“You know, we really should get going.” I wipe my mouth, dropping the napkin next to the plate. I ate half the meal but that’s it.
“And not stay for dessert?” Her mother looks horrified I would even suggest it.
“Sorry, but a last-minute event came up for the team that one of the guys can’t attend—something about a sick kid—and they need me,” I tell them. I really don’t want to sit hereand watch Alice cower to them a minute longer. I fucking hate it.
“Understandable.” Her dad nods in agreement. “Work should always come first.”
“Right.”
“Dinner was lovely,” Alice says, dropping her napkin next to her plate. It looks like she had two bites and was done.
“Thank you, Alice. We’ll see you soon. And I’ll text you my hairdresser’s number. Just in case.” Her mom gives her a hug as her dad says a quick goodbye before heading back to the lounge.
Alice grabs my hand and yanks me out of the house. She doesn’t stop until she’s leaning against the side of my Jeep.
“It feels like they like you more than they like me,” she tells me.
“That’s not true.” I smile at her. “I don’t even think they like themselves.”
She snorts a laugh. “Well, at the very least my dad likes you more than me. He was so worried we’re going to get divorced and that I’ll take you for all your money.”
“Well, we will get divorced, and if you want all my money, I’ll give you whatever you need,” I correct her.
Alice gives me a sad smile. “If all goes to plan, then I won’t need your money.”
“Fingers crossed.”
I open her car door and let her get in. We’ve only been officially married a few weeks, but it feels weird to be talking about severing this tie to her.
I don’t know what it’s going to be like when this thing ends between us, but I only hope that we come out on the other side as friends.
Because if there’s one thing I’m not willing to lose, it’s Alice.
Chapter Thirteen
ALICE
“Enchanted Petals. Alice speaking. How can I help you today?” I cradle the phone between my ear and shoulder, popping stems of roses into a polka-dot vase to put out on the floor.
“Alice. It’s Bexley Hart.”
“Bexley. Hi.” I straighten up. Why is the GM of the Black Diamonds calling me? Better yet, why is she calling the shop? “How can I help you?”
“Well, as I’m sure Declan has told you, our ring ceremony is in two weeks.”
“He mentioned it, yes.”
“Well, our florist who was doing the centerpieces backed out. She is pregnant and had to go on unexpected bed rest and can no longer handle the event. Anyway, I know this is last minute, but would you be able to help out and do it?”
“Me?”
“Yes,” Bexley tells me. “Declan speaks very highly of your skill, and we would compensate you for the short notice, but we’d love it if you could do it. Something fresh and bright for the summer.”
My mind is already spinning about gorgeous flowers that can be used in beautiful vases for the centerpieces.
Coral peonies. Ranunculus—just for Declan, of course. Lush garden roses. Hydrangeas. Dahlias. Cosmos. Add in some simple huck greenery and lush genestra, and it’ll be a masterpiece.
“You’d really want us to do it?” I ask again.
