“You always play better when you’re not overthinking the game. Paris is the perfect distraction.”
Everyone’s gaze honed in on Richard.
“Is this the beginning of something interesting in your life?” John asked.
“I don’t have time for anything interesting,” he mumbled. Although the same thought had gone through his head. Too many times. “And even if I did, I wouldn’t know where to start. I haven’t dated anyone since college.”
Wyatt held up his hand when everyone started talking at once. “We’re in the middle of a game. Hold off on the relationship advice until we’re finished.”
While John and Ethan told Wyatt what they thought of his plan, Richard breathed a sigh of relief. Hopefully, by the time this round was over, no one would care about his issues.
And if he believed that, he was seriously delusional.
Chapter 12
For the first time since she’d decided to rent the cottage on Anchor Lane, Paris was really stressed. Even the bidding at this morning’s flower market felt more strained. She didn’t know whether it was her or if everyone was feeling the pressure of too many weddings and not enough staff.
Opening a flower shop in the middle of all the craziness wasn’t helping. The people she regularly met at the market gave her lots of advice and good wishes, but that didn’t help the weight sitting on her shoulders.
By the time she opened the back door of Blooming Lovely, she was sure something catastrophic was going to happen. She frowned when she saw Jackie. “Hi. You’re early.”
“I saw how many online orders were placed yesterday. I figured if I couldn’t sleep, I might as well come into work. You’re back earlier than usual, too.”
“All the flowers we wanted were auctioned first. I was glad to leave.”
Jackie glanced at her before reaching for another rose. “That’s not like you.”
Paris slid the first flower box into the refrigerator. “I’m worried about Saturday. I still have to make half the displays for The Flower Cottage, and Mrs. Kingston called. She wants to change the table centerpieces.”
“She can’t do that. Her daughter’s wedding is in five days.”
“I told her it would be impossible to find the crystal vases she wants, but she’d already found a supplier.”
“That sounds like her.” Jackie placed the bouquet she’d made in a special vase and ticked the order off their list. “Will the flowers you chose work with the new centerpieces?”
“I hope so. The company are fast-tracking a sample vase to me. I bought some extra flowers at the market to see if I can make it work. I’ll be back soon.”
Jackie followed Paris outside and picked up two boxes. “Whatever you do will look amazing. Once you’ve settled on a design, take a picture of it. That way, it will be easier to recreate it when we’re making the actual centerpieces.”
Paris turned to her friend. She was so overwhelmed with gratitude that tears stung her eyes. “You’re already helping with the barn. Are you sure you can help with the centerpieces?”
“Of course, I can, and so will Kylie. We’ll meet you at The Flower Cottage after work on Thursday. If they take longer than we think to make, Doris and Andrea won’t mind being on standby. They enjoyed your flower arranging classes and said they’d help, too.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“We know how busy you are, so there’s no need to say anything.”
“I’ll owe everyone dinner after the weekend’s over. I’m just grateful Nadine isn’t getting married until four o’clock.”
Jackie grinned. “I’m surprised her mom hasn’t changed the time of the wedding, too.”
“Shh,” Paris whispered. “She might hear you and think it’s a great idea.”
“And no one wants that.” Jackie carried her flowers inside.
After she’d left, Paris took a moment to appreciate the quiet serenity of the morning. She’d worked hard all weekend, creating satin-wrapped frames for the display panels in her store, spraying ornate metal tables with white paint, ordering more business cards, and booking newspaper advertising for next weekend.
Tomorrow would be her last day at Blooming Lovely. From Wednesday, she was completely focused on Nadine’s wedding and getting The Flower Cottage ready for the grand opening. Regardless of what Andrea and Jackie had said, she was terrified something would go wrong.
