I swallow. What the fuck is going on? I’ve been trapped in something I don’t understand.
“Carpentry, yes?” he asks and sips his water.
“That’s right. I’m a journeyman.”
Reymond nods appreciatively. “Impressive!” he says, and pulls up another wide smile, his cheeks curving just like Nicholas’s. “The repairs you’ve completed on the building were overdue. I’m so glad to see Blossom in a better state.”
I blink. Is that what this is about? Concerned parents checking on their son’s business?
Except he knows that I’m sleeping with Nicholas, I remember, mortified again.
“I’m glad you think so. It’s a special building.”
He drums his fingers on the table casually. “I’m sure you know that Nicholas is an optimist. He’s always been quite brave in that way, persevering on with his unshakable belief in a bright future. Ever since he was a kid.”
I’m pleased and not the least bit surprised to hear that he’s always been this way.
“He works hard,” I say. “Earns that optimism.”
Reymond nods, and I think he likes that I said that.
I care what his parents think of me. Shit. Shit, shit, shit.
“That he does,” he agrees. “Although like everyone, his good qualities get in his way sometimes. Did he ever tell you he had his heart set on a different building for his shop before Randy came along?”
I arch an eyebrow. “No. I never heard that story.”
“Nicholas was convinced his flower shop should be in the same location as the little flower shop he loved growing up. Even turned down Randy at first, thinking he was going to get the other building. That deal fell through and left him heartbroken, but once he accepted that it wasn’t going to work out, he was able to see how perfect the current location is.”
I study him, trying to figure out why he’s telling me this.
“I guess it turned out for the best.”
Reymond chuckles. “Just like our Nicholas always believes, it worked out exactly like it was supposed to. But that doesn’t mean it’s going to work out anything like he expected, or even wanted at the time.” He shakes his head. “Anyway. Tell me more about yourself. Any pets? Or aspirations for pets?”
Before I can answer, Nicholas and his mom return.
“Tables are loaded,” he says and turns his eyes straight to me, “and I am here to save you from whatever plots my parents are currently trying to hatch.”
“Plots,” Reymond says, like that’s ridiculous.
“No need for rescuing, anyway,” Luana adds. “We must be on our way.”
Reymond stands, so I stand, too. “Yes, yes,” he agrees. “Another busy day!”
“Glad to have met you, Clay,” Luana says. “And I’m sure we’ll cross paths again while you’re in town.”
I swallow. “Sounds good.”
When they depart, Nicholas collapses in a kitchen chair. “My sincere apologies for whatever just happened.”
I snort. “It’s fine. They’re fine.” I sit down again, suddenly exhausted. “What was that?”
I’m disoriented, but also strangely pleased.
“That was my mother pulling me aside to ask me if things with you were serious. And after I answered, she spent several minutes trying to fit the tables into the rear of the car while assuring me that she and my father are supportive of casual sex.”
I rub my jaw, feeling my beard growing out. He told his parents we aren’t serious, which is correct. But it sucks, anyway, and makes me grouchy.
