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You’ll even have time to start painting again.”
    â€œYeah, girl. Look at this as a new beginning,” Victoria encouraged. “I’m going to miss you, but miles can never separate us. Besides, ViaTech has an office in Miami, so you know I’ll be down there to see you, at least through next June,” she teased, leaning over and hugging her friend.
    â€œLet’s order champagne to celebrate,” Tyler roused. After everyone’s glass was filled with bubbly, Tyler made a hilarious toast that put everyone back in a good mood.
    â€œI have some news to share that’s . . . quite interesting,” Victoria announced.
    â€œOh, you finally found a man?” Allison asked, causing the table to fall silent again.
    Victoria took a deep breath and ignored the comment. “I’m being nominated for a prestigious year-long executive mentoring program at work.”
    â€œBut you’re leaving next June, right?” Debbie asked.
    â€œYeah, that’s my plan. But I have to admit, it’s a flattering offer when I think about it. But of course I’m going to turn it down because my future isn’t with ViaTech. I have to devote my time to building my business.”
    â€œVictoria, I’m a little concerned that you’ll be stretching yourself too thin,” Allison said as she reached for a stuffed mushroom.
    â€œWhy’re you concerned about anything that I do?” Victoria asked, surprise and caution lacing her voice.
    â€œYou spend so many hours at work that you barely have time for a social life, let alone to meet anyone new. And now with your little party business . . . ”
    â€œIt’s called Divine Occasions, ” Victoria corrected.
    â€œYes, that. Anyway, given all the work you’ll have on your plate, you definitely won’t have time for a relationship.”
    Victoria’s forehead was getting hot. “Thank you for your concern . But my life is made up of more than just sitting around waiting for Mr. Right to come along.”
    By this time Debbie and Rob were watching the exchange like dialogue from a movie, while Tyler stared blankly into his drink.
    â€œTrue,” Allison retorted, “but nothing beats having someone to come home to. I know it’s been hard since things between you and Steven ended, but you have to move on with your life,” she said, feigning a look of concern that hid a conniving smile.
    â€œBe quiet, Allison!” Tyler hissed at his wife.
    There . . . she’d said his name. Everyone who knew Victoria firmly understood that Steven’s name was off limits. To Victoria, his name was like a spinning tornado, or a wild fire out of control, or an erupting volcano—it was a natural disaster. Her heart raced and her face turned hot. His name hung in the air like Gulf Coast humidity. Tyler looked at Victoria, his mouth didn’t move, but his eyes said I’m sorry.
    The good mood was broken once again, and this time no happy announcement or bubbly drink could bring it back. They remained at the club just long enough to pay the bill before their “friends-night-out” came to an abrupt end.

Chapter Four
    Like Alka-Seltzer In A Glass of Water...
    Victoria’s fun evening out had turned into another disappointing disaster. “I need a bubble bath and a drink . . . bad!” she said to an empty room. She peeled out of her clothes and wrapped herself in her silk robe. She walked into the bathroom, lit her favorite Jo Malone Black Vetyver candle, then sprinkled her special home concocted blend of scented bath foams and sea salts under the running water. She went downstairs, grabbed the last two chocolates in the Godiva box, and poured herself a glass of wine before heading back to her private spa retreat.
    The combination of wine and warm water felt good to every inch of her body as she slid down into her Jacuzzi tub, submerging herself in the thick, fragrant bubbles. But even