Chapter 41
Chapter 41
The weekends were typically quiet at the shop. In fact, it was so slow that closing the doors for the day would have been a reasonable option.
Despite the lack of business, Serenity chose to come to the shop. The calm atmosphere provided the ideal opportunity for her to create crafts to sell online.
Jasmine was there too.
Noticing Serenity’s presence, Jasmine exclaimed in surprise, “Seren, what brings you here on a Sunday? You’re usually at the park with your nephew.” “I need to restock my online business,” Serenity replied.
As she knitted, Serenity raised her chin and glanced at her best friend with a smile. “And what about you p>
“Ugh. I couldn’t handle my mom’s nagging, so I came to hide out here,” Jasmine replied.
“What’s bothering her this time?” Serenity inquired.
“She’s upset because I didn’t find a husband at the dinner party the other night. Does she really think it’s that simple? She believes I’m some kind of catch, like Ms. Universe or something p>
Serenity couldn’t help but laugh.
Jasmine had just put into words what many parents felt. Parents often worried about their children’s future happiness, especially as they approached the age where starting a family seemed imminent. While marrying at twenty-five was once considered late, those norms had shifted.
“My mom even asked my aunt to set me up with some guys. I’m supposed to go on a blind date tonight at a coffee house. I mean, a coffee date at night? With coffee involved, it might just stretch until dawn p>
“What if you invited me along to the blind date, Seren?” Jasmine suggested.
Serenity quickly shook her head. “No, thanks p>
“Oh, come on, Seren! Please say yes. You’re my girlfriend and my best friend! You always look out for me. You wouldn’t let me go through this alone, would you p>
“I don’t always look out for you. You can find someone else to help you out,” Serenity replied.
Jasmine persisted, “I’ll treat you to supper p>
“After the date,” Serenity thought to herself, feeling a mix of emotions.
“I have money. I can buy my own supper. Thank you very much,” she declared, wanting to assert her independence.
Serenity was hesitant about joining her best friend Jasmine on this blind date. What if, instead of being interested in Jasmine, the date found Serenity more appealing?
There were plenty of stories about such scenarios. For instance, a woman once went out with a blind date while accompanied by her sister-in-law. To her dismay, the date ended up being attracted to her sister-in-law, which soured their relationship. Serenity and Jasmine shared a close bond, often discussing everything under the sun, yet there were boundaries that should never be crossed.
However, attending a dinner party with Jasmine was a different experience. Surrounded by successful professionals who had lofty expectations for their partners, Serenity felt at ease knowing she didn’t quite measure up to those social elites.
“Seren,” a familiar voice called out, snapping her from her thoughts.
Both she and Jasmine turned toward the shop entrance.
Setting her knitting aside, Serenity got up with a smile, “What brings you here, Nana p>
“I wanted to have a chat with you. I stopped by your house, but Zack mentioned you weren’t home, so I decided to come here instead,” Grandma May replied, entering the shop and looking at Serenity with warmth. “You mentioned that you don’t need to open for business on weekends p>
“It’s been a while since I restocked items for my online business,” Serenity explained. “I figured I could use some time this weekend to replenish my inventory since it’s running low p>
With her handmade knit knacks selling well online, Serenity had to stay on top of her stock. Many customers pre-ordered, and she was committed to delivering on time. “Honoring commitments is crucial in business,” she thought. “You really have a talent for this, Seren,” Grandma May praised her, recognizing her skill.