“Spent it with my boyfriend. Making the most of the summer before it ends. We were going to different colleges and decided to go our separate ways.”
“You both planned the breakup?”
Susie shrugged, “If we are meant to be, we will find our way back to each other.”
I nod my head, “Very mature approach.”
The elevator door opens, and in steps, a man with a large bouquet of yellow roses is placed on top of a rolling cart due to its weight.
“Wow, someone is loved,” Susie commented, getting on her feet to prepare to receive the package.
“I bet it’s for Aria,” I joke, “Notorious for getting an overwhelming delivery of flowers.”
The man approaches the front desk. “Delivery for a Bethany Ann DeCarlo.”
My jaw dropped open. Susie looked at me with a smile. “Guess Aria has some competition.”
Walking over to the bouquet, I pull out a card that reads:
I loved dinner, but dessert was better. I hope to do it again.
From, Hamilton Branton
I couldn’t help but smile. No one has ever sent me flowers after a first date or even bought me this large of an arrangement before.
After signing for the package, I looked to Susie and said, “Have one of the assistants bring this to my office.”
“Sure, Bethany,” she smiled.
As I walk away, I call Hamilton.
“Someone is a show-off,” I comment, laughing when he answers.
“Good thing I didn’t go for the larger option.”
“There’s a larger option?” I walk into my office. “I’ve never gotten yellow roses before. It’s different.”
“I took a culture class in college. In some cultures, it shows admiration.”
“Hm, if that’s true, that’s sweet. If it’s not, that’s a smooth line.”
Hamilton laughs. “I had a good time last night.”
“Me, too,” I admit.
As I look up, I see Emilio passing by. I managed to avoid him all morning. I hadn’t seen him or my brother for the rest of the weekend. The longer I can avoid him, the better. I was still annoyed with how he handled the boat ride. It was going smoothly until the end of the day. As I was getting ready to leave, I was stopped by Molly.
“Hey, Emilio said he wanted to see you in his office.”
I smile uncomfortably, “Thanks.”
As I walked into his office, I saw Aria still working. These glass walls sometimes were so invasive. Not that Aria would question me being in his office, but it felt like she would be part of this conversation. Opening the glass door, I find Emilio seated on the sofa in the center of the room.
“You wanted to see me?”
Emilio was reading the paper and didn’t look up, “Are you going to ignore me now?”
I scoff, “Trust me, if I could never see you again, then I would. Ignoring you is the next best thing.”
