, a delighted look on her face. “She’s right. You look stunning.”

“I almost feel like I’ve found the perfect wedding dress,” Addy said with a giggle.

“This calls for more champagne, right, girls?” Irene topped up everyone’s glasses. “To finding dresses… and love.”

***

“So, what do you see?” I asked.

Addy turned the cup around in her hands and inspected its contents. She’d offered to buy me a drink and read my tea leaves after her successful dress hunt. I’d gladly accepted. Even though I didn’t believe in that kind of thing, it sounded like a fun thing to do.

“Hmm,” she said. “Yes, yes.”

“Do you see anything?” I asked, peering into the cup as well.

“It says love is waiting for you. But the decision is up to you.”

I snorted. “You just made that up, didn’t you?”

“I did not. My mother was a fantastic tea leaf reader and taught me everything I know. All of this is true.”

“So what else do you see?”

“Success in your career. Yes, definitely,” she said, nodding. “Some great things are waiting for you.”

I let out a laugh. “I’m glad it all sounds positive. Thank you.”

Addy put the cup down. “This was a lot of fun, Suzie. Thank you for coming with me.”

“Thanks for inviting me. I had a great time. I can’t wait to see you in that dress at the Snow Ball. You’re going to be the star of the night, no doubt about it.”

“What do you say about eating some more of those cookies on the way back home?”

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