“That’s a relief.” I turn the car off, and reach over for the pizza. Getting out, I close the door and make my way to Kate. “Why do apartments put that in the rules if they aren’t going to enforce it? I had the same experience back at school.”
“It’s annoying when my neighbors have a ton of people over because I can’t park in my normal spot, but they don’t give me crap when my friends come over,” she shrugs as I follow her up the stairs, “so, I guess it works either way.”
“That’s something I’ll have to look forward to when I find a place.” I’m not looking forward to it.
“How’s that going, by the way?” We’re on the third landing, now. Her apartment is a few doors down.
“I’m still saving money,” I wait for her to open it, “figured it would be smarter to have a little nest egg before going out on my own in case anything happens.”
She pushes the door open. “That’s really smart. Emily, Sam and I shared a place for a long time before all of us got our own places. It was the only way we could afford not to live with our parents.”
“I guess it’s a good thing y’all get along so well.” I wait for her to get inside before closing the door behind me. “If not, it’s likely the shop never would have happened.”
“Doubtful,” she laughs. “The three of us are stubborn. Once we set our minds to something we do it. We would have run the shop together regardless of our liking each other.”
“That’s commitment.” I set the pizza box on the coffee table and take a seat on the couch. Small flashing lights catch my attention. “Hey, the tree is still up, but with different decorations.”
“At this point it makes more sense to leave it out and decorate or it for the different seasons.”
“Well, it’s still a conversation starter.” I open the pizza box, “do you have any plates?”
“Yeah, give me just a second.” She sets her keys on the countertop and moves toward the kitchen. I hear cabinet doors open and close before water pours from the faucet. She must be putting the flowers in a vase. The water turns off, and there’s a scrape against the counter.
Within seconds she’s heading back into the living room. Two plates in one hand and a vase in the other. She sets the flowers in the middle of the table and the plates in front of us. “So, was the heart your idea or someone else’s?”
I have a feeling she’s thinking her friends set up this part. “The restaurants. It’s the only ones they are making tonight.”
“That’s not surprising,” she shakes her head and pulls a slice out of the box. They aren’t perfect cuts, but it’s an odd shape and they did what they could. “Businesses would be dumb not to take advantage of an easy marketing opportunity.”
“You’re right,” I grab a slice. “I don’t think I’ve ever delivered as much as I did today. I know I’ve never seen that many flowers in twelve-hour period.”
“It’s our busiest day of the year, along with Mother’s Day.” She takes a bite and sets the piece back on her plate. “Well, the day before on the last one. I refuse to open on Sundays unless we have a wedding,” she stands once more time. “Do you need any ranch or red pepper? I have both.”
“No, I’m fine. You don’t need to go out of your way.”
“I need some for myself, it’s not a big deal.”
“Red pepper, please.” She moves toward the kitchen, “also, do you have anything to drink? I forgot to include drinks in my plan.”
“Yeah, I’ve got water, soda, and sweet tea.” For someone who lives by herself she’s pretty well stocked. “There’s also wine.”
“Um, surprise me.” Wine doesn’t sound like a bad option, but I don’t want her thinking I’m up to something. Well, even more than she already knows about. I’m still not sure how she feels about that. She seemed to take it well in the shop.
The fridge opens and I hear her pull glasses down from the cabinet. I feel horrible for not helping, but I don’t know where anything is…yet.
Kate comes back in the living room with a bottle of wine and two glasses. “There isn’t much left, but I’m certain we can finish it off.”
“It’s over half a bottle.” How is that not much?
“True. But there are two of us, and I’m not used to sharing.”
“You’ve got a point.” I grab the bottle and pull the cork out before pouring a small amount in both glasses.
“You might as well go ahead and add more to that cup.”
“I thought it was only supposed to be filled a small portion at a time.”
“That’s for people who drink wine like you’re supposed to,” she holds the glass in front of me, “I’m not one of those people.”
