Printed Hearts Chapter 16-20 | CraftyCotton.co

 

Chapter 16: A Night of Self-Care

Mimi returned home after a long, eventful evening at the theater, and she was ready to unwind. The cool air of Chiang Mai’s winter evening greeted her as she stepped inside, the peaceful quiet of her home enveloping her like a warm embrace. She had spent a full day working, meeting with friends, and exploring the city, and now, all she wanted was to relax and take care of herself.

Her self-care ritual had become an essential part of her routine, especially after the busy days when her mind was full of thoughts, worries, and to-do lists. Tonight, Mimi had a specific plan in mind: a soothing home spa experience, complete with luxurious treatments for her body and skin. She had prepared everything in advance—her favorite bath salts, a fresh bottle of lemongrass-scented body oil, and a few comforting candles to create the perfect ambiance.

The moment she entered the bathroom, the soft lighting and the inviting warmth of the space made her feel like she was stepping into a private oasis. Mimi turned on the tap, allowing the water to flow into the large jacuzzi tub, its bubbles beginning to form with each passing second. She added her bath salts—a mixture of sea salt and lavender, with hints of citrus from the lemongrass scent. The fragrance quickly filled the air, wrapping around her like a comforting cloud of relaxation.

Mimi sank into the tub slowly, her body sinking into the warm water as the soft jets massaged her back. The bubbles, infused with the lemongrass aroma, surrounded her, creating a sense of peaceful escape. The heat from the water eased the tension in her muscles, and as the soothing jets gently massaged her, Mimi felt her body start to relax. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the rhythmic sound of the bubbles and the delicate scent of lemongrass wash over her.

As she sat in the jacuzzi, the warm water cocooning her, Mimi took the time to focus on her skin. Her skin had been through a lot lately—dryness from the cold air, stress from work, and exposure to the elements. It needed care, and she was ready to give it the attention it deserved.

Mimi reached for her exfoliating salt scrub, a gentle mixture of Himalayan salt and essential oils, designed to remove dead skin cells and rejuvenate her complexion. She applied the scrub in slow, circular motions, starting with her arms and legs. The grainy texture of the salt was surprisingly soothing as it sloughed away the rough patches of skin. As she worked the scrub into her skin, the scent of citrus and lavender intensified, blending harmoniously with the lemongrass aroma in the air.

Her skin tingled with a fresh, renewed sensation as she rinsed the scrub off in the jacuzzi, the warm water carrying away the last traces of the exfoliation. Mimi couldn’t help but admire the smoothness of her skin now. It felt soft, refreshed, and hydrated, as if it had been given a second chance to breathe and glow.

After exfoliating, Mimi reached for her favorite lemongrass-infused body oil. The oil was light yet deeply nourishing, perfect for locking in moisture after a bath. She applied it gently to her arms, legs, and shoulders, massaging the oil into her skin with slow, deliberate motions. The warmth from the water and the oil combined, and the scent of lemongrass grew even more invigorating, yet soothing at the same time.

Her skin absorbed the oil effortlessly, leaving behind a silky smooth finish. Mimi marveled at how soft and supple her body felt, the oil creating a subtle glow that added to the peaceful atmosphere of the moment. She took a deep breath, appreciating the way her skin felt like it was glowing from the inside out. The tension she’d been carrying all day seemed to melt away, and she allowed herself to enjoy this quiet, pampering moment.

As the minutes passed in the jacuzzi, Mimi felt herself slipping deeper into relaxation. The warm water, combined with the nurturing treatments, made her feel like she was being reborn. Her mind had quieted, and the worries of the day seemed distant. This was her time—no rush, no distractions, just self-care and stillness.

When Mimi finally rose from the jacuzzi, her skin was soft, moisturized, and glowing, the lemongrass scent lingering in the air, a reminder of the calm she’d just experienced. She wrapped herself in a plush towel, feeling like she had been to a luxurious spa, even though she was in the comfort of her own home.

As she got ready for bed, Mimi smiled to herself, grateful for this moment of care. It was a reminder that, even amidst her busy schedule and the demands of her work, taking time for herself was just as important. She slid into bed, the softness of the sheets a comforting embrace, and closed her eyes. With the lingering scent of lemongrass in the air, Mimi drifted into a peaceful sleep, her body and mind relaxed, her spirit recharged.

Chapter 17: Preparing for Tomorrow

After finishing the last watercolor painting of the day and sending the final email to her clients, Mimi leaned back in her chair, feeling a wave of satisfaction wash over her. It had been a productive morning, and now, with all her freelance work for the day done, she could finally take a breather. But as she allowed herself a moment of rest, her mind wandered back to the reminder she had received from the couple’s email—Don’t forget about your surprise date tomorrow!

Mimi's heart fluttered a bit at the thought. Tomorrow was a date, and she had no idea what to expect. She wasn’t one to overthink things, but the anticipation of something new, of something unexpected, brought a mix of excitement and nervous energy. She smiled to herself. She wanted to look her best for the occasion, whatever it might be.

Her first thought was clothes. She opened her wardrobe and stared at the rows of dresses and outfits she had accumulated over the years. There was a selection of casual clothes perfect for Chiang Mai’s laid-back vibe, but none of them felt quite right for a date. She needed something that would make her feel both comfortable and confident, something that would suit a surprise night out.

With determination, Mimi grabbed her purse and made her way out the door. She decided to head to the nearby shopping center, hoping to find something perfect for the occasion. The crisp winter air nipped at her cheeks as she walked, but the thought of finding the right outfit kept her focused and eager.

Inside the mall, the bright lights and the buzz of activity surrounded her. The holiday season was approaching, and the shops were filled with colorful displays and festive decorations. Mimi walked through the aisles, passing clothing racks and vibrant window displays, but she had something specific in mind. She wasn’t just looking for any outfit—she was looking for one that would give her confidence, something that felt uniquely “her.”

After browsing through a few stores, Mimi finally found what she was looking for. A simple yet elegant dress—soft cream-colored fabric with delicate floral patterns that echoed the beauty of Chiang Mai’s gardens. The dress was light and airy, but it had an understated elegance that Mimi loved. She could already imagine wearing it tomorrow, feeling graceful and at ease.

She grabbed the dress in her size and headed to the fitting room. As she slipped into the dress, she couldn’t help but smile at how it fit her perfectly. It was the right balance of comfortable and stylish, and she could easily see herself wearing it on a surprise date. Mimi twirled in front of the mirror, watching the fabric flow gracefully with her movement, and decided it was the one.

Next, it was time for makeup. Mimi had never been one for heavy makeup, preferring a more natural look. But she also knew that a little enhancement could go a long way for a special occasion. She made her way to the beauty section of the store, where makeup artists were offering consultations. Mimi wasn’t sure what look she wanted, but she hoped to find something that would highlight her features without feeling overdone.

After speaking with the makeup consultant, Mimi decided on a soft, dewy look—something light and fresh, with a bit of color on her lips and cheeks to give her a healthy, glowing appearance. The makeup artist skillfully applied a light foundation, a touch of mascara to bring out her eyes, and a soft pink blush to accentuate her cheeks. Mimi felt a little nervous at first, but once the look was finished, she was delighted. Her skin glowed with a natural radiance, and the makeup brought out the best of her features.

With her dress and makeup ready, Mimi felt a wave of excitement and a touch of nervousness. Tomorrow, she would be going on a surprise date. She didn't know what to expect, but the thought of it brought a sense of adventure. She smiled to herself in the mirror, feeling like a new version of herself—ready for whatever the evening would bring.

As she walked back to the counter to pay for her dress and makeup products, her heart raced with curiosity. The anticipation of tomorrow’s surprise date had taken root in her thoughts, and she couldn’t help but wonder what kind of adventure awaited her.

With a bag full of new clothes and makeup in hand, Mimi stepped out of the store, ready for the evening ahead. The preparations had been made, and now all that was left was to embrace the mystery of tomorrow. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling inside her as she made her way home, eager for the surprise that awaited her.

Chapter 18: A Spa Day for Radiance

After an exciting day of shopping and preparing for her upcoming surprise date, Mimi decided she deserved a little self-care. The winter air in Chiang Mai had grown cooler, and the crispness of the season always left her skin feeling slightly dry. She knew that a spa treatment would be the perfect way to relax and ensure she felt her best, both inside and out, for the date tomorrow.

With a smile on her face and a sense of anticipation, Mimi made her way to the local spa store that she loved so much. The store was nestled on a quiet street, its entrance framed by delicate potted plants and soft lighting that made it feel like an oasis in the midst of the bustling city. She had visited this spa before and knew that they offered luxurious skincare products and treatments that would leave her feeling pampered and refreshed.

As she stepped inside, the calming scent of essential oils greeted her. Lavender, rose, and sandalwood mixed together in the air, instantly putting her at ease. The space was quiet, with soft music playing in the background, and the shelves were lined with jars and bottles of creams, oils, and masks. The friendly staff greeted her warmly, and one of the consultants led her to a section with a variety of products that focused on hydration and rejuvenation—just what she needed for her skin.

"I’m looking for something that will hydrate and refresh my skin," Mimi told the consultant, a woman with a kind smile and a wealth of knowledge about skincare.

The consultant nodded, understanding Mimi's needs immediately. "We have just the thing for you. I’d recommend our hydrating facial masks and a calming body scrub that’ll leave your skin soft and smooth. And of course, we have a few serums and oils that work wonders for the winter season. It’ll help your skin feel nourished and glowing."

Mimi was excited by the suggestions. She loved the idea of treating her skin to some luxurious, hydrating treatments. She selected a deeply hydrating facial mask infused with aloe vera and vitamin C, known for its ability to replenish moisture and brighten the skin. She also picked a soothing body scrub that featured a blend of sea salt, coconut oil, and lavender—perfect for exfoliating and leaving her skin feeling silky smooth.

"These will be great for your skin," the consultant assured her as she handed over the products. "And don’t forget, you can also use our rose-scented body oil after your bath or shower to lock in moisture and leave you with a soft, glowing finish."

Mimi nodded gratefully, excited to pamper herself. With her purchases in hand, she thanked the staff and left the spa store, feeling ready to unwind and give her skin the attention it deserved.

Back at home, Mimi set up her self-care space in the bathroom. She filled the bathtub with warm water, added a few drops of lavender essential oil to the water, and lit a candle for ambiance. The soft flicker of the candlelight created a peaceful atmosphere, and the calming scent of lavender filled the room, helping her relax.

First, she decided to treat her face. She applied the hydrating aloe vera and vitamin C mask, feeling the coolness of the cream spread across her skin. She let it sit for a while as she sank into the warm bath, the water soothing her tired muscles. As the mask worked its magic, Mimi felt the tension melt away, and her skin absorbed the nourishing ingredients.

Next, Mimi used the lavender body scrub. The smooth sea salt gently exfoliated her skin, removing any dryness and leaving her feeling rejuvenated. The coconut oil in the scrub worked to hydrate and lock in moisture, leaving her skin feeling silky soft. Mimi smiled to herself, relishing in the feeling of the scrub’s gentle exfoliation and the calming lavender scent.

After rinsing off the scrub and getting out of the bath, she applied the rose-scented body oil to her skin. The rich oil absorbed quickly, leaving her skin with a subtle glow and a pleasant, lingering fragrance. She admired herself in the mirror, her skin looking radiant and refreshed—perfectly nourished for the surprise date tomorrow.

Mimi wrapped herself in a cozy robe and sat on her couch, feeling relaxed and content. The combination of the bath, the skincare treatments, and the peaceful atmosphere had left her feeling like she was glowing from the inside out. She was ready to face the excitement of tomorrow, knowing she had taken the time to care for herself and her skin.

As she sipped a cup of warm herbal tea, Mimi couldn’t help but feel grateful for the moment of self-care. With her skin looking its best and her mind at ease, she felt prepared for whatever the surprise date would bring.

Tomorrow was a new adventure, and Mimi was ready to embrace it, feeling both confident and radiant.

Chapter 19: The Call to Fey

It was late afternoon when Mimi found a moment to pause and gather her thoughts. With everything in place for tomorrow—her dress, makeup, and self-care routine—she felt a mix of excitement and nerves bubbling inside her. There was one person she wanted to share her thoughts with, someone who always made her feel more grounded and supported: Fey.

Fey was her best friend, the one person who always knew how to make her laugh, calm her down, or offer just the right advice. They had been through everything together, from awkward dates to career shifts, and Mimi knew that no matter what, Fey would be the best person to talk to about tomorrow’s date.

With that in mind, Mimi reached for her phone and dialed Fey's number.

The phone rang a few times before Fey picked up. "Hello?" Fey’s cheerful voice greeted her, even though Mimi could hear the bustle of the flower shop in the background.

"Hey, Fey!" Mimi smiled at the sound of her friend’s voice. "How’s everything at the flower shop?"

"Busy, as usual," Fey replied, her tone filled with warmth. "But it's good. I’m just setting up a few bouquets. What's up with you?"

Mimi sat down on the couch, her fingers nervously drumming on the side of her phone. "Well, I wanted to tell you something," she said, excitement seeping into her voice. "Tomorrow, I’m going on a date."

Fey’s voice softened with interest. "Oh, a date? Tell me everything! Who’s the lucky guy?"

Mimi chuckled at the enthusiasm in her friend’s voice. "His name’s Andy," she began, her heart fluttering a little. "He’s a software engineer. He sounds kind of… well, a bit nerdy. Thick glasses, black hair… You know, the whole ‘software engineer’ vibe." Mimi couldn't help but smile as she imagined Andy—her upcoming date seemed like such a mystery to her.

"Sounds intriguing," Fey said with a laugh, her curiosity piqued. "I’m sure he’s a nice guy, though. And if he’s a software engineer, he’s probably really smart. What are you doing tomorrow?"

Mimi paused, thinking about how little she actually knew about Andy. "I don’t know exactly. It's a surprise date, which is kind of exciting, but also a little nerve-wracking," she admitted. "I’m hoping it’s something fun. I’ve been working so hard lately that I could really use a good time."

Fey’s voice softened, filled with understanding. "I totally get it. It sounds like you deserve a break. And who knows? Maybe this guy is the right match for you. He sounds interesting. Sometimes the best connections happen when you least expect it."

Mimi smiled, grateful for her friend’s words of encouragement. "Yeah, I hope so. I guess I’m just a little unsure. It feels like everything is moving so fast lately. But I really want to see where it goes."

"I’m sure you two will hit it off," Fey said confidently. "You’ve got such a good heart, Mimi. You deserve someone who appreciates you, just as you are."

Mimi’s heart warmed at Fey’s words. "Thanks, Fey. That means a lot to me. I’m just hoping it’s a good match, you know?"

"I know, sweetie," Fey replied, her voice full of reassurance. "And I’ll be here tomorrow, waiting for your update. Just remember to have fun and be yourself. Everything else will follow."

Mimi chuckled softly. "I’ll try my best. I’ll let you know how it goes, of course. I think I’m ready for this little adventure."

Fey's laugh rang through the phone. "I’m sure you are! I’m rooting for you, Mimi. Just keep an open heart and mind. Oh, and don't forget to tell me all the details after your date. I want to know everything."

"Of course!" Mimi said, feeling a wave of gratitude for her friend’s constant support. "I’ll talk to you soon, Fey. Thanks for listening. I feel so much better now."

"Anytime, Mimi," Fey replied with a smile in her voice. "Good luck tomorrow. And no matter what happens, just know that I’m proud of you."

As the call ended, Mimi felt a wave of calm wash over her. Fey always knew just how to make her feel better, and now, as she prepared for the surprise date, she felt ready. Tomorrow might bring new surprises, but with the support of her best friend, she felt more confident than ever.

With a final glance at her phone, Mimi smiled. Tomorrow was going to be interesting—she couldn’t wait to see where it would take her.

Chapter 20: The Date at the Sushi Buffet

The day had finally arrived. Mimi's surprise date with Andy was something she had been looking forward to, but also feeling a little apprehensive about. She had no idea what to expect—only that Fey had told her to keep an open mind.

Mimi arrived at the sushi buffet restaurant a bit early, wanting to get a feel for the atmosphere before Andy showed up. It was a cozy place, with traditional Japanese decor—warm wooden panels, paper lanterns, and a sushi bar where chefs skillfully prepared delicate rolls and sashimi. The gentle hum of conversation and the clinking of plates filled the air, setting a calm and welcoming mood.

As the minutes ticked by, Mimi couldn’t help but wonder how Andy would look in person. She had already told Fey a little about him—the software engineer with thick glasses, black hair, and that “nerdy” vibe. When the door jingled open and a man stepped inside, Mimi’s heart gave a little flutter.

There he was.

Andy was exactly as Mimi had imagined him—slightly on the taller side, wearing a simple button-up shirt and a pair of thick, black-framed glasses that made him look almost like a character from a tech startup ad. His black hair was neatly combed, and his posture was slightly stiff, as though he were deep in thought, even before they had exchanged a word.

He scanned the restaurant for a moment, and when his eyes landed on Mimi, he smiled, and the nervous tension in the air seemed to dissolve a little.

"Hi! You must be Mimi, right?" Andy said, his voice soft, but warm.

Mimi stood up and smiled. "Yes, that’s me! Nice to meet you, Andy."

They exchanged a brief handshake, and he gestured to the table. "Shall we sit down?"

As they took their seats, the sushi buffet was already set up with rows of fresh fish, rolls, and other delicacies. The restaurant was bustling with people, but the two of them found a quiet spot by the window. The sunlight from outside created a warm glow inside the restaurant, and the ambiance was charming—but for some reason, Mimi didn’t feel as comfortable as she had hoped.

As they began selecting their food, Mimi watched Andy carefully. He was polite and soft-spoken, his mannerisms a little awkward as he fumbled with the chopsticks. His eyes frequently darted to the sushi rolls as he tried to figure out what to grab next, which made Mimi wonder if he was more focused on the food than on their conversation.

"Do you come to this place often?" Mimi asked, trying to ease into the conversation.

Andy looked up, adjusting his glasses. "Oh, yeah. I come here sometimes. I love sushi—it's one of my favorite foods. I’m kind of a regular here," he said, his tone a bit more animated now. "You?"

"I’ve been here a couple of times," Mimi replied, smiling politely as she placed a few sushi rolls on her plate. "I love sushi too, but I guess I don’t come as often."

There was a brief pause as they both filled their plates, and then Andy began speaking again, his voice a little more relaxed. "I actually work a lot—so eating out is something I do to unwind. It’s a nice change of pace."

Mimi nodded, trying to keep the conversation flowing. "Sounds like you’re really busy. What do you do exactly?"

Andy’s eyes lit up a little at the question. "I’m a software engineer, so I spend a lot of time coding and working on projects for companies. It’s a pretty interesting job, but it can be stressful at times."

Mimi tried to engage with him more, but she couldn't help but feel the awkwardness of the moment. As much as she tried to connect with him, there was something about Andy that just didn’t feel like the right fit for her. His voice was soft, his gestures precise, but it all felt a little too robotic. He was polite, yes, but his conversational style was far more reserved than what Mimi was used to.

Fey, who had been quietly watching them from a nearby table, caught Mimi’s eye and offered a reassuring smile. Fey was the type of person who could light up a room, and Mimi couldn’t help but think about how different the two of them were—Andy was quiet, reserved, and seemed to be all about facts and logic, while Fey had an easygoing, carefree nature that made her fun to be around.

As they continued eating, Mimi couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. She had hoped that perhaps there would be a spark, something that would make her feel that instant connection, but the more she talked to Andy, the more she realized that he wasn’t quite her type.

His interests—software engineering, tech gadgets, coding—were things Mimi didn’t really relate to. She felt a little out of place with the conversation, and the longer they talked, the more she realized that they didn’t have much in common beyond the basic pleasantries of the date.

Mimi tried to keep her disappointment in check as she laughed along with his occasional jokes, but in the back of her mind, she knew that this wasn’t the connection she had hoped for. The chemistry just wasn’t there.

As they finished their meal and Andy helped pay the bill, he turned to Mimi with a hopeful smile. "This was really nice. I’d love to do this again sometime."

Mimi gave him a polite smile in return, her thoughts already elsewhere. "Yeah, sure. It was fun."

After saying their goodbyes, Mimi stepped outside into the chilly Chiang Mai air. She could feel the weight of the date lift off her shoulders. The conversation with Andy had been fine, but there hadn’t been any sparks. No laughter that felt effortless. No feeling of excitement at the thought of seeing him again.

As she walked down the street, Mimi couldn’t help but feel grateful for Fey’s support, knowing that it was okay to have a date that didn’t go as expected. She had learned something new about herself—that sometimes, the right person just wasn’t there, and that was okay.

Mimi didn’t need someone like Andy to feel complete; she was enough on her own, and that realization gave her a sense of peace.