She wasn’t interested in chasing after the town’s hottest bachelor.
She wasn’t interested in any man right now.
“Maybe you’ll actually give this one a shot,” Brooklyn said cheerfully. “Lord knows, you’ve turned down every other single guy around here.”
Sierra gave her friend a warning look. “Don’t start, or I’ll declare a clearance sale and
make you work late. Our customers don’t need to know about my love life.”
“What love life?”
Plumeria and the lone customer laughed. Sierra drew in a breath, though she was used to her friend’s ribbing. “Let’s focus on the lunch rush and making some sales, shall we? I’m sure Kane Masterson will still be around at closing.”
On cue, the cheery sound of the bell alerted the influx of a new group of customers. Sierra happily fell into her daily routine of running Flirt, her beloved shop she’d created from scratch. The buzz of happy conversation mingled with the scent of lavender. Soothed from the feminine energy bursting around her, Sierra’s gaze swept over the space with pride.
The boutique was located in Duck, set beside a café and toy store close to the busy center of town. When she first decided to open her own business, she knew she’d never be able to afford the spaces by the water, but she’d gotten lucky snagging this last commercial spot near the action. Sierra signed her lease at a time when the landlord just wanted his last empty store filled.
Flirt was filled with unique clothing, jewelry, and accessories with a beach vibe. There were no cheap T-shirts or mugs here. Instead, shelves displayed delicate perfume bottles, jewelry boxes, and candles. Artwork by local artists was strategically placed on the walls. Sierra knew décor was one of the most important draws for a store, so it was roomy enough to move and everywhere a customer looked, something grabbed the eye. Bold color, a glittery stone, the mix of jade or wood, an elegant curve to a candlestick; it was not only a clothing shop, but an experience. Sierra wanted each item to serve a shopper’s impulsive ways and wandering gaze.
God, so much had changed these past few years. When her ex-husband had first dragged her out here from New York, she’d struggled. She’d wanted to be near Aspen, but he’d gotten a big job at a well-respected wealth firm, and Sierra knew she had no choice. He’d been the moneymaker. Sierra had barely graduated after her parents’ death, managing to squeak by with a sociology degree.
Yeah. That’d been a real smart move.
She ended up in Corolla with no friends, no family, and no job. How many years did she struggle to make a beautiful home and become what her husband needed? How long did she struggle to figure out what she really wanted in life?
Now, she had carved out her own path, with a tight group of friends, her sister, and a thriving business. It was a long way from the unsure, lost woman who’d just discovered her husband cheating, blowing every part of her life to smithereens.
Sierra had never believed fashion could be her career. In her head, people who ran shops went to the Fashion Institute or knew secret things about the industry, but once she began working at a boutique after the divorce, Sierra quickly figured out most of the staff had no clue.
It took her under a year to know more about running the place than the owner, and when she spoke up too many times, she’d gotten fired.
It was one of the best things to happen.
Sierra loaded up on business and online master classes, then applied for a bank loan to open her own place. It was as if the universe had finally opened up the path clearly before her, removing all obstacles. And now Flirt was a success. She’d built a steady client base, even during the off-season, and woke up energized to start her day.
If only she had someone to share it.
Pushing the thought out of her mind, she refocused on the responsibilities of the day. Groups were already flowing through the aisles and clustered around the jewelry cases. Brooklyn chatted up some teens who were trying on charm necklaces, complimenting them all with her usual warm energy. Plumeria worked the register, and the hours passed by in a blur.
Finally, there was a lull, and Brooklyn walked over. “Plumeria, go take your break. I appreciate you staying with me during the rush.”
The girl lit up at the praise. “No problem. Hey, do you think you can put the new silver hoop earrings aside for me? I get a discount, right?”
Brooklyn grinned. “Thirty percent. The Jasmine Concept collection, right?”
“Yes, they’re so dope.”
Sierra laughed. “I just persuaded her to give me more of her stuff. We’ll definitely keep them for you but don’t make me put a limit on your purchases. You need college tuition.”
Plumeria gave a cheeky grin. “But I need to look good first. See ya later.” She strode out, her distressed denim jeans, cute crop top, and dark braids the perfect walking advertisement for Flirt.
Brooklyn sighed. “Remember us at that age?”
“Nope.”
Her friend shook her head, walking to the back to pull her salad from the refrigerator. “Well, I do. I was partying nonstop, and in love with someone new every month. I was also worried about the future, and thinking I wasn’t skinny or fabulous enough. What a waste.”
Sierra began refolding graphic t-shirts with signature quotes. “Youth is wasted on the young, remember? Can’t tell them anything because they need to experience it, just like we did. At least you settled down and married a nice Jewish man like your Mama wanted.”
