Page 23 of Love Arranged

My mom encouraged me to convert it into a small work area last year, although I don’t know how much longer I can keep using it. I’ve outgrown the space, and our neighbor’s band practicing their set list in the garage across the street gives me a headache.

Somehow I tune out the negative thoughts and electric-guitar sounds, focusing instead on the beautiful, all-white bridal bouquet with tulips, snapdragons, and calla lilies I designed for a Lake Aurora bride.

Once my back starts to hurt from being hunched over for too long, I keep myself busy by folding the mountain of darkclothes on my bed.

In the middle of organizing my closet, I send a cardboard box toppling off the top shelf. Colorful clothes fly past me and land in a scattered mess at my feet, a mix of fabrics ranging from frilly and impractical to vibrant and eye-catching.

Ruffles and bows galore, satin skirts in every shade of the rainbow, neon athletic clothes that can be spotted a mile away in the dark, and shoes with hand-painted flowers and butterflies.

My heart painfully clenches as I shove everything back into the box and return it to the shelf before checking my vibrating phone.

I open the Kids’ Table group chat I have with my sister, Dahlia, her boyfriend, Julian, and his cousin, Rafa, who shared a photo of him, Nico, and Ellie, Nico’s nanny, snorkeling in Hawaii. Nico’s dark hair is sticking up in all directions, similar to his father’s, while Ellie looks like a blonde mermaid.

It’s the smiles on everyone’s faces that make my chest ache in the best kind of way. I don’t remember the last time I’ve seen Rafa or Nico look so happy, especially not together, so I comment on how cute they look before sending an SOS message.

Me

Can anyone help me jump-start my car?

Rafa

Again?

Julian

Isn’t this the second time in a month?

Me

Yes, but it’s my car this time. Not the company van.

Rafa

In that case, no.

Me

You’re not even in Lake Wisteria right now!

Rafa

I’m speaking on behalf of Julian and myself.

Me

Julian is a strong, independent man who can think for himself.

Rafa

Well, he *thinks* your car is shit, but he’s too nice to say it.

Me

That’s rude.

Julian

Maybe, but he’s not exactly wrong…