“I think it’s time to put the princess to bed,” Mom says.
Stooping down, I gather Naomi into my arms to carry her up to the house, and I can’t stop thinking about the battle that could be ahead of me. I’ve had the paperwork for a while, but I’ve left it blank because I wasn’t sure what the right move was. With my family’s blessing, I know this is the best decision.
There might be a fight with Rebekah, or there won’t, which would be an issue in and of itself, and the last thing I want is for Naomi to be caught in the middle.
Chapter 11
Mae
Thisisprobablytheeight hundredth time I’ve questioned my life decisions while I drive to the shop. I came up with ideas to gain more business, and the handful of deliveries I made helped, which was encouraging but short-lived.
I haven’t had a customer in three days. Flowers, rather, the product has died. Things can’t keep going this way. I can’t disappoint my aunt like this.
At first, the thought of being on my own and having all this time to myself would be good. It would help me see things a little clearer. What I didn’t anticipate was how lonely it is. The only people I’ve talked to were the ones who came in a few days ago. However, the silence is telling. I haven’t heard a peep from my so-called friends back in Colorado.
Maybe I should call June. She might like a girls’ night, or maybe even dinner. Anything would help right now.
I stop at the Booked Bean to get a coffee and walk back down the street to the shop. After filling buckets with more water, I grab a couple vases to build a few arrangements, and find some music to lift the mood. I need it. I need somethinggoodto happen today.
Kiss,by Prince comes on, and I can’t help myself swaying my hips to the beat as I grab a few sprigs of eucalyptus and sing under my breath.
Then a throat clears and I freeze turning around.
Cooper, the cowboy, is back in my shop smiling instead of laughing at me.
My cheeks get hot, and if I could run out the door, I would.Please kill me. Lord strike me dead right here and now.
I’m still frozen in place as the song changes andLove Is A Battlefieldby Pat Benatar comes on.
“Hi,” Cooper says.
“Hi,” I say, reaching for my phone to turn the volume down.
I don’t know what he could need in my shop, but he’s a customer, so I have to swallow my pride regardless of the disgust he makes me feel.
“So I take it you like eighties music since this is the second time I’ve heard it playing?” Cooper asks.
I shrug. “How can I help you?” I ask him evenly.
He grabs the top of his hat, adjusting it before setting it back on his head. My eyes drop down to his mustache.
“Well, I’m not here for flowers…”
“Then why are you here?” I ask him.
His smile drops and his lips twist as he shifts on his feet.
I want to scream. I wish I knew people in this town better. Then I could ask who his wife is. I’m not a ‘look for confrontation’ kind of girl, but girl code rules here. I will go and tell her. I should text June, she’d know.
Why is it always me who gets the short end of the stick?
Stop thinking like that, Mae. It’s not like you went on a couple of dates and he dodged your attempt to kiss him. This is not that situation. He is married. This is different.
“The last few times I was here to buy flowers. But today, I’m here to see you.” He coughs nervously.
I wonder why. Maybe to cover your tracks?
I snort. “Why would you be here to see me except to buy flowers?” I ask him as anger builds in my stomach.
