“These just came for you.”
My heart races. “Thanks.” I take the card. I don’t need to read it to know who sent it, but I’m dying to know what he wrote.
Hope the flowers make you smile. And no, this doesn’t count as a date.
I laugh and pick up my phone.
–Me: Do you know that in Korean flower language, hydrangeas mean heartlessness and cruelty?
–Sebastian: Ah, but that’s BLUE hydrangeas. PURPLE hydrangeas indicate sincerity and a true heart.
I grin.
–Me: Guess you did some research.
–Sebastian: Of course. When you left, the venture fell upon me. Hae Min wanted to kick my ass for what happened to you, and told me they didn’t want to proceed.
Well, there’s your answer as to why he went that far yesterday. Money and a foothold in Korea, which is a new market for Sebastian Jewelry.
I don’t know why I suddenly feel so dejected. I knew it wasn’t because he loved me or anything outlandish like that.
–Sebastian: Before you think I want the dates to salvage the project, I don’t. They agreed to continue. But I have to liaise directly with them.
My emotions shoot right back up. This simple text exchange is like a rollercoaster for my heart.
–Sebastian: By the way, keep next Saturday free for our second date.
–Me: What are we doing? Another special gallery?
–Sebastian: Nope.
–Me: What am I supposed to wear?
–Sebastian: Anything you want.
–Me: You’re unhelpful.
–Sebastian: I’m indulgent. :wink-emoji:
I shake my head with a laugh.Indulgent…?Is that what he calls his clue-deprived response?
Although I teased him about another gallery, I doubt he’ll do the same thing twice. That wouldn’t be like him.
My heart is doing cartwheels as I imagine what he’s going to do on the second date. I mentally go through what I have in my closet and decide I don’t like anything.
I’m going shopping.
I put on a bright red top, boot-cut jeans and a pair of cowboy boots I picked up in Texas on a business trip a couple of years ago. I’ve never worn them. They aren’t the kind of thing a jewelry CEO would wear to the office, and most of my time has been dedicated to Peery Diamonds.
I put simple solitaires on my ears and head out.
“James hasn’t brought the car around,” Matthias says. “Let me just call him.”
“Don’t. I want to drive myself.”
“Are you quite sure?” He’s been anxious ever since the ouster.
“Yeah. I’ll be okay.” I smile, putting on my sunglasses. “Just want to have some fun outside the house.”
