“I’m doing just fine. And how are you sir?”
“Good. Good. I’m Cash Lowell, but my friends call me Cash, please.”
“Cash,” she replied with reservation.
He spread his hands and rested them on the high desk, leaning forward slightly. “Really though, I’m not doin’ too well, Daphne. I’ve got a problem with my heart.”
She leaned away. “I’m sorry to hear that.” She wasn’t warming up to him. He scrambled to come up with something better, but he was such an idiot with these things.
A security guard approached from the hallway, his long fingers hanging by the Taser on his belt. Had Daphne alerted him? Was he scaring her? He wasn’t trying to. Sweat trickled down his back. This was a mess.
“Yeah, you see, this woman swooped into my life not too long ago and she worked her way right in here.” He tapped his chest with two fingers. “I can’t sleep, I forget to eat, and I can’t get my work done. She’s all I’m thinkin’ about all day and all night.”
“Isn’t that sweet.” Daphne nodded.
“I was hopin’ you could help me out with my heart condition.”
“I’m not sure what I can do for you Cash.” Her eyes went to the guard, who now stood within five feet of the two of them. Tasing distance. Shoot.
Cash reached for his phone. “I’ve got her name and number right here. I can call her and she’ll vouch for me if you want that. I’m sure she would give me the address to their site, but you see, if I ask for it, then she’s going to know something’s coming and I kind of want to surprise her.”
Daphne’s lips went white, she pressed them together so tight. Cash could picture her zipping them up and throwing away the key.
“Please?” he said quietly.
“I told you on the phone—I can’t give out that information.”
Cash’s shoulders fell and he dropped his head.
“I can,” came a chipper little voice behind him. Cash spun to find Carolyn grinning like a fool.
“What are you doin’ here?” he asked.
“Rubi asked me to deliver some things.” She handed two envelopes to Daphne. “Cindy’s secretary should know what to do with these.”
“Thank you, Carolyn. You’re looking good.” Daphne was all smiles and warm welcomes for Rubi’s sister. Cash scowled before he remembered that he could still use her help.
“I recently lost a hundred and eighty pounds of stupid,” said Carolyn.
Cash laughed. “That’s one way to look at.” He smacked the counter. “I’ve been busy too. I took out a hundred and eighty pounds of trash.”
“Yes, you did.” Carolyn pecked a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you.”
Cash warmed, knowing he’d done a good thing. “I was happy to do it. You’re better than him.”
“I didn’t believe that until recently.” She rubbed her hands together. “Now, what is it you need?”
“I need Rubi,” he blurted. He widened his eyes and lifted his hands. “I mean, I want to send her flowers.”
Carolyn shook her head. “Do you really want to send my sisterflowers?” She saidflowersas if they were dead fish heads.
“Yes?” Five seconds ago, this had been the best idea ever. Now, he wondered if Rubi was allergic, had a petal phobia, or just plain hated all things floral.
Carolyn sighed and exchanged a look with Daphne. “She can buy all the flowers she wants.”
“True. But she can’t buy flowers from me,” he argued. “Doesn’t the thought count for anything?”
“Yes!” Carolyn lifted a hand. “And the thought should be big, huge, something she will never expect.”
