Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

The Pearl Hotel wasn't exactly close to the University of Maple Grove, so they had to grab a couple of taxis to get there. Including Flora, there were eight of them-just enough to fill two cabs. When they arrived, it was just past one o'clock, right in the middle of the lunch rush. The place was packed. Brianna had been a regular here, so the receptionist and the manager recognized her immediately. Their faces looked a bit off when they saw her.

"Miss Brianna, what brings you here today?" The manager asked, plastering on a forced smile as he walked up to her.

"Well, I'm here to eat, obviously. Get me the best private room you have, and make sure it's big," Brianna replied, missing the manager's awkward vibe entirely. She spoke with a hint of pride, eager to show off in front of Flora.

In the past, the manager would have quickly and respectfully escorted her upstairs. But now? Not a chance. The boss had laid down the law: no one from the Brimer family was allowed in the Pearl Hotel. Not even Brianna.

The manager looked uncomfortable. "Um... Miss Brianna, how about you find somewhere else to eat today?" he said, trying to be as polite as possible.

frowned. "What do

Brianna, knowing they were her friends. He didn't want to embarrass her in front of them. He pulled Brianna

brows knit together. Her brother and the Brimer family had always been at odds, so any place he owned was off-limits to them. But she had always

Brianna, these are the boss's orders. I'm just the manager; I can't go against him," the manager said nervously, worried she

them, stomachs growling-after all, it was already past one, and

the Brimer family had made

starting to panic. She had brought everyone here for a meal, and now they couldn't even get in the door. How humiliating.

somewhere else?" Ivan suggested, noticing Brianna's uneasy