Page 26 of Code of Heart
CHAPTER 11
Aurelia
With ten minutes to spare before her appointment, Aurelia rang the doorbell of an adorable house.
Shifting on her feet, she waited, trying to balance the weight of her tote bag and the box of macarons that she carried. With nervous energy to burn off, she impulsively decided to make them for today’s consultation. It didn’t feel right showing up empty-handed to something so personal.
Aurelia peered down at the solid light pink long-sleeved t-shirt with delicate lace detailing at the end of the sleeves and bottom, dark jeans, and flat brown sandals she wore, having opted for comfortable clothing. It was too late to hope she was dressed appropriately.
The door slowly opened, revealing a small-framed woman who looked old enough to be her mother, but still youthful enough to be mistaken for an older sister. But it was her shoulder-length hair that captured her attention, in a lovely shade of lilac.
Her blue eyes were an ethereal shade she had not seen before. They watched Aurelia through chic black framed glasses.
“You must be the Aurelia I’ve heard so much about. Please come in.” She stepped aside with a wide smile, making room for Aurelia to enter.
Stepping through the door and into the sitting room, Aurelia’s eyes roamed every square inch of the vibrant space. “I love everything about this room,” she gushed, eyes wide as she spun around slowly. “This is exactly the vibe I’ve been trying to create in my own home.”
She blushed, realizing she hadn’t yet introduced herself. The woman sported an entertained grin as she leaned against thejamb of the opening that led to an equally stunning kitchen. “I'm so sorry, my manners went out the window when I crossed the threshold to this magical home. But yes, I'm Aurelia, and hopefully in the right place?”
“Indeed, you are, and thank you for the compliment.” She moved towards Aurelia, hand extended. “I’m Estrella Vale. We will be working very closely together during your time withPerfectly Paired Matchmaking.” Aurelia shook her small but firm hand and smiled, her nervousness ebbing.
She held up the box of dessert and offered it to Estrella. “I made an assortment of macarons for us to enjoy this afternoon, if that’s okay?” It was strange how comfortable Aurelia felt with this woman, as if she had known Estrella her entire life somehow.
Those strangely beautiful blue eyes lit up behind her lenses.
“What a pleasant surprise! Iadoremacarons—andyouhave managed to surprise an old woman by making them yourself. Let's get ourselves settled, then. Would you like coffee or tea?” She waved Aurelia into the kitchen. “I already put the kettle on for some tea myself.”
“Tea sounds amazing, thank you.”
Aurelia placed the box on the gorgeous farmhouse table before sliding into one of the open seats. As she began removing files from her bag, Estrella joined her, bearing two steaming azulejo-style teacups and matching saucers.Even her China set is beautiful, Aurelia admired silently.
“I love your hair, by the way. It’s a beautiful color.”
Estrella beamed with surprised delight. “No one ever dares to comment on it—it’s refreshing to hear. Though I must say,” she said, eyeing Aurelia's hair again, “it doesn’t compare to yours. The way it shimmers in the sunlight is simply marvelous. I can’t believe Eleanor never mentioned it in all the times we met.”
The mention of Eleanor caused Aurelia's smile to slip, dulling her good mood.Reflexively, her shoulders curled in a fraction, self-consciousness flooding her senses. She reached for the sugar and small carafe of milk and busied herself with her tea.
This wasn’t the time to start crying.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and yesterday felt like it was the right time to make it happen. After losing her…I needed a change for myself and decided to just go for it,”she admitted.
“Her loss will be felt by every person whose life she touched. I’ve known her for a long time and can say there will never be someone quite like her. She was a star in her own right, called home to shine among them,” Estrella said mournfully.
Aurelia's throat worked as she tried to hold back the flood of tears threatening to break through, the truth of Estrella’s words hitting her hard. Forcing out a steadying breath, she agreed.
“That’s a lovely way of framing it. Eleanor was definitely the center of attention wherever she went. If her life had been a reality show, it would have had the highest ratings every season—and she would have basked in the glory of it.”
Thinking about all the antics Eleanor had pulled with the same air of nonchalance one had with something as mundane as tying their shoelaces brought a smile to her face. That woman had a knack for making simple activities over the top.
Estrella's mouth formed a small smile. “She never relied on signs from Fate to guide her in life; she simply barged right in and made those decisions for herself—which is exactly why you and I are here today.” She looked at Aurelia intently as she reached across the table to the box of macarons.
Aurelia slid the box closer to her, not one to deny anyone a chance for a treat. Estrella gracefully selected two of each flavor of macarons and added them to her plate.
“I’ll admit that this situation is quite an unorthodox one for me. Usually, clients approach me of their own volition. I don’t advertise—every client is a referral from a prior one.”
It was unorthodox because Eleanor was involved, Aurelia thought.
“Eleanor was candid about her wishes. She spoke so highly about the daughter she never had—how much she needed my help, that I couldn’t say no. Quite honestly, I feel as if I already know you, considering how much Eleanor told me.”
