“The other side of Dallas.”
Yep. I shouldn’t have asked. At this time of day traffic is going to be horrible. Emily moves from the work table to the computer. “It’s not too difficult. I’ll have it ready in ten minutes.”
“Thanks,” I call out, “any chance you want to ride along with me?”
A small grin lifts the corner of Kate’s mouth. “I wish I could, but I have to double check the order for the wedding this weekend. We’re supposed to get the delivery in the morning.”
“Fine,” I grumble, “I’ll face the traffic gods on my own.”
“It’s not that bad,” she laughs and leans over to give me a quick kiss, “but if I’m gone before you get back, text me.”
“I will.” My fingers are crossed she’ll be here and we can grab dinner. But I don’t want to overstep. Spending too much time together outside of work may freak her out, and that’s the last thing I want.
There’s only one car in the lot when I get back to the shop. It’s not Kai or Kate’s. My heart sinks at not being able to see Kate before I go home, but I need to make sure I’m not overstepping her boundaries.
Emily is sitting at the work table with various flowers around her. “You’re here late.”
She jumps at the sound of my voice, and I feel bad for scaring her. It’s not like the door is quiet when it’s open or closed. She must have really been in the zone. “Just trying to finish the last of these arrangements for a wedding tomorrow night. Thank God it’s not a huge number of flowers.”
“The others didn’t stay to help?” That feels pretty crappy in my opinion.
“Nope. I sent them home. Both Sam and Kate will be feeling the struggle tomorrow night, and their orders are much bigger. The plus side for Kate is Caroline will be here to help her.”
“What about Sam?”
“I’m sure Caroline will help her, too. I’d be here, but my parents are having another mandatory dinner. You’d think I wouldn’t have to go since I have work obligations, and I’m an only child. But it’s the one thing they ask for. It’s kind of hard to deny them that.”
“I feel your pain,” I run a hand through my hair. “My parents are way less strict than yours, though.”
“Honestly, I think everyone’s parents are cooler than mine. Except maybe Kate’s.” She grimaces as soon as the words leave her lips. As if she’s said too much.
“What’s the story there?”
“If she hasn’t told you, I’m not sure it’s my place,” she points to some wire on the table against the wall, “can you hand me that?”
I grab it and bring it over to her. It should feel odd being alone with her, but it’s not. It’s almost like we’re honorary siblings since we’re both only children.
“She’s mentioned some things. Well, mostly that she’s not close to her parents. Not like Kai is.”
“I wouldn’t exactly call Kai close to them. He’s just able to tolerate more since they think he’s the best thing in the world. All the while, they give Kate crap over every little thing she does. I swear when I see the whole dynamic in person, it makes me grateful I’m an only child.”
“Yeah, I don’t think that’s something I’d like to witness,” I shake my head, “it does make me wonder if all families are like that. Well, ones with multiple children.”
“No. Sam and her sister are treated exactly the same even though they are polar opposites.”
“Is she grouchy, too?”
“Not even a little bit,” Emily laughs, “it’s a wonder they came from the same household.”
“Well, I think it’s great the four of you are as close as sisters. I don’t think I’ve ever had a friend group that likes to hang out like y’all do. And the fact y’all have been friends since you were kids, is pretty incredible.”
Emily shrugs as she rearranges the flowers she was working on. “We kind of did our own thing. We knew everyone in school, but were mostly concerned with ourselves. I’d like to say it kept us out of trouble, but that would be a lie. The other three tried to take the brunt of the punishment back then because of how strict my parents were.”
“That’s cool,” I glance at the clock, “I should probably head home. If these weddings are as much work as Kate says, I’ll need all the rest I can get.”
“The one she’s taking over shouldn’t be too bad. It’s a smaller wedding. But it’s not a bad idea to get some rest.”
“See you tomorrow,” I wave before heading for the door, “be careful on your way home.”
