They all sigh, dramatic as ever, and toss their hands in the air while Izzy says, “Suit yourself. Be the bigger person. But let me tell you something, Kerry too damn Kind. If you don’t have another job by the end of summer, I’m pulling out all the stops.” She leans in close, narrowing her eyes. “Step one: viral social media post. Step two: hubby hacks into Cory’s accounts and finds every little dirty secret that slimy bastard’s been hiding. Step three: destroy his life.”

I shake my head and chuckle. “Or I can just continue to go to therapy. And not stoop to his level.”

“Fine! Do it your boring way.” Izzy tosses a peony stem into the trash, then pivots to face me with a smirk. “But seriously, what’s the worst that could happen? Cory deserves to be knocked off his high horse.”

“Well,” I say, leaning on the counter, “If I don’t find a new job soon, I might let y’all have your way for the entertainment value alone.”

Serena grins, satisfied. “That’s all we needed to hear. Now, go home, put your feet up, and get some rest. You’ll need it for this weekend. There will be a lot of thick pockets in the building, so you’ll either find your next employer or your next man.” She winks.

I laugh, “I doubt it’d be the latter. Remind me again why we have to dress up for this. It’s a flower shop opening, not a gala, for goodness sake!”

Because we aren’t in small town Beverly Mills anymore. This is a new city—Beverly Mills-Greer, honey. And in Greer, people dress up for everything. I bet if someone opened a freakin’ dog grooming salon, they’d show up in gowns. And if I’m not mistaken, there’s a grooming shop opening across the street!” Izzy laughs.

“And some fancy new restaurant opening right next door,” Serena says. “It’s time to get with the program, Kerry. You can make so many connections at the opening this weekend.”

“Good point,” I admit, glancing around at Izzy’s new shop. Its high ceilings, intricate crown molding, and delicate chandeliers cast soft, golden light across the room. The Beverly Mills girl in me screams that this is far too fancy to be a flower shop. But it’s certainly breathtaking. “Y’all are right. If the grand opening’s guests are anything like this shop, I need to have my resume on hand.”

Serena smirks. “That’s the spirit! And wear something elegantly sexy. As a matter of fact, I’ll drop off a few dresses. No one’s gonna hire you in that sweatshirt.”

Even the wealthy but modest Kiera agrees! “You do look like a straggler, Kerry. Why are you still dressing like we’re back in college? Our Clark Atlanta days are over. Are you really that broke right now?”