Page 242 of Wild Card

A warm sensation tingles across my skin, knowing he’d approve.

I wander aimlesslythrough the aisle, a jeweled cosmetics organizer catching my eye. Normally, this wouldn’t be my style, but my new fixation with home décor has me rethinking all my past choices.

People are allowed to change their style, Willow.

I smiled at Rowan’s enthusiasm as she tore the page out of the magazine and added it to the pile.

At the reminder, I head to the office supply section to grab file folders to organize my growing décor inspirations.

All of this is part of my ‘No Moping’ policy.

No more sitting around imagining the worst.

No more avoiding my feelings and my friends.

No more pretending to study while actually lying in a dark room.

It’s been four days since my impromptu dinner party, and also four days since I shed a tear.

That night was the wake-up call I needed.

After assuring everyone I was okay for the millionth time, and promising no more pity parties, it was time for a plan.

Structure… I thrive with structure.

Until Talon gets home and blows my world back to smithereens, it’s time to put my schedule on track.

Unfortunately, Abe is unable to offer me hours until after the exam. Even volunteering was rejected. It was obvious he felt bad and knew I was plugging in hours of my day, but his hands were tied.

I had to pivot my thinking.

It’s amazing how much moping consumed my life.

My calendar is now filled with dedicated study hours, and then I leave the house.

I’ve spent time with Maverick, allowing Harley to have breaks.

I’ve taken the dogs to the park, and actually remembered to load them in the car.

Yesterday was Wyatt’s end-of-the-year field day, which left me completely exhausted.

At night, I’ve revived my interest in cooking that took a nose dive years ago. Rowan and I eat and then plunge into stacks of home décor magazines, discussing our design choices.

Tomorrow is the highly awaited spa day at Rendezvous with Bex.

All in all, things are turning around.

The amount of options in the office supply section is another reminder of how out of touch I’ve been. Most of my school supplies are ordered online to avoid stores.

Basic, drab, neutral… manila folders, blue and black pens… composite notebooks… just to get the job done.

Today, the choices inspire me. I select a whole filing system with decorative files and folders and a chrome frame for organization.

Then I decide Rowan needs the same.

Spontaneity shock strikes at the number of items in my cart.

This was a quick trip to fill time and grab some necessities.

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