Chapter 365

Olivia

Angela’s suggestion took me by surprise. Me? A job? The idea seemed absurd, regardless of how tempting it was.

“Ang, I don’t know,” I began, already justifying all of the reasons why a part-time job wouldn’t work out in my head. “I’ve got the twins, and another baby on the way, and Nathan is always so busy…”

She leveled me with a stern gaze. “Olivia, you’re not just a mom. You're a woman, too. And you deserve to follow your own dreams, dreams that may not necessarily involve your children. You know that, right?”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “But baking is just a hobby of mine. I’m not even really qualified.”

“Olivia, they’re looking for a baking assistant, not a head chef,” Angela teased as she nudged me with her elbow. “Who said you need any specific qualifications? You’ve got the passion and the basic skills. Anything else could be learned on the job.”

I paused, considering her words. The idea of stepping out of my comfort zone was both scary and exhilarating. “I just... What if I’m not good enough? What if I can’t balance it all?”

Angela stopped in front of a store window, her eyes meeting mine in the reflection. “You won’t know until you try. And think about it, working in the mornings a couple of days a week could be good for you. It’s a chance to do something for yourself for once.”

The thought of having a few hours each week to myself, to be more than just a mom, was tempting. But the guilt and fear of neglecting my family responsibilities still remained.

“What would Nathan say, though?” I said. “Would he think I’m shirking my motherly duties for a part-time job?”

Angela turned to face me again. Her expression was stern. “When has Nathan ever made you feel like that? He’s always supported you. I bet he’d be thrilled to see you doing something you love.”

I bit my lip, mulling over her words. She was right; Nathan had always been my biggest supporter, always encouraging me to pursue my interests. But this felt different; it wasn’t just a hobby or an interest. It was a job, a commitment outside our home and family.

Angela gently touched my arm, bringing me back from my thoughts. “Maybe Nathan could even take the twins to work with him on those days. You know he loves having them around.”

I chuckled at the thought of Nathan trying to conduct Council meetings with our twins toddling around his office once they started learning how to walk. “That would be a sight. But you’re right, he might actually enjoy that.”

Angela smiled, her eyes warm. “See? You’re considering it. That’s a start.”

For a moment, I was silent as I looked through the store window at all of the mannequins. “Alright, I’ll consider just applying,” I finally said. “But no promises.”

Angela grinned. “I’ll take that.”

The afternoon wore on, and Angela and I eventually found ourselves in a lingerie store, surrounded by an array of lace and leather. I gulped as I looked at the mannequins wearing increasingly ridiculous costumes, from French maids to police officers.

“I dare you to try this one on,” Angela said, holding up a sexy fireman costume.

I laughed as I took it from her. “Okay, but you have to try on the nurse costume.”

Grinning and giggling, Angela and I made our way to the fitting rooms. We spent the next half hour trying on increasingly absurd outfits, our laughter mingling with the music that was playing over the speakers.

“Check this one out,” I called out from behind the curtain, stepping out in a costume that was part superhero, part burlesque dancer. “I’m not sure if I’m supposed to save the world or perform on stage.”

Angela burst into laughter, clutching her sides. “You look... amazing, and completely ridiculous!”

I twirled in front of the mirror, the absurdity of the outfit making me feel light and carefree. “Honestly, this is what every mom needs; a superhero costume to wear underneath her clothes.”

Eventually, we settled down, and I found a few pieces of lingerie that were both beautiful and made me feel genuinely attractive. Nothing too over-the-top, just delicate lace and soft silk. It was a small step, but one that reminded me that I could still embrace my femininity and feel good about myself.

After we had paid for our purchases, Angela and I made our way out of the store, our spirits high from our little adventure. The mall was beginning to quiet down as the evening approached, and we decided it was time to head home.

As Angela drove, the car was filled with the soft hum of the engine and the occasional laughter as we reminisced about our day. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the trees, bathing everything in a soft, golden light.

“I had a really great time today, Angela,” I said, my heart full of gratitude. “Thank you for pushing me to do this. You’re the best girl friend I’ve ever had.”

Angela smiled, her eyes on the road. “Anytime, Liv. We all need a day like this once in a while.”

But as we neared the villa, Angela’s expression turned serious. “Remember what we talked about, the bakery job. Just think about it, okay? It could be something really good for you.”

I nodded, the thought of applying for the job still whirling around in my mind. It was tempting. “I will think about it, Angela. No promises, but I will consider it.”

“Good,” she said as she pulled into the driveway. “Just remember, you deserve this. Yes, you’re a mom, but you’re also a woman all of your own. You’re allowed to have dreams that don’t just involve homemaking.”

I opened the car door, pausing to look back at her. “Thanks, Angela. For everything.”

Angela grinned. “Now get in there and show Nathan how sexy you are.”

With a final wave, I stepped out of the car, feeling a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration settle in my bones. I made my way up to the front door, where Clint was waiting with a smile on his face and the twins in his arms.

“Hey there, mama,” Clint said with a smirk as he saw the bags in my hands. “I see your therapy session was fruitful.”

I blushed as I set the bags down in the foyer and took the twins from him, who were holding their chubby little hands out for me and cooing. “Nathan couldn’t make it,” I said. “I hope you don’t mind, but I wound up spending the day with Angela instead.”

Clint chuckled, a gravelly sound that had become a comfort to me over the years. “You look like you had fun. That’s all that matters to me.”

As I said my goodbyes to Clint and watched him head back to his cottage, I almost instinctively fell back into ‘mom’ mode—but it had a different feeling now. Yes, I was a mom, and I loved it; but I was also Olivia.

And maybe, just maybe, I would apply for that job after all, and finally follow one of my dreams.