“Works for me.”
Once I finish clearing out my locker, I have the rest of the afternoon free, and I know Alice is at the shop. I’ll drop in and see if she wants to come. Her schedule isn’t as flexible, but I know her boss. Leon loves me. It’d only be two days off, and I want one last celebration with my best friend before it’s time to come back down from the stratosphere.
Besides, how can she say no to her best friend?
Chapter Three
ALICE
“Alice, where are we on the Banning wedding?” Leon asks.
Grabbing the clipboard hanging on the wall, I give it a quick scan. “Only the bridesmaids bouquets are left to do.”
“Perfect. Let’s get those wrapped up today so we can get them ready for delivery.”
“Will do.”
“And let me know what you want for lunch. Jacob is going to bring it by since we have our floral workshop tonight.”
“Where is he going?”
“The new ramen place on Fifth.”
My mouth waters at the thought of it. “I have been wanting to try it forever, but I haven’t been able to get in.”
Leon gives me a dazzling, white smile. His bald head shines bright under the overhead lights. Tattoos stretch down both arms under his redEnchanted PetalsT-shirt. “You mean you can’t get your bestie to get you an in?”
I wave him off. “You know I would never bother him during the playoffs.”
“Honey, that man would do anything you asked him to.”
I smile as I set the clipboard down and head to the coolerin the back of the store to grab flowers to start work. “Just because you got married doesn’t mean everyone is loved up.”
“I can’t help it if I’m in the honeymoon phase and want everyone to be in love.”
“Leon,” I groan. “Please don’t try setting me up again.”
He waves me off. “I know, I know. You’d rather spend every night with your flowers than go out and enjoy life.”
“Hey,” I scoff. “I do not.”
“Really?”
With one quirk of an eyebrow, I know I’m made.
“Sue me that I’m better with flowers than people.”
“Because flowers don’t talk back.”
“More like flowers don’t care that I’m awkward.”
He laughs and strolls back to the office. Grabbing my apron off the hook, I grab a bundle of peonies and head to the workbench.
The perfume of flowers scents the air. Dried bouquets hang over the black-and-white diamond tiled floors. Refinished bookshelves line the walls that sell various candles and reed diffusers. Oversized buckets filled with fresh blooms take up the entirety of the main desk.
I get lost in my work, in finding the perfect colors to create a work of art. I create masterpieces for everyday life and moments to remember. This is why I love what I do. Why I have never wanted to do anything else in life.
The bell above the door chimes, pulling me away from the last bouquets I’m making. “Welcome to Enchanted Petals. How can I help you?”
