When Time Heals

By Mary Gant Bell

Despite her past mistakes, Courtney finally had it all. She’d opened her dream boutique, designed women’s fashion, and enjoyed life with a long list of friends. Since her ex-boyfriend was in jail, she no longer worried that he’d harm her again. Her world was safe, profitable, and exciting. Courtney had achieved all of her dreams. Except one.
Courtney was the first step in Ethan’s career path after college graduation. Focused on establishing his business and professional image, romance was the last thing on his mind. But staring into Courtney’s eyes, he started to wonder. Could he have both? Or would practical matters – and his parents’ expectations – keep them apart?
When Love Heals is book four of the “When” series.
The series continues through the eyes of Courtney and a couple new friends. Will the friends she made in the first three books help or hinder her? Can her new friends blend with the old? Or will protectiveness ruin Courtney’s chance at love?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Nov 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781794815094

Book preview

Chapter 1

The bell chimed as the door closed behind her. Courtney waited. And waited. No one acknowledged her arrival. Story of my life.

She stood a moment longer, reigning in her anger. What would she say? Where would she find the courage to do what needed to be done? Why was her life so difficult? And most importantly, whose idea had this been in the first place?

Hers. It had been her idea. Owning a clothing boutique had dominated her dreams for years. Fashion magazines enthralled her long before she could read the words. They had also provided an escape from the advances of her mother’s boyfriends.

Courtney’s childhood provided only filth and despair. No one, especially not her mother, cared about what they wore, how they looked, or whether they dressed decently enough to be seen in public. Nothing mattered but their next chemically induced high.

The fashion magazine had exposed her to a beautiful and colorful world. A place where pretty things instilled confidence and value. It was this self-confidence and significance that Courtney had always dreamed of receiving by owning a boutique.

And now she possessed the store at least. The rest was yet to arrive.

Shaking that thought aside, Courtney surveyed the room, imagining what a first-time customer might experience. Colors varied from rack to rack. Edgy music encouraged movement and propelled shoppers throughout the space. Coordinating accessories tempted buyers to embellish their outfits. Lavender sachets in the lingerie area drew her nose to the back of the store. All in all, a very appealing and inviting place to build a wardrobe.

Except no one had greeted her. No employee offered assistance or praised how a particular blouse made the skin glow. Or how these pants paired with this top would turn a man’s head.

And most importantly, no one manned the register. It wouldn’t matter if someone fell in love with the perfect outfit for their next romantic date. With no one available to check them out, who would shop here? Ladies don’t cancel a date because they have nothing to wear. They simply go to another store and empty their wallets there.

At least that’s what the type of women Courtney called friends today would do. Some of the women from her past might just steal the merchandise since no one was around to notice. But that’s not the type of people she wanted to think about today.

Tiffany? Courtney said before realizing her only employee wouldn’t hear her from the back room. If Tiffany wasn’t inside the building, the decision would be easy. Courtney would fire her on the spot. But if Tiffany offered a valid reason why she was ignoring the show room, Courtney would give her another chance.

Like she always did.

Tiffany? Hearing only silence, Courtney’s shoulders slumped. No boxes being unpacked. No hangers rattling on the storage bar. No vacuum cleaning the floor.

But at least, for this one brief moment, no excuses either. That was one advantage to Tiffany’s disappearance.

Courtney turned the corner toward the changing rooms. Tiffany smiled as she adjusted the collar on a displayed shirt. Did she just slide her cell phone into her pocket? Or was she really tidying the store?

There’s no one in the front. Courtney tried to sound firm, but it made her palms itch to confront people. Even people who worked for her.

I can hear the bell from here. Tiffany scooted to the right and adjusted the dress on the door of the second changing room. Did you bring me coffee, too?

It’s on the desk. Courtney felt the sweat gathering on her brow but refused to be distracted. If she can hear the bell, why didn’t she come out front when I arrived? But that’s not important right now. We talked about having a friendly face visible from the front door. People might walk past without coming inside if the place looks empty.

Courtney held her tongue as Tiffany brushed past her and went to the cash register.

What amazing plans do you have for the weekend? We’re going to the beach. My boyfriend bought a volleyball net. I love watching muscular men sweat in the sun. Tiffany leaned against the counter and crossed her arms.

Since you have the weekend off, I’ll be here.

Let me know when you’re ready to hire more girls. I have several friends who would be a perfect fit for our team. Tiffany adjusted the clip in her hair. You know I always have your back.

Courtney surveyed the room. I can’t afford to hire anyone right now. The two of us can handle this non-existent crowd.

They’ll come. And when they do, I have the changing rooms all set up and clean for them. Tiffany scrunched her nose and shoulders, acting as proud as an Olympian who just won the gold medal.

And as important as that is …

Oh, I forgot to tell you. Speaking of important. Tiffany paused to enjoy her own giggle. Brett is coming over later.

Brett? My landlord? What does he want? Besides proof my business is growing.

He didn’t say. But I’m glad he’s coming. He’s so dreamy. If he wasn’t married to Sandy …

I thought you had a boyfriend. Remember beach volleyball?

Tiffany made herself comfortable on the stool behind the register. He’s fun and all. But it’s not serious. Well, I mean. Unless you count carrying my stuff to the beach for me. That cooler gets heavy. And the umbrella hits me on the head when I carry it on my shoulder. And then my towel and sun screen and …

I get the picture. Maybe if you carried your own cooler, it wouldn’t be so much of a hassle to help me unpack inventory when it arrives.

I don’t want to get in the way. Tiffany tilted her chin and smiled.

Get in the way? By doing your job? Courtney’s palms burned as the itching intensified.

You like to unpack the new arrivals to make sure nothing got damaged in the mail, Tiffany said, admiring her manicure. You need room to inspect everything and make sure we only offer the best of the best. I’d only get in the way.

You’re so considerate.

Either Tiffany missed the sneer in Courtney’s voice, or she chose to ignore it. Ah, thanks. I love working with you, too.

Why don’t you be thoughtful right now and clean the front windows and the glass in the door? That will give me time to clean up these piles around the register.

Yeah, I left those there for you, too. I thought you’d want to see which items people tried on but didn’t buy. Tiffany sashayed to the front door.

I can tell what people don’t buy just by looking at what’s still in the store, Courtney murmured.

What was that? I didn’t hear you over the music?

I said you forgot to take the cleaning supplies with you. They’re under the bathroom sink.

I know. Before I start, I’m going to see if anyone on the sidewalk plans to come inside. You don’t want me looking like a janitor when shoppers go past.

How considerate.

I know. Right? Tiffany giggled.

Courtney moved the discarded clothing to the counter and began folding them. From the looks of things, Tiffany planned to watch the sidewalk until man colonized Mars before actually cleaning the glass. Why don’t I fire her?

Courtney returned the folded shirts to their spot on the display table, layering them by size. Then she circled her thoughts back to Brett. Not only was he the husband of Sandy, her previous employer and close friend, he also owned her building. It’d been almost a year since he’d gifted her the space, opening the door to make her dream come true. After months of planning, decorating, and organizing, she’d opened Courtney’s Creations.

Shoppers flooded the store at the grand opening. Repeat business kept the cash flowing for several months. But now that the initial wave receded, her bank account groaned every time a bill came due. Her vision had never included this much stress.

She didn’t want Brett to see the lull. Why couldn’t the man drop by when mature ladies with an endless supply of disposable cash fell in love with everything they touched? She’d be satisfied with just one customer with no self-control at this point. Anything but a completely empty store.

On a surge of inspiration, Courtney picked up her phone and typed a text to Sandy. As Brett’s wife, she had the ability to postpone her husband’s visit. She was confident Sandy would understand.

Before hitting send, Courtney deleted her message. She was a business owner now. An adult. Excuses and avoidance were for children. If she wanted to be treated like a grownup, it was time to start acting like one. But since she didn’t have much experience at adulting, the whole idea made Courtney’s skin crawl.

Wasn’t tomorrow soon enough to start acting her age?

‰

Hey, kid. How’s it going? Brett’s words were directed at Courtney, but his eyes scanned the room.

Courtney bristled at the nickname but held her tongue. If you’re looking for a gift for your beautiful wife Sandy I have just the thing. Check this out.

I like your spunk. Brett leaned against the cash register counter. Where’s Tiffany?

I sent her home. I can handle the last couple hours myself. Courtney held up a blouse and wiggled it in front of Brett. Plus, I figured I’d rather hear what you have to say in private. No need for everyone to witness my shame.

It’s not Sandy’s birthday. What’s the reason I’d take her a gift?

A wise man doesn’t need a reason. Will that be cash or card?

Are you trying to distract me from the purpose of my visit? Brett dug through his wallet and laid his credit card on the counter.

Can’t blame me for trying.

While Courtney folded and bagged the blouse, Brett retrieved another stool from the back room. He returned his credit card to his wallet and said, You’re assuming everything I’m about to say is negative. Why is that?

Courtney waved her arms in a circular motion. Look. My store is empty. No customers. I’m failing.

Failing at what precisely?

At attracting customers. Building my business. Being a successful entrepreneur.

How long have you been open?

Between the gentleness of Brett’s tone and the joyful memories the question produced, Courtney grinned despite her apprehension. Six months.

How long do you believe a new store needs to build a solid customer base?

How should I know? I ain’t never done this before.

Brett lowered his chin and waited.

You and Sandy are serious about me cleaning up my speech. Courtney shook her head. Fine. I have never been a business owner before, so I don’t know.

Since you don’t know the answer, what made you decide that six months was enough time to worry about the lulls in customer traffic?

I opened this place to sell, not display, clothes.

How many paying customers did you have today?

Five.

How many did you need to be ‘successful’? Brett pulled a packet of gum from his pocket.

Don’t put that thing in your mouth and then tell me I have to clean up my language. If I gotta break my bad habits, so do you.

Why can’t you stand your ground like that with Tiffany?

The gum was a trap? Courtney stood and leaned against the counter. Thanks so much.

I’m here to help you, Courtney. We all are. You don’t have to do this alone.

A subtle reminder that I’m indebted to you for the building.

You don’t like to owe people. I get it.

People take advantage when you owe them stuff.

That may be true with the people in your past. But you’re in a new place now, kid. You’re surrounded by people who love you and want to help you achieve your dream.

I know. Courtney halfheartedly kicked the counter before returning to the stool.

You helped Sandy through the difficult stretches she had in the ice cream shop. While that was happening, did you consider Sandy a failure?

No. But none of the things Anthony the professional consultant suggested helped her any. Even if I could afford him, there’s no point in asking him for help.

"Do you remember what did help Sandy get over the slump?"

Courtney’s eyes grew wide and she shook her head. I ain’t asking Aunt Edna for help. No way. No how.

Brett laughed and returned to his stool. That wasn’t what I had in mind.

Story hours and Bible study groups won’t keep ladies browsing through my store. Those thinks keep people in their seats.

I agree. But I have some other ideas that might work.

‰

Sandy kissed her husband and eyed the bag in his hand. What’s that?

It’s a gift. For you.

Why? It’s not my birthday.

I visited Courtney today.

Sandy pulled the blouse from the bag. You’re such a softy. You went there to give her encouragement. Instead of you influencing her, she got you to do something you hadn’t intended to do.

Which makes me wonder why her sales are so low. My credit card landed in her hands before I remembered I had a choice.

The difference is that you were already inside her store. Courtney’s talented at making the sale. She’s just not so good at luring them inside.

Speaking of luring them inside, have you seen the rest of our gang of friends lately?

Greta and John stopped by the other day. They just returned from their annual cruise. They’re diving into the work routine again. Greta said she’d rather update her garden, but it’s taking her longer to get things done.

Why’s that? Brett asked, peaking into the crock pot. The smell of pot roast and onions filled his nose.

Sylvia and Kyle’s boys are back in school now. Without their help, Greta has to do all the heavy lifting herself.

Those boys are growing fast. How old are they now?

Both are in their final years of middle school. Sandy set plates and silverware on the table. Sylvia jokes that she’ll need a new hobby next year. There aren’t as many bake sales and volunteer opportunities once the boys are in high school.

She should talk to Tricia about starting a new hobby.

Isn’t it odd that Greta and Tricia, two sisters who used to be strung as tight as trampolines, are now relaxed and confident. Sandy set napkins beside the plates while Brett stirred the broccoli. I want to add almonds to that before you take it off the heat.

It’s even stranger that Tricia found a husband. Brett turned down the heat on the vegetables and replaced the lid. David’s a great guy, but I never saw him hitched to someone like Tricia.

Just like I never considered marrying you, Sandy said, planting a kiss on Brett’s cheek.

Remarrying me, you mean. You’re so smart, you did it twice.

And didn’t regret it either time. Sandy sprinkled almonds in the broccoli. You’re right. I do think it’s time for another party. It might be exactly what Courtney needs to rebuild her confidence.

I didn’t say anything about a party. Brett carried two glasses of iced tea to the table.

You were about to. I read your mind. Besides, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen Joseph. How are he and Anthony adjusting to their new father and son relationship?

I think David has made that transition easier for them. Since Joseph’s mother died, they don’t have to consider her needs. And Joseph’s old enough to know his own mind …

Yet young enough to still need his father in his life.

It’s a challenge for everyone though. Brett grabbed the salt and pepper and took them to the table. Joseph met and bonded with David long before he knew Anthony. Since Anthony wasn’t told his girlfriend was pregnant or that he was a father, it was quite a shock to him that he had to learn how to be a father.

Then Joseph bonded with Brett over the photography lessons. Another strong male figure in young Joseph’s life. Now he has to make room for his actual biological father in that pool of testosterone.

I’d say they’re finding their way, Brett said as he sat at the table.

Another good reason to have a party. Sandy transferred the vegetables to a serving bowl and set it on the table. This is Joseph’s final year in high school. Courtney’s first year in business. And our first year of marriage.

We have so much to be thankful for, Brett said, reaching for Sandy’s hand.

Absolutely. Even so, let’s just bless our food for now. If we thank God for everything He has given us, the food will grow mold before we have a chance to eat it.

Short and to the point. Let’s pray.

Besides, we have a party to plan.

Chapter 2

Courtney’s lips curved when she heard the bell jingle above the door. A customer was in her store. The thrill never dulled. She spread the smile across her face to greet the new arrival.

Oh. It’s you.

I hope you don’t greet all of your customers that way. Sandy hugged her former employee despite the disappointment in her words.

Sorry. I’m glad to see you. You know I am. But I still wish …

For new customers. Believe me. I know the feeling well.

Nice blouse. Courtney led Sandy to the register where they could both sit.

It is. I love it. And you were right. It’s perfect for me. The color makes my skin glow. And the short sleeves don’t dangle in the bucket when I scoop ice cream, Sandy said, watching Courtney’s face. You have a rare talent for making others look good.

Rare and unwanted. Doesn’t anyone care about personal presentation anymore?

You’re one to talk. Sandy fingered Courtney’s shirt. You’re not wearing your own inventory. If you don’t want to wear the stuff you sell, why should others?

I can’t afford a new outfit every day. Not until I have a lot more sales.

No client comes in here every day. You just need two or three outfits to rotate. Be your own mannequin.

You really think it matters?

Absolutely.

Courtney stared at her friend, fighting back the tears. Her head reminded her that Sandy had her best interest at heart, had supported her even when Courtney’s behavior didn’t warrant compassion. Yet questioning the motivation of others was ingrained in her cells. Not all offers of help actually benefited her.

Just ask Keith.

Let’s pick out a couple outfits right now. Sandy tucked her purse under the register and tugged on Courtney’s hand. Teach me how you know things will look good on a person.

That part is easy. Courtney randomly selected a blouse from the rack to her right. This style works best on skinny bodies. See how this detail would draw the eyes to the hips? Most curvy women don’t want that.

Good point.

These solid colors target the frugal buyer. Spend a little more on one quality blouse. Then make it look like an entirely new outfit by pairing it with wild patterned scarves. Courtney retrieved a floral scarf and demonstrated her point.

What about jewelry? Can I add a bold necklace instead of a scarf?

Of course. Courtney warmed up to the lessons as they roamed the store. Most women can get by with a couple basic pants, skirts, and blouses. Then change the whole look by adding accessories.

Sandy paused by the front window. You should teach classes on wardrobe building.

That’s been done already. Besides, most women get that from online videos.

The internet doesn’t provide personalized attention though. You’re saying a woman needs a couple pair of black pants. Right?

Or skirts.

Sandy held up two pair of black pants. How do I know which style works best for my body shape? Online videos only give me some ideas. But they don’t actually look at my body and show me the difference when I come out of the dressing room. Telling is not the same as teaching.

What if I teach classes and they take that knowledge to buy clothes somewhere else? How does that make me any money?

True, Sandy said, returning the slacks to the rack. There’s no way you can get women to buy one hundred percent of their wardrobe from you. But don’t underestimate trust. Most people spend more money in stores where they have a relationship with the store owner.

Where do I find these women? If they don’t come in, how will they know about these classes?

The new semester is just starting. You could advertise to the high school girls to update their wardrobes.

Don’t you think they’ve already bought their school clothes for the year?

What high school girl that you know believes she has enough clothes?

Courtney dropped her chin and raised her eyebrows. "You think I hang with high school girls? I’m not old, but I’m not that young."

Scratch that, Sandy said. Professional women always need new clothes. Put up flyers in the office buildings around town.

That isn’t a very classy way to advertise.

Stand naked on the street corner to demonstrate how much people need clothes.

Ha ha.

Seriously, Courtney, you are your own worst enemy. You’ve shot down every idea I mentioned. Is it time for me to call Aunt Edna and tell her you need help?

Courtney closed her eyes and groaned. Not Aunt Edna. Please don’t do that to me.

You know her heart is in the right place. And the preschool story hours she started at my ice cream shop really did make a difference.

But her methods are a hassle and expensive. Plus, she’s so blasted domineering and bossy. My nerves can’t take her.

Anyone who survived a kidnapping at gunpoint can survive Aunt Edna.

That’s debatable.

Sounds like you need some fun, Sandy said, returning to her stool behind the register.

All because playing tennis with Ryan knocked you out of your funk doesn’t mean that will work for me. If I showed up at that fancy country club, they’d kick me out.

Speaking of Ryan, have you seen him lately?

Courtney plopped onto the stool beside her friend and looked at the clock. She’d been open one hour, and still no customers. Sandy didn’t count. She hadn’t come to buy anything. Ryan only comes here when someone drags him. His idea of a gift for a woman is flowers or candy, not clothing.

But he has so many women. Sooner or later, he’s going to realize your jewelry is a great gift idea, too.

I’m sure he buys the real stuff when he wants to impress a date. The stuff I sell is costume jewelry. Beneath his dignity.

Ryan’s not that bad.

"He was only nice to me because he was trying to impress you and I was your