CHAPTER 1: A NEW VENTURE
CHAPTER 1:
A NEW VENTURE
In the back courtyard of Bella Carismo’s cottage-style brick home, three women celebrated the Friday evening and sipped Bordeaux. The setting sun glinted off their wine glasses.
“It’s great that you guys want to help but I just need more time,” Bella said. She peered into her wine with fidgeting hands and wondered if she was even good enough to attract more clients into her counselling practice. She was not great at marketing, given her introverted nature.
The wind howled as Bella shared a laugh with Liz and Jamie, the effects of the wine simmering in her body like the warmth of a gentle fire. The spring air smelled of post-rain dampness and freshly-cut grass.
Liz shook her head and laced her long-dainty fingers around her wine glass. She was barely able to fit on the white, plastic chairs due to her tall, lanky figure. Her smiling hazel eyes and jet-black hair made her all the more striking. Liz radiated confidence and filled up the space with her presence. “I know it’s only been a few months since starting your counselling practice, but I’m happy to help now.” She gave Bella a reassuring smile. “If you want to expand it, hand me your business cards and I’ll talk to my connections at the centre. The other social workers there might know of people who need counselling.”
“I can do that. Sure,” Bella said.
Jamie flicked a wave of short red hair, settling comfortably into her chair due to her short stature and average build. She smilingly handed Bella a long list of tasks, her grin softening the usual searing intensity of her brown-eyed gaze. “I’m happy to give you a list of priority tasks that you can start with. Firstly, I’d begin with contacting all the local doctors, and then you can hand out your cards at the local community centre. Then perhaps do a book signing for your book. I’ve actually already made a list for you.” She stretched out her right arm and handed Bella an A4 piece of paper with a long list of tasks.
Bella’s shoulders slouched. “I guess I’ll have to do that sort of thing, even if I hate doing it. At least I have a website and advertise on social media.”
Liz gave her an encouraging smile. “I know it’s hard, Bella, but you have to do those things to help you expand. You need to get yourself out there and make yourself known, be a presence in the Williamstown community. I can help you do that. The best way is through networking. Get out of your shell, girl.”
Bella remained silent as the wind quieted down and darkness settled over them. She sipped the remaining drops of her wine and stared out over the tropical trees dancing in the air above her high timber fence.
Bella had opened her own counselling practice three months ago. She had inherited the money from her late aunt Faye, who had died a year ago of an aggressive cancer, and Bella used the money to buy a small, quaint building for her new business.
Liz interrupted her thoughts. “Anyway, I say that whatever you decide, don’t take too long. This is your full-time job now and it does take a fair bit of marketing until you can make a name for yourself. I mean, unless you want to go back to your dragon employer.”
Bella shook her head. “No, thanks. I’ll do just fine where I am.”
Jamie took hold of her hand. “I think that you can look at my tasks at your own pace. Don’t rush through it. Take it one baby step at a time. I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed with all this. We are here to help you. If you need financial assistance, please let me know.”
Liz brought her caviar dip topped cheese cracker to her mouth. She wiped stray crumbs after devouring it. “Anyway, back to other exciting things, Bella. I’ve been invited to a party celebrating my colleague’s twenty years at the centre. She’s asked me to bring my friends, so you are going to come, right? Please don’t say no like you usually do.”
Bella’s stomach flipped. “I’ll think about it, but you know I hate celebrations.”
Liz touched her on the shoulder. “Look, I know that stuff with your dad was cruel. You should probably talk to someone about it.”
Bella nodded, pushing down her thoughts of her father. “I will, but after all this crazy stuff with the business settles down.”
Liz cleared her throat. “I promise you it’ll be fun. Just a few people, not too crowded.”
Jamie interrupted. “Leave it alone, Liz. If Bella doesn’t feel comfortable going to this celebration, then leave her out of it. You will have me there.”
“Hmmm,” said Liz.
Bella looked fondly at Jamie. God Bless Her! She shuddered. If only Bella could put the past behind her and move on with her life she’d be a happier person.
