“Stickability?”
“Most of the jobs I’ve had have only lasted for a year or two.”
“You’re still a florist.”
Paris’ hands tightened around the canvases. “I guess I’ve changed.”
Richard wondered what he’d said to make her frown. “Would you like a ride to Blooming Lovely? I could drop you off on my way to The Welcome Center.”
“I’ll be okay. It’s only a five-minute walk.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive. Thanks for looking at my ideas.”
Richard nodded. “That’s what I’m here to do.”
“Enjoy the rest of the evening. If you have any questions, I’ll be at Blooming Lovely until about nine o’clock.”
Holding open the door, he watched her leave. So much for trying to understand Paris. All he’d done was make her look uncomfortable. Again.
“You’re awfully quiet,” Jackie said as she added another rose to a bouquet. “Did something happen at the cottage?”
Paris glanced at her friend before reaching for another flower. “Everything’s fine. Richard said the first coat of paint should be on the walls by tomorrow night.”
“That’s fantastic. But, if the remodeling is going to plan, why do you look so worried?”
“I can’t stop thinking that I’ve forgotten something.”
“Have you checked the project plan you worked on with Shelley and Kylie?”
“I’ve looked at it so many times it’s embedded in my brain.”
Jackie handed her a blue ribbon. “Is there anything you still need to do?”
“No. Everything has been ticked off or is in the process of being finished. The only thing I’m worried about is the shelves. Richard thought the set I’ve ordered won’t be strong enough to take the weight of the flowers.”
“Did he have any suggestions on how you could make them sturdier?”
“He said he’d have a look at the sample set when it arrives. There might be a bracket or something he can add.” Paris tied a ribbon around the bouquet she was making and held it toward Jackie. “What do you think?”
“It’s perfect.” With a flourish, she ticked a box on the spreadsheet behind them. “Four down, one to go. It’s not often we have to make five bridesmaids’ bouquets for a wedding.”
“I don’t have enough friends to invite five people to walk down the aisle with me.”
Jackie laughed. “Same here. If we ever get married, promise me you’ll be my bridesmaid. Otherwise, I’ll be walking down the aisle on my own.”
The weight on Paris’ shoulders lifted. “I promise to be your bridesmaid as long as you’ll be mine.”
“It’s a deal,” Jackie said with a grin. “You do realize there’s a significant issue with our forward planning, don’t you?
Paris carried the bouquet across to the large refrigerator. “Would that be our terrible dating history, the lack of single men in Sapphire Bay, or not having enough time to talk to anyone outside of work?”
“When you put it like that, I think we should prepare for a long single life.”
After Paris’ disastrous dating experience, the thought of being single was more appealing than having her heart broken again. “Just think of all the extra money we’ll have. We can travel the world, stay in exclusive resorts, and drink as many frozen margaritas as we like.”
“You could open a chain of flower cottages around the world. I’ll help you find the best locations and train other florists.”
