“No, and she shouldn’t be saying anything. I thought that was in the clause.” We moved on to the next green in the golf cart. The sun was beating down on me, sweat beading at my neck. But it was still relaxing somehow. Sometimes we play racquetball, but the weather was nice today.
“Yeah, it us. Just checking. She doesn’t seem like the type to listen.” He laughed. That was for sure.
“How is Natalie?” He asked. We stopped at the next tee and got set up.
“You still have the hots for my sister?” I accused, he laughed off the joke. It was a running joke we had for years.
He came home with me one year or Christmas, I think our sophomore year. When he met Natalie, he was all flustered and nervous. Made me mad, because she was my sister. But he never did anything about it.
“Nope. Way out of my league. Plus, I am engaged you know.” I furrowed my brow in confusion.
“Engaged?” I thought of his girlfriend from a while back, but I didn’t know if they were serious or not.
“Yeah, Gabriella. Don’t you remember?” he shook his head and swung, easily making it in the close tee.
“Yeah, I remember. But haven’t you been engaged for like eight years?” I chuckled. If he was, he has horrible game.
“Ten.”
He answered. I took my turn, and made it in too so we moved on. The course was pretty packed today, and I ignored the wandering glances of all the women. Most of them were with their boyfriends or husbands, and that still wasn’t deterring them. It’s kind of a shame.
“That’s a long time, man.” I shook my head as I laughed. He shrugged in response.
“She wanted to wait until her fellowship started. She got a good spot at the hospital a few weeks ago so she finally decided to start planning it.” There was happiness in his voice, and it was good to see him happy.
At least someone still has faith in love and marriage. Maybe I just need some time, but right now I don’t need it. I hadn’t even had sex with anyone since that woman at the gala. Maybe with my hand, thinking of her, but I had no desire to anymore. I didn’t expect her to even have that much of an effect on me, but she did. I couldn’t stop thinking about her, she was the first thing on my mind every morning.
Her soft, creamy skin, her tight pussy, those lips, her taste…god, it was maddening.
“That’s awesome man. When will it be?” I asked him.
“Two weeks…”
I coughed in surprise. “Two weeks?”
“Yeah…that’s why I actually need your help.” I arched my brow. He never asked for help.
“What’s up?” I went for the last tee. He was quiet as we packed up, must be a big favor.
“I just got this new case at the last minute. And I have to impress the senior partners so I can finally move up from partner to senior partner too. And the case is already taking a lot of time, I won’t able to make all the tea times and what not for wedding planning.”
He stalled the golf cart at the clubhouse. The valet took it back and we walked inside.
“Sounds serious. What do you need my help with?” I glanced at him.
He gestured to the bar. A few drinks sounded really good right about now.
“Everything.”
“Everything?”
He nodded once. What the hell did that mean?
“Yeah, I mean I want you to be my best man.” I was a little shocked, and honored too. He has other friends he could have asked. “Can you?” he asked.
“Yeah.” I ordered a neat scotch and he got a vodka soda. “I’d be honored.” I added.
“Thanks. And uh, would you mind planning the wedding with Gab?” I nearly spat my drink out.
“I’m…not sure what that really means.” He chuckled nervously and scratched the back of his head.
“There are a lot of things I’m supposed to go to. I’ve got the cake tasting, choosing the menu, and then the florist just quit on us because of how short notice it is.”
“You want me to do all that? Isn’t that a little odd considering I am not the one marrying Gabrielle?” I laughed. He just tried his pleading face with me, the same one he would use to get me to do his science and math homework in college.
“Yeah. Since you’re my best man and all…” I groaned and sunk into my bar stool.
It wasn’t that I didn’t want to help him, honestly. But if it were anything other than planning a wedding, I would be fine. I knew it would just remind me of Vivian and the shit she put me through. But I didn’t want to divulge all that with him. He doesn’t need that negativity around his wedding.
“Will you do it?” He shoved me, and I feigned a glare before downing my second scotch. The bartender was on point with the refills.
“Buy me dinner, then I’ll decide.”
Chapter Eleven: Emilia
Every morning was different since that night at the ball. I found myself checking my phone every morning for more than my email. I kept hoping he had somehow found me, and had sent me a message saying he wanted to see me. But I was stuck in some impossible fairy tale.
I would get up and sulk over my coffee, wishing something remotely exciting would happen to me, but of course it never did. Then I would eat a sad bowl of oatmeal, go for a walk or run and then pull myself out of it. Because good things had come of that night as well.
My business.
I laced up my new shoes to go into work. Yeah, I had bought new shoes for the first time in months. It had been four weeks since that ball, one month and I had already done three other events. An anniversary, graduation ceremony, and a commencement address for the local college. Sasha was mostly to thank, she told me when anyone asked about the arrangement, she would direct them right to me.
“It was so beautiful, I knew you would do a good job. But that was amazing! I think it’s how I got so much money.” She laughed softly. Sasha had stopped by the next Monday, somehow looking at her made me think of that man and then I was blushing.
“Thank you. And thank you so much for the opportunity.” I smiled back at her.
She was walking through the new array of sunflowers; their bloom was pretty much perfect this time. She looked like she belonged in a garden with her fuchsia sundress on, and her long hair flowing on its own. She must spend a fortune on her hair to keep it looking so healthy.
“Oh, please. You deserve it. Oh, I hope you don’t mind but a few of my friends asked about you and I gave them your number.”
My eyes widened in shock. That means connections, people know about me. Of course, I didn’t mind!
“No, not at all. That is very kind of you.”
She grabbed two bundles of the flowers and came over to the check-out desk. I rang her up, but she always gives me the same amount; a crisp one-hundred-dollar bill. I learned a long time ago that protesting it wouldn’t do anything for me.
“It’s no problem. I loved that arrangement, I almost didn’t want to take it down.” She smiled, the corners of her mouth only slightly wrinkling.
“Was the event a good turnout though?” I asked her.
“Oh yeah, we surpassed our goal. Bryan and I were very pleased.” Bryan was her husband and partner in crime. When I saw them together, I envied her but in a good way. I wanted that; to one day be so happy next to the love of my life. It was obvious how much he loves her, the way he looks upon her with such adoration.
“That’s amazing.” I wrapped up the flowers and tied them off with ribbon.
“Please, let me know if they call you. I’ll be back soon.” She waved over her shoulder as she headed out.
“I will, see you!”
She always came every week. The next time she came, I was preparing for the anniversary for a sweet, older couple. They said they were at the gala that night, and that the lilacs reminded me of their wedding. Of course, that brought my mind right back to that stranger.
I was currently free; all my events were finished. I hoped for another of course, but the last three exhausted me so I kind of
just wanted to slow down. I took a long lunch and went to meet Ivy in the city. She worked in an office building and the design firm took up about ten floors. But there was a nice sky café we always went to there.
“Anything new today?” She asked me, furiously stabbing her salad with her fork.
“No. I’m still recovering from the last few weeks.” I told her.
She was doing well too, she had gotten a promotion to executive assistant. The only difference was a better pay and access to the dump closet. That’s what they call the room where they discard the old fashions. She was so good at her design though, that she managed to make the striped romper she wore look like it was still in style.
“I can imagine. More work will come too, you’re official. Have you gotten the business cards yet?” She gasped.
“Ugh, no. I keep forgetting to go to the post office! They’re just sitting there.” I laughed, not believing I was that tired and busy.
“You’re insane…still thinking about that guy?” She asked. I made a face.
“Sometimes,” I shrugged. I think about him all the time, about how he felt and about how he made me feel. If I ever saw him again though, I don’t even know what I would do.
“You might run into him again. And if you just ask Sasha, you might find out who he is.” She scolded. She had been telling me to ask Sasha since day one, and I just couldn’t do it.
I don’t really take charge like that, and I wouldn’t know what to do if she gave me his contact info or anything. Yeah, I was adventurous that night, but that isn’t really who I am. And there is no way I can do it twice.
“I can’t. It’s fine anyway, he’ll be a distant memory soon.”
~
Back at the shop, I watered a few of the begonias sitting on the windowsill. They are outdoor plants, so I keep them by the window. I haven’t started putting anything out front yet because I still haven’t set up the surveillance cameras, and people steal the oddest things.
Once I did that, I was about ready to go. I tugged on my sweater and my phone went off with an email. I glanced at it, and didn’t recognize the sender’s address so I just held off looking at it until I got home.
Since it was the middle of the month, I went through my much-hated process of sending bill payments out so they would arrive before the fifteenth. Once I paid everything, I had a few hundred left over. I put some in savings, and kept the rest. If I needed something, it was nice to know I could pretty much just buy it now. Within reason, of course.
And I had real food.
I started making some chicken spaghetti, and sat in front of the television while the noodles cooked. I remembered that email and got to looking at it.
Hello Miss Michelle,
This is Levi Daniels. I received your contact information from a friend of Mrs. Hallows. I am getting married in two weeks and my florist backed out. I know it is last minute, but I want to book you for the event. Whatever your rates are, I will double it. I want this to be perfect for my fiancé and me. I will meet you at your shop tomorrow at noon if you’re up for it.
I read the email over. He really did seem desperate, and I think it was sweet that he wants to please his fiancé so much. I had a few days of break from the last event, so there was no reason to say no. it’s just that weddings are so different, and I was afraid the short notice would make it hard to get things ordered on time. We would have to start right away.
I replied saying I would meet him, it was passed appropriate business hours so I didn’t expect a reply. My dinner tasted even better knowing I had another client. I wasn’t sure if I would charge him double though, but of course there is nothing I can do if he insists.
Chapter Twelve: Tristan
I had nothing to do the next day except dread the coming ones. Mom always seemed to know when I was down in the dumps. It was the middle of the day and I was laid out on my couch, watching Tech Specs.
“Hey, mom.”
“Hi honey, what are you doing? Probably nothing.”
“Spot on. I was actually trying to find a florist for Levi. He’s getting married and he asked me to be his best man.”
“Oh, that’s sweet. You two have always been so close. But why are you trying to find a florist?” She asked me.
“Theirs quit and he asked me to help him out with all of the planning. He has this case keeping him busy; wants everything to be perfect for Gabrielle.” I explained, my voice even.
“Oh, that’s sweet honey. Why do you pretend to be mean? Anyway, won’t it be hard for you?” She asked me.
“Not really. Vivian hired a planner.” I murmured. I suspected she would ask me that. And I especially didn’t want to tell Natalie because she would definitely give me hell for it.
“I see. Well if you need a florist I know a really good one. She actually did the charity ball for Sasha, she hired her.”
My breath stilled. The thought of that ball brought me back to the woman in the maze. And the flowers I fucked her up against.
“Really?” I cleared my throat.
“Yeah. I’ll send you her info.” Seconds later, my phone went off with her message.
“Thanks. How are you and dad?” I should probably call my dad more, but I never needed to most of the time. He usually bothers me about twice every month.
“Good, we are working on another development. I actually think it will be our last one.” She sighed.
“Really? Retiring already?” I smirked. Mom and dad weren’t that old.
“Maybe. We haven’t really thought about it. Just a thought right now. I have to go into this meeting but I’ll talk to you later on.”
“Okay, bye mom.”
“I love you.”
I checked the contact information and sent it to Levi. Hopefully he wasn’t too busy that he couldn’t coordinate with the florist himself. Emilia Michelle was her name, it almost sounded like a pen name. Suitable enough for a florist.
He said his thanks and I continued watching television in peace. I was too young to not be working. Maybe I should start another company, I kind of missed the work. The technology part of it, not the business side. This time I would bring someone in for all of that.
I dismissed the thought for a moment, but I was always intent on doing something with mobile apps and wired connectivity. I could partner with a bigger company, or do it on my own. But like my mom and dad retiring, it was just a thought.
I spent the rest of the night with a few beers and a movie, and I ended up falling asleep on the couch. I woke back up with the sun trickling in my eyes and I groaned. Realizing I was still on the couch I got up slowly and made my way back to my bed and shut my blinds. I was just falling back asleep when I heard my phone ring.
“Hello?” I asked groggily
“Dude, it’s eleven in the morning,” Levi said.
Fair enough.
“What’s up?” I rolled out on my bed, putting my phone on speaker. I yawned as I rubbed the water from my eyes. I’m getting old, that has to be why I wake up so sore.
“I can’t make it to meet the florist at noon. Help me out, please?”
He sounded like he was driving, speeding too. I didn’t want him getting into an accident or something.
“Sure man, don’t sweat it.”
“Thanks, I’ll send you the address.” He hung up.
I groaned and tried to get a few more minutes of sleep, but then I read his message and found out the meeting was across town at noon, I had to get up.
“Fuck, me.”
Chapter Thirteen: Emilia
I decided to call Ivy and tell her the good news.
“Hey, are you busy?” I asked her.
“Nope, just sorting the boss’s emails.” She groaned. That is arguably her least favorite part of the job, the clerical stuff.
“I just got another client. A wedding.”
“Oh yay, I love weddings!” She squealed. It made me laugh because I know she only likes them because I bring her. She finally go
t to break her dry spell at the last one.
“I know you do. Anyway, I’m meeting him tomorrow at the shop. I just wanted to tell you so I could make it official.” I laughed.
“Aw, well I’m happy for you. See, something good did come out of that ball.” Yeah, and into me too.
“Yeah, that’s true.”
We talked for a little bit before we both had to turn in.
The next morning, I went for my run and then showered after my coffee for breakfast. My stomach still got knots when I meet with new clients. I dressed in slacks and a silk, purple blouse. I pinned my hair up and put on some lipstick, I wanted to look presentable for the first meeting. Usually, they see me in my flower clothes which are just jeans and a ratty old tee.
I headed to the shop and got there around noon. I usually opened up about one anyway. When I rounded the corner, I nearly tripled in my heels.
I did a double take, even rubbed my eyes and checked to see if I had five fingers and not six before I accepted it. The man from the party was standing outside the shop. He was very concentrated on what was on his phone screen, but it was him. Dashing as ever in his jeans, crisp, linen white shirt, and a messy array of dark blonde hair falling over his forehead.
I felt my heart in my throat, and my chest in my stomach. Or the other way around. I didn’t know what was even going on at all. I couldn’t believe it. The feelings of that night came flooding back to me, and he was so attractive I felt it all over again. The heat creeping up my neck, the clench of my thighs and belly. My fingers were clammy, but it all went away when I put the pieces together.
It was him. He was the groom. He was getting married. Why else would he be at my shop? I never imagined his name being Levi, but I knew it was him who emailed me. Him who was getting married and wants to make his fiancé happy. One month wasn’t long enough to fall in love and get married, he must have been engaged that night. Bile rose in my throat in disgust.
Everything I thought of him, the fantasy I built up just came crashing down. I stepped back around the corner, leaning on the wall as I tried to catch my breath. I almost felt sick. Perhaps because I was both devastated and confused, mostly hurt at the truth. When I felt the wetness in my eyes I mentally cursed him for even making me feel this way.
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