The store is quiet right now, with the only person here talking with Leon at the counter. His eyes keep flitting to mine. I only hope they can’t hear this conversation.
“I’m not going to argue with you about this. I have things I need to do.”
I don’t know how many times I can have this conversation with them. I wish they would understand. Understand what I want to do with my life.
But they don’t.
As I’m turning on my heel to head back to the office, she stops me.
“We expect you both at dinner next week.”
“Me and Declan?”
“Yes.” Her lips are drawn into a thin line.
It’s her look of annoyance. No doubt because I dismissed her by ending the conversation early. Something I’m sure I’ll hear about later.
“But—"
“Declan doesn’t have a game. We already checked,” she answers.
Shit. There goes my excuse.
“Will you send me the details?”
She nods, turning and leaving. The chimes ring out as the door closes behind her. Nerves are already settling in my stomach at the thought of having dinner with them.
“You okay?” Leon asks as I duck around the counter.
“Fine.”
“You don’t look fine.”
“Just my mom doing my father’s dirty work.”
“Ahh.” A knowing look washes over his face. “What position opened up?”
“Entry-level analyst.”
He rolls his eyes. “Perfect if you love numbers.”
“If only I did,” I sigh, pushing open the office door to resume my work.
Maybe if I didn’t like flowers so much, my parents might like me more. But it’s the flowers I like. Working with numbers to make Enchanted Petals stay open? Those I can do.
Being elbow deep in floral creations every day is what Iwant to do. Not whiling away my time in an office with no windows.
I love the smell of flowers. The feel of the petals under my fingertips. Even the pinch of a thorn doesn’t bother me.
Bold bouquets. Fresh centerpieces. Corsages for dances. Things that make people happy.
That’s what I want to do. What I want to create.
I’m glad to have a husband who supports me. He’s never tried to convince me I needed to do anything else and has always been my biggest cheerleader.
Having him in my corner means the world. Because I know with him by my side, Enchanted Petals will be mine when Leon decides to retire.
With the right person, it makes it easy to chase your dream.
