Page 49 of Knot Your Sunshine
Josh perks up, sitting straighter. "Distraction through paradise?"
"Exactly." I push myself fully upright, energy returning. "She finishes choosing franchisees today, then we swoop in with activities. Like sunrise paddleboarding…"
"Beach picnics," Noa adds, already plotting. "The good spots only we know about."
"Hiking," I continue. "Teaching her to surf..."
Josh snorts. "She'll face-plant in two seconds with your teaching methods."
"Face-planting is part of learning, bro. Besides, Mia soaking wet in a bikini? I'm failing to see any downside here."
Noa grabs a cushion and lobs it at my head. I catch it easily. "Focus, man."
"I am focused. Extremely focused on making sure our omega has such an incredible week she forgets Chadwick exists."
"And I personally think this is a solid plan," Josh says with a nod. "We can't control the test results but we can absolutely make sure she enjoys herself. Having her relaxed and happy will definitely be better for her mental health than letting her ruminate on the test."
Noa nods in turn and pulls out his phone. "I'm texting her now. Asking where she wants to work. Suggesting the café by the tidal pools, the one with the windows overlooking the shallows."
"Tell her to grab the corner table," I add. "Best view, closest outlet for her laptop."
"And text our employees to make sure they bring her food," Josh adds. "She needs proper nutrition: proteins, complex carbs, fresh fruit…"
Noa types rapidly. "Sent, and sent."
We wait. One heartbeat. Five. Ten. Even the air conditioning seems to hold its breath.
His phone buzzes.
Noa glances down, and the corner of his mouth twitches up. "She sent a flexing arm emoji and fire."
"Good," Josh says, his shoulders dropping. "At least she's fired up. Keeping it together."
Ain't that the truth, I think, watching Noa finally sink into his chair and Josh visibly relax. Here we are, supposedly the successful, composed entrepreneurs, and we're the ones stressing out while she's out there ready to throw down.
Chapter twenty
Mia
The tidal pools stretch right up to the café's glass front, so clear I can see anemones in the water.
But now's not the time to enjoy the view.
I stare at an empty Facebook post on my laptop, the cursor blinking back at me.
I'm looking for ten people who understand that cutting hair is just the beginning—
I delete that. Too vague.
Looking for hairdressers who—
Delete.
If you've ever had a client cry in your chair and knew exactly what haircut would make them feel better—
No, that doesn't work either.
My phone buzzes.
