“You’re insane…still thinking about that guy?” She asked. I made a face.
“Sometimes,” I shrugged. I think about him all the time, about how he felt and about how he made me feel. If I ever saw him again though, I didn’t even know what I would do.
“You might run into him again. And if you just ask Sasha, you might find out who he is.” She scolded. She had been telling me to ask Sasha since day one, and I just couldn’t do it.
I didn’t really take charge like that, and I wouldn’t know what to do if she gave me his contact info or anything. Yeah, I was adventurous that night, but that wasn’t really who I was. And there was no way I could do it twice.
“I can’t. It’s fine anyway, he’ll be a distant memory soon.”
~
Back at the shop, I watered a few of the begonias sitting on the windowsill. They were outdoor plants, so I kept them by the window. I hadn’t started putting anything out front yet because I still hadn’t set up the surveillance cameras, and people steal the oddest things.
Once I did that, I was about ready to go. I tugged on my sweater and my phone went off with an email. I glanced at it and didn’t recognize the sender’s address, so I just held off looking at it until I got home.
Since it was the middle of the month, I went through my much-hated process of sending bill payments out, so they would arrive before the fifteenth. Once I paid everything, I had a few hundred left over. I put some in savings and kept the rest. If I needed something, it was nice to know I could pretty much just buy it now. Within reason, of course.
And I had real food.
I started making some chicken and sat in front of the television while the meat cooked. I remembered that email and got to looking at it.
Hello Miss Michelle,
This is Levi Daniels. I received your contact information from a friend of Mrs. Hallows. I am getting married in two weeks and my florist backed out. I know it is last minute, but I want to book you for the event. Whatever your rates are, I will double it. I want this to be perfect for my fiancé and me. I will meet you at your shop tomorrow at noon if you’re up for it.
I read the email over. He really did seem desperate, and I thought it was sweet that he wanted to please his fiancé so much. I had a few days of break from the last event, so there was no reason to say no. It was just that weddings were so different, and I was afraid the short notice would make it hard to get things ordered on time. We would have to start right away.
I replied saying I would meet him, it was past appropriate business hours, so I didn’t expect a reply. My dinner tasted even better knowing I had another client. I wasn’t sure if I would charge him double though, but of course there was nothing I can do if he insisted.
Chapter Twelve
Tristan
“Hey, Mom.”
“Hi honey, what are you doing? Probably nothing.”
“Spot on. I was actually trying to find a florist for Levi. He’s getting married and he asked me to be his best man.”
“Oh, that’s sweet. You two have always been so close. But why are you trying to find a florist?” She asked me.
“Theirs quit and he asked me to help him out with all of the planning. He has this case keeping him busy; wants everything to be perfect for Gabrielle.” I explained, my voice even.
“Oh, that’s sweet honey. Why do you pretend to be mean? Anyway, won’t it be hard for you?” She asked me.
“Not really. Vivian hired a planner.” I murmured. I suspected she would ask me that. And I especially didn’t want to tell Natalie because she would definitely give me hell for it.
“I see. Well if you need a florist I know a really good one. She actually did the charity ball for Sasha, she hired her.”
My breath stilled. The thought of that ball brought me back to the woman in the maze. And the flowers I fucked her up against.
“Really?” I cleared my throat.
“Yeah. I’ll send you her info.” Seconds later, my phone went off with her message.
“Thanks. How are you and Dad?” I should probably call my dad more, but I never needed to most of the time. He usually bothered me about twice every month.
“Good, we are working on another development. I actually think it will be our last one.” She sighed.