Fortuity

By Remi Wild

It's incredible how simple life becomes by the time you've hit the bottom of a bottle of wine. Worries and humiliation disappear, logic becomes muddled, but at the same time clarity takes control and that broken feeling seems just a tad bearable. Still the more I drank of that fine Italian Chianti, the more broken and stupid I felt--jaded, actually.

And then I saw her. Venus. The goddess. In her eyes, I could sense a deep understanding for my plight. She embodied grace, love, and it gave me hope. A few sips later and I'm making a wish. And then he appeared; the most beautiful illusion that became a mistake I couldn't help but make over and over again.

The greatest love of my life remained at arms reach and our future was just a dream.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ravenna Young
• Release date: Aug 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215945537

Book preview

Chapter One

Today couldn’t be more perfect. The sun shines bright in the azure sky, promising another stellar Spring day in Sonoma. Fragrant flowers in bloom fill the air around me as I lounge on our deck. Sipping my latte, I close my eyes and listen to the chirp of the birds, their sweet melody lifts my spirits and keeps me centered. Moments like this, in our backyard oasis are everything and being here helps set the vibe for what is sure to be an awesome day.  

But it's also going to be a busy day, full of exciting prospects. Mindy Jameson is coming into the office to discuss listing her home.

I want it.

My partner, Percy, and I need it. We’ll get it. I mean, we are among the top agents in Sonoma. It’s a dog-eat-dog business, but this listing will bring in some new and interesting clients.

I’m jolted from my thoughts when my phone rings. Raising it to my ear, I grin, knowing it’s the object of my affection, Jack. God, I’ve missed him. He’s only been in New York for a week, but it feels like an eternity.

Hey, babe, I say, answering the call. I was just thinking about you.

All dirty thoughts, I hope, Dayna, Jack says with a chuckle.

Of course. I’m looking forward to dinner tonight. We’ve got reservations at Lobos for seven. How was the conference?

Long, boring, estate law...you know.

Yes, but you love that boring, I say with a smile.

True that...I’m all checked in at the airport and just having a coffee while waiting on my flight. The doorbell rings, interrupting our call. Who’s ringing this early in the morning? Jack asks.

Oh, it’s probably a delivery, I say, rising and heading inside towards the front door.

What did you order?

For a second, I pause, wondering if I should admit my hasty late night, wino purchase. I ordered an adorable zebra mobile for the nursery. Closing my eyes, I pray he isn’t angry. We agreed to start trying after the wedding, but he has expressed trepidations about starting a family.

Jack chuckles and I just know he’s shaking his head. We haven’t even gotten married yet.

I know, babe, but we’ll be married soon, and well, I saw this mobile, and it was so beautiful, and I just wanted it. Sucking in a long breath, I release it quietly and say, You aren’t mad, are you? I kinda feel bad for ordering anything without your input, but there was just something about it—I fell in love, what can I say?

Jack laughs and says, Dayna, you don’t need my permission to buy things.

I know, it’s just one of those things we should do together. I promise, I won’t buy anything else until we’re actually pregnant.

Uh-huh, Jack says in a playful tone that suggests I will most likely break that promise.

Besides, invitations are almost ready to go out and the next three months will be crazy preparing for the wedding. I have plenty to keep me busy. I can’t wait to be your wife.

He’s silent for a beat and when he speaks, his tone is slightly different. I’m not sure how or if I’m overreacting. Me too. Well, I’m gonna run and get something to eat before my flight. Have a great day.

You too. I love you. Can’t wait for tonight.

I love you too, Dayna. Hearing him say those three little words relaxes me.

I don’t know why I worry, even if just for a second. We’re committed to our future and building a family, but it’s so much to take in. Before us, Jack never wanted kids. But he wants them with me, and I can’t wait to hold our baby. He’s going to be an amazing dad and the best husband. I just know it.

Remembering my package delivery, I plop my phone in my bag, and reach for the door, yanking it open with a huge grin. I can’t wait to see the mobile. I grab the box from in front of the door and take it to the kitchen. When I cut it open, I have a moment of confusion. Gaping at the contents, I reach inside to pull back the plastic and confirm what I am seeing: blue, magic butterflies, with our names and wedding date scrolled across their wings. The wedding invites are going out this week. These should have gone to Susan, my planner.

Shrugging it off, I close the box, and take it with me as I head out. Once in the car, I send a text Susan, asking her to stop by the office this morning to grab the butterflies.

Sonoma Sunset Realty, located at the downtown plaza, still gives me happy vibes every time I pull in to work. The plaza is where all the action is, and our brokerage stands out with its classy white exterior, black trim, and brass sconces. I livened it up by adding large black urns full of colorful annuals on each side of the door which I quickly inspect before entering the office.

Bursting through the door, I’m excited to start my day. I am content with my career trajectory, and I’m sure it’s because of my bestie and partner Percy. He truly is the bomb, and as competent as he is flamboyant. As I enter the office, he’s standing there, grinning with hand on hip as if he might be annoyed, but mostly to highlight his latest look. With his stunning sky-blue eyes and California blonde hair, freshly trimmed and gelled into submission, he cuts a fine figure in his tailored suit. The navy fabric makes his eyes that much bolder.

Nice suit, I say, acknowledging his attire. He’s always so clean-cut and professional, and there isn’t a single moment where he isn’t fishing for a compliment.

Percy smiles with pride, but then frowns as if to scold me. I’ve already been here an hour. Where have you been? We need to huddle before Mindy arrives.

I know, I’m sorry. Jack called and then I got a delivery and had to contact Susan. For some reason the invitation butterflies were sent to our house instead of to Susan. I pass the box off to Percy as I hang my bag in the closet.

As I tootle towards the office in my grey pant suit, I hear Percy whistle. Girl, you look fetching today. That hits all the curves. I turn and send him a cheeky wink and spin back just so, causing my long tawny locks to swing across my back and over my shoulder. No matter what, Percy always tells me what he thinks. I was aiming for spectacular today, so I’m stoked he approves.

Percy follows me in and drops the butterfly box on my desk as he takes a seat in one of the leather tub chairs in front of my desk. Appearing impatiently patient, he crosses his legs, and folds his hands on his lap, waiting for me to settle and for