“I got a job!”
“Yes, you did. I’m so proud of you, Izzy.”
“Oh my gosh, I have so much to do. I have to get some clothes—I don’t have a wardrobe appropriate for TV. And I have to tell Keegan. I’m going to surprise him.”
“So many surprises today,” she says. “I love it. Surprises keep us young. I won’t say a word to anyone. You go do some shopping and enjoy your day off, and then you can tell everyone else.”
“Thank you.” I rush over and kiss her cheek. “Thank you for sharing this with me.”
“It’s an honor and a privilege, and that’s the truth of it.”
“I can stay until Tom gets back.”
“Tom is here,” he says as he walks in carrying a small bag full of Fiona’s things.
“I can’t stay.” I kiss his cheek and then wrap him up in a hug. “I love you, Tom. I love you both. And I’ll see you later.”
“Well.” Tom blushes like crazy, and Fiona laughs. “Okay, then.”
“Bye!”
“Have fun,” Fiona calls after me as I hurry out of the room.
Where do I go? I don’t know Seattle all that well. I could call Maggie or Maeve, but they’re both helping Keegan at the pub today.
And then I remember that Samantha Nash gave me her number at Anastasia’s baby shower and extended an open invitation to reach out to her anytime.
It’s still crazy to me that I have Leo Nash’s wife’s phone number.
When I get to my car, I pull up the number and shoot her a text.
Me: Hey! This is Izzy Harris, we met at Anastasia’s baby shower. I don’t know if you were serious about meeting up sometime but I’m currently in Seattle, and if you’re free, I’d like to see you! Ignore if this is weird. LOL
I take a deep breath and let it out slowly.
I have a brand-new weather job, doing what I’ve always dreamed of. And I got it on my own merit, without my father making any phone calls.
And I start in a few days.
I’m so nervous.
My phone starts to ring in my hand.
“Hey, it’s Sam,” she says when I answer. “This is perfect timing. I’m at the downtown studio with Leo today because he’s helping a band with some recording, and I could honestly use a break. We’re across the street from Succulent Sweets. How do you feel about cupcakes?”
“I’ve never turned down a cupcake in my life.”
“You’re my kind of girl. Where are you now?”
“Seattle General hospital.”
“Okay, you’re about fifteen minutes away. Just plug the bakery into your GPS and you’ll find it no problem.”
“Awesome, I’ll see you soon. Thanks, Sam.”
I end the call and do exactly as she suggested. And she’s not wrong. The bakery is easy to find and in a super cute part of downtown, surrounded by a mix of restaurants, shops, and offices. I remember Matt’s wife, Nic, telling me at the shower that she owns this place. I can’t wait to try her cupcakes.
I find a spot to park and walk into Succulent Sweets. It’s designed similar to an old-fashioned café, with white-tiled floors and little round tables set about. A wide array of gorgeous cupcakes fill the glass counter.
I see Nic and Sam chatting by the cash register.
“Hello, ladies.” I grin as I approach them. They greet me with immediate warmth.
They weren’t lying when they said the Montgomerys are a welcoming family.
“I’m so glad you texted me,” Sam says. “I love Leo’s music, and I enjoy studio time, but it’s been a long day over there.”
“Cupcakes usually fix that,” Nic says. “You look wonderful, Izzy.”
“Thank you, I feel wonderful. I got a job today.” I tell them all about my new job here in Seattle as a meteorologist, and when I’m finished, they each offer me high-fives.
“That’s so cool,” Sam says.
“I need to shop,” I admit. “I need a whole new wardrobe for this. And I don’t know where to go.”
Sam and Nic share a look, and then Sam reaches for her phone. “Don’t worry. We’ve got this covered.” She taps on the screen and then puts the phone on speaker as it rings.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Nat, I’m here with Nic and Izzy. You remember Izzy from Stasia’s party?”
“Of course! Hi, guys.”
“Hi,” Nic and I say in unison.
“Listen,” Sam continues, “we have a wardrobe emergency.”
“Does this require shopping?” Nat asks.
“Of course, it does.”
“I’m your girl,” Nat replies. “I can have a sitter here in thirty minutes.”
“We’re going to need Jules, too,” Sam adds. “We’ll meet you at her office.”
“Whoa, this is some emergency,” Nat says.
“It’s a Defcon One,” Sam agrees. “See you soon.”
“I can’t go.” Nic sighs sadly. “I have to sell cupcakes.”
“Your job is important,” Sam assures her. “And I need three of the chocolate. I’ll take a dozen assorted over to the studio, as well.”
“And for you?” Nic asks. “You have to celebrate with a cupcake.”