Page 91 of Hexed & Hazy

“Um… yes and no. I’m actually here to get a gift. For Rowan.”

He narrows his eyes. “Rowan Hawthorne?”

“Uh-huh. We’re… seeing each other.”

That’s true—we are, and it’s still new, but the words don’t feel like enough to describe what we really are. Heat creeps up my neck, and I have a feeling that Donnie—a pleasure demon—knows exactly what’s going on.

Or maybe it’s my anxiety talking.

“Then we’ll have to put together the perfect bouquet,” he says. “Especially when she was just at the ball with… who was it again? David?”

I nod stiffly. Dave was once a good friend of mine, and a little more than that. There’s no reason for me to still feel so jealous, not now that she picked me. I’m sure it wasn’t a simple choice. He would be a better boyfriend, but I’m willing to work hard and pass whatever expectations she has for me.

“Ah, well. Sometimes things take a turn that way. Do you know what sort of flowers she enjoys?”

“I don’t…” My lips tug up at the corners. “But I’ve had a bouquet in mind for her for a while.”

“Shall we see what you can put together?”

“I’m not as good as you⁠—”

“Nevertheless, I would like to see.” He gestures around the shop. “Go on.”

Lavender roses. Delphinium. White lisianthus. Dusty Miller. White starflower. And a sprig of rosemary. I bundle the flowers together in a vase, and Donnie looms behind me, quiet.

“Well…?” I turn to him. “What do you think?”

He tilts his head to the side. “I was worried that the blue of the delphinium would overpower the lavender roses, but all the white flowers bring a lovely balance. I think she’ll like it.”

Maybe he’s right. Maybe the colors are too bright—especially for Rowan, who has always seemed so perfectly muted.

“Are you sure?”

“Oh, yes. I’m positive. And you’d better tell her you arranged it yourself. That will certainly earn you some points.” He inspects me quietly. “Now, tell me. Have you given any further thought to the community garden?”

I shake my head. “I haven’t had time for any of that.”

Between hexes, taking care of my mom, working, and spending time with Rowan, I’ve had other things to focus on. But now… well, I’m not worried about the hex anymore. Or I shouldn’t be. There’s no doing away with any of my other responsibilities, though. I need my job at the café. Do I really have time for another full-time project?

Rowan would understand if I had to shift my attention a little, but I want this to be different. I don’t want something that will take my attention away from her. Scarlet could confirm what I already know: my one-track mind can make me a bad boyfriend.

But how much can I juggle? And how upset would Rowan be if she knew I was turning down this opportunity?

“I’ll get back to you soon,” I say. “Promise.”

“Well, if you promise… I have good news for you as well.” He turns around and dips into his office, returning with a plant in a familiar brown, glossy pot. “Your calathea, ready to return home.”

My eyes widen. “Really? I have the grow light ready⁠—”

“Good.” He nods. “Then, with the warmer seasons sure to come, I think this little one will do much better.”

I can’t fight the smile on my face. After a weekend of highs and lows—hell, a month of highs and lows—this is exactly the win I need.

I take the pot in my free arm. “Thanks, man.”

Someone enters the shop and gasps—Farrah. Instead of going to the café, she beelines right for Donnie and me.

“Those are so pretty,” she gushes. “Are they for someone special?”