Page 10 of Written in the Stars

SERENITY

Once we arrive at the store and get situated, Lissa has me arrange the items for Christmas in the front window display. It’s December first and a tradition for her to have all the decorations out on the first day of the month.

“If you need anything or have questions, I’ll be in the back room going through paperwork. Customers will come in and look around. Just ask them if they need any help. Most of the time, they know exactly what they want. I can ring them up once they bring it to the register; I’ll see them from back there,” she says, pointing to the room in the back. “Or you can just ring this little bell here and I’ll come over.” She slams her palm down onto the silver bell, making it ding.

I giggle. “Okay, Lissa. I’m sure I’ll manage.”

She smiles. “I know you will. Keep your chin up, sis.”

Reality hits once more. It’s not her fault. When I’m not talking and keeping myself distracted, last night, walking into Walter’s office on him is all I can think about. “I’m trying to. It’s been hard not thinking about what I walked in on yesterday, but I keep telling myself it was for the best. I’m still trying to figure out how, but I know some way it is.”

She nods her head, placing her hands on her hips. “It is, Ren. It always is. And take it from me… it’s better that you found out now what a dog he is than when you’re married for eight years.” She’s referring to Michael, and right away, I feel horrible. I hope I didn’t make her feel bad.

“I’m sorry, Lis… I didn’t mean it like that.”

“I know, sis. You’re fine. I’m not upset about it anymore. I just hope you will find your happiness one day soon. I’m still praying for mine.”

I nod, and she walks toward the back. And as I begin placing ornaments on the two-foot plastic Christmas tree, the most gorgeous pair of dark brown eyes lock with mine.

Oh. My. God...

He’s got the sexiest pair of brown eyes I’ve ever seen.

He’s tall, with a beard and dark hair. He’s wearing a pair of denim blue jeans with a black hoodie. Even though he’s fully covered, his bulging chest and biceps are still pretty clear. He seems to be casually strolling down the street when our eyes connected just moments ago, and that’s when he flashes me a gentle smile.

Gentle and beautiful. Holy shit.

At first, I smile back at the handsome stranger as if everything is fine and dandy, like everything is good in the world. But then, all of a sudden, I remember just how much I hate the entire male population—except for my dad. I immediately drop my gaze and continue decorating.

I haven’t even been single for a full twenty-four hours yet, and my hormones are already swooning. No way. It will not happen. Not now. Not again. Not anymore.

I hate men. Men are evil. Men are the enemy, I say to myself a million times, repeating that same phrase in my head.

Pulling me out of my reverie, an elderly woman of about seventy-five walks in. She’s adorable, wearing a big purple hat and matching gloves. Her coat is buttoned from top to bottom, not missing a single button.

“Welcome to L. Darling’s Accessories. May I help you with anything today?” I politely ask, getting up from the floor in front of the window.

But before I can pull myself away, I can’t help but give that stranger across the street one more glance. Except, as I look out, he’s already gone.

Good. One less prick to worry about.

“Good morning, young lady. I’m looking for some new ornaments to match my new silver Christmas tree. Would you happen to have anything in stock?”

I smile, dusting my ass off with my hands. “You’re in luck. We just got these gorgeous new ones in. Let me go grab them for you.”

I lead her over to the display section of silver and gold decorated Christmas ornaments, while Lissa looks over, giving me a thumbs-up. I smile and carry on, continuing to talk with the older woman about Christmas ornaments. Just over twenty-four hours ago, I didn’t even care about decorations. Now I’m practically becoming a pro.

“Those are beautiful. I’ll take one, please.”

One? Is she serious? Who the hell buys one ornament?

The look on my face must say a lot. Lissa overhears the lady’s comment, and can’t help laughing as she walks up to the register.

“I can ring you up here, ma’am. Find everything you need?”

“Oh, yes! This young lady was very helpful.” She smiles at Lissa, then at me, and I smile back nervously. Then she continues talking. “We just got a new tree and I’m going to add this pretty sparkly silver ball with the rest of the collection. It’s a tradition of mine to buy a new ornament each year. We’ve got some that go back to the late 1800s.” Her eyes widen as she continues talking, but now it makes sense to me why she only wanted one ornament.

Lissa gasps. “Oh my goodness, really?”

The old woman nods proudly. “Oh, yes. It’s a tradition that started long ago with my grandparents’ parents.”

Lissa and I exchange looks, and then she winks at me. It’s at that moment when I go back to decorating the front window. This is definitely going to be an interesting career move for me, even if it is only temporary.

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