CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
FINN
The day of my lunch with NotAnOgre has arrived, and the morning begins with a good omen in the form of promising news for The Scoop. There’s a letter waiting for me when I arrive to the shop, addressed from the garage across the street. Written from Chase and signed by all the mechanics, it begins with a sincere apology for the trouble they’ve caused and goes on to outline a number of meaningful steps they’re taking to improve the noise level.
Relief washes over me, a real end to the disruption seeming possible. Quickly, my thoughts return to Riley. I can’t help but wonder if our hookup at Pride had something to do with this, although I recall a similar question after the con, and his insistence that business matters were strictly non-emotional considerations.
Regardless, the apology and attempt to make amends are appreciated, and I’ll be glad to share this news when the rest of the block gets together later for a scheduled meeting.
After Miranda and Kenneth show up, I find a quiet moment to swing by the flower shop. I need to pick up a sprig of lavender, but more than that, I’m eager to see my friends.
Kavya and Nicholas are busy in the back when I arrive, Nicholas snipping away at pink and purple flowers while Kavya moves cardboard boxes and paper bags around. Clay is there, too, holding a vase in each hand for Nicholas to drop his flowers in.
“Full house!” I say as I join them all.
“It’s a busy day for everyone,” Nicholas says. He hands me a small Bloom gift bag. “A sprig of lavender for your boutonniere,” he says. “Good luck on your big date.”
“Thank you!” I say, grateful. After checking out the gorgeous purple flowers, I return them to the bag along with my phone and wallet, and swing it in one hand. “With lavender flowers, what could go wrong?” I glance around the room. “What’s keeping everyone else so busy?”
Clay frowns. “I’ve got a Glube problem.”
“Uh-oh,” I say. “The renovations aren’t working out?”
“I offered to help arrange community funds to cover the project, but cranky old Xander won’t even consider it. I’m headed over to make one last pitch.”
“I’m sorting the last boxes of old art and delivering them to the center,” Kavya says as she places a small box on the table. “It’s kind of a pain in the ass, but easier than talking to the Glube man.”
“You’d think free renovations would be appealing,” Clay mumbles.
Nicholas cuts a few more flowers. “It’s a triple wedding day for me,” he says as he arranges them in a full vase. “And considering the big personalities that are tying the knot, it’s taking everything we’ve got to match the excitement of the events.”
“I’m missing another opportunity for baroque exuberance,” Kavya notes. “At the festivals and markets, people only want bouquets that are simple and easy to carry around. Weddingsare where I get to shine. But Nicholas had a stroke of inspiration this morning.”
Kavya is brilliant at arranging flowers from supplies no one else thinks to use, like flower heads that turn a striking orange as they go to seed, tendrils of new spring growth with surprising purple streaks, and leaves scorched with red from excessive sun. She creates combinations of textures, colors, and shapes that I’ve truly never seen before.
“Bloom is sponsoring the art show,” Nicholas explains. “We’re making a cash contribution, and on top of that, donating some especially baroque exuberances to the opening.”
“When I’m the client, I get to do exactly what I want,” Kavya says with an excited glint in her eyes. “For today, though, I should get these boxes moving so I can make it back for the afternoon shift.” She puts one last box on the cart. “How are things down the block? Business okay at The Scoop?”
I lean against the counter. “It seems to be building steadily. I have renewed cause for optimism, though. Chase sent a letter along apologizing for the disruption and offering some proactive solutions. I suspect Riley encouraged him on that front.”
“That’s great,” Nicholas says. “You’ve really come around on Riley, too. You used to lament how awful he was. Now you suspect he’s a secret force for good. I guess a steamy hookup or two can help with that.”
“I don’t think I changed my tune because of the sex,” I say, but catch myself with a chuckle. “Okay. The sex helped. It was extremely satisfying sex. Like, 'wobbly knees all afternoon' sex. But all that said, I really do think his heart is in the right place. I know he’s rough around the edges, but he’s considerate, too, in his own way. He cares about the bikers, takes his responsibilities seriously, and he knows how to enjoy himself. The energy between us has been combative, but now it’s grown into something different.” I shake my head, dismissing thosethoughts. “Luckily, I don’t need to worry myself about what it means. I’ve got a mystery date today to occupy my attention.”
Nicholas smiles. “It will be so cool if you fall for the guy you’ve been writing with for years. I mean, hey, the love of my life inherited the building where I work. Sometimes fate has a role to play.”
Clay throws an arm over Nicholas’s shoulder and smiles at him, light in his eyes.
“The meetup is this afternoon,” I tell them, and butterflies dance in my stomach, excitement and nervousness bubbling up. “It’s been years, and NotAnOgre has become special to me. This could be the beginning of something major in my life. And even if it’s not romantic, I’m going to try to fight off any disappointment. A new, trusted friend is pretty exciting, too.”
Kavya smiles. “Can’t wait to hear how it goes.”
I nod. “Can I help you with the boxes? The rest of the block should be arriving to The Scoop soon. I’m going to share the good news with them.”
Kavya accepts my help, and we head up the street with the cart, chatting on the way. After we drop off at the center, I return to The Scoop and find a small crowd has already arrived.
Miranda waves from behind the counter as she serves up coffee milkshakes.
