Her father appeared at the door. “There you are, Phoebe. We’re leaving. Say goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Alistair.”
“Goodnight, Phoebe.” He sighed with relief that the night was over. He stripped out of his suit and dove into the pool of cool water. His thoughts once again returned to the flower shop and its sexy owner.
Chapter 3
Sarai
Sarai threw herself into her work, but her heart just wasn’t into it. Mickey noticed. “Ok, what is with you?” she asked when she found her leaning against the counter twirling an orchid in her fingers.
“What?” Sarai put the flower down and started making the arrangement for the order that had come in. It was Mrs. Steven’s birthday, and her husband always ordered a bouquet of white and yellow tulips for her. This year there would be 53 tulips in the vase. Some were cut short and some were cut longer to stand out in three layers, with a single red tulip sticking out of the top.
“You’ve been this way since Mr. Dreamy walked in. You want to see him again.” Mickey started cutting more tulips.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Go to the gym. Take him up on his offer.”
“He has someone. Besides, he’s not really my type.”
Mickey laughed. “Oh really, so hot guys who actually own a gym, that’s not your type? Did you see his muscles?”
“If you like him, why don’t you go.”
“He didn’t invite me. He invited you.” Mickey started cutting stems again.
“What if he does have someone? I’d be making a fool of myself.”
“He invited you to his gym. It’s not a date, it’s a workout. Just go, get your workout on and see what happens. There’s no harm in that.” Mickey passed her the fresh cut white tulips. She put them in the vase.
“And if there is someone…?”
“Then you got a free workout, and you move on.” Mickey said handing her the next batch of white tulips.
Sarai continued to arrange the tulips. She counted the heads of white tulips. Twenty. She needed five more. Then she could add the yellow tulips. She picked out the last five from the bucket, sized them up and snipped the ends. Then she stopped and turned to Mickey. “He said they were having a dinner party and she would be there. It was for a girl, a woman.” She put the tulips in the vase.
“Yeah, but when you asked if it was a romantic bouquet, he was defensive about it. He said family dinner, not a dinner party. Sounded to me like he was being set up with someone, someone he didn’t really have feelings for. Plus, there was obvious flirting.”
“What? No there wasn’t.” Sarai put the last of white tulips in as Mickey started cutting the stems of the yellow tulips.
“There was a vibe,” Mickey said, handing her the first batch of yellows. Sarai shook her head as she put the flowers in so that their sunny buds rested on the buds of white.
“Bottom line, he invited you; go to the gym. You could use the workout, because he’s right, you know. You’ll never get the full workout at home.” Mickey said, cutting more stems.
“I’m too busy. I don’t have time.” Sarai took the fresh cut flowers from her and arranged them in the vase.
“You’re making excuses. I can finish up here, go to the gym. Go!” Mickey practically pushed her out the door. She gave in, pulled out the card from the pocket of her apron, and headed for her car.
She stopped at home just long enough to change into her cutest workout outfit.She pulled up to the address on the card. It was a large cement block building with a huge dragon painted on the side. The name Dragonstar Fitness was painted above the mural.That’s an odd name.She shrugged, got out, and entered the gym.
There were a lot of people inside. Everyone was so buff and toned. There was a boxing ring where two men were going at it. A few people were punching the heavy backs around the ring in a choreographed rhythm, almost like a dance. One woman was kicking at a bag. Sarai stopped to watch her. She was tall, taller than most women, lean and fit. Beads of sweat rolled down her ebony skin. She was dressed in a black sports bra and tight black leggings that came to her shins. Sarai looked down at her rock band t-shirt and yoga pants. The woman lifted her right leg, threw it out and spun, striking the bag with precision. She landed with grace on her feet.
Wow, if I tried, that I’d fall on my ass.
A man who stood to the side praised her for her moves. Then he demonstrated a second kick before the woman attempted to copy his every move. The man corrected her, and she tried again.
What am I doing? I don’t belong here.Sarai turned to leave.
