by Jessica Yeh
Kadence didn’t know how to object. She couldn’t.
“Look, Kae, you need to stop saying things you think I want to hear. You’re trying too hard to make everyone else happy and get their approval. But honestly, I am happy.” Melody’s thumb fiddled to twist her engagement ring around her finger.
“I just want you to be happy. With whoever brings you that happiness.” She ducked her head to meet Kadence’s with sincerity. “I know Avery makes you happy, as weird and stupid as she may be.” Melody released an eyerolling chuckle. “But, Kae, you’re being stupid, too. You’re running away and hiding because you don’t want to take a chance. Or you’re afraid to offend me. Or hurt someone’s feelings.”
She couldn’t find it in her heart to defend herself because as always, her big sister knew her much too well.
“And it’s just going to result in you hurting yourself in the end. And I don’t want to see you do that. I’m not saying she’s perfect, because trust me, I can find about a billion things I’d like to change about her.”
Kadence frowned.
“Okay, maybe just a dozen things.” Melody flashed a devious smile before shifting to a staid expression. “But you obviously see something in her. And she sees something in you. Don’t complicate it more than it needs to be. Our lives are already complicated enough.” She nodded toward the stack of boxes in the corner.
The two shared a bittersweet smile. Melody was right. It was time to move on.
Chapter Twenty
AVERY RETURNED TO HER apartment, exhausted and confused. Emma had taken one look at her appearance and immediately ushered her to the couch, placing a steaming mug of coffee in her hand. Avery curled onto the cushion, ankles crossed. Her forearms rested on the plush surface, the warmth of the cup pressing against her palms as she explained the events of the night before, sans the pills in Kadence’s medicine cabinet.
“I just don’t get why she would lie about it. I’ve taken her to yoga for two weeks, and we see one another practically every day.”
“You do see one another every day.” Emma took in her roommate’s dejected expression. “Right. Sorry. Not helping. Continue.”
“It just doesn’t make sense.” Avery gnawed her lip. “I know she doesn’t have to teach today.”
“Maybe she was embarrassed.”
“Well, I know she was. But I thought we were getting past that. Even Melody said she trusted me. And that’s huge. I mean, come on. It’s Melody.”
“That is a pretty big deal.”
“Do you think I did something wrong? Am I being too pushy?”
“I wouldn’t say that. You comforted her when she asked. Knowing she was too drunk, making sure she was safe was the right thing to do.”
“Then why doesn’t this feel right?” Avery gestured to an imaginary space in the middle of herself, practically spilling the coffee on her lap.
Emma reached out just in time to steady the mug, taking it from her grasp. “Maybe…” Emma shook her head, placing the mug on the coffee table. “You’re not going to like what I’m about to say.”
“Say it anyway.”
It came out like a whisper. “Maybe she doesn’t want you to save her.”
The words hit Avery straight through the heart. But instead of causing the usual pain, it brought about a new flood of emotions, a driving, burn set aflame in her chest.
Kadence didn’t need to be saved. She needed, well, something sweeter. Something to make her laugh on the days when she felt lonely. Something to keep her warm and safe when her panic attacks arose. A reason to wake up in the morning and smile. A someone.
“I’m not trying to save her, Em! I’m trying to love her.”
Both roommates’ eyes widened at the revelation.
“Holy shit, did you just…?”
“I didn’t mean to!” But you did, Bennett. And you know it.
“Okay. I see the problem now.”
An uneasy feeling tumbled to the base of Avery’s stomach. She had seriously fallen for Kadence Cooper. She wanted her, and not in a sexual way. In a deeper, altruistic way and Kadence had run away. Her shoulders slumped in defeat.
“It’s okay.” Emma wrapped an arm around her. “We’ll figure this out.”
Avery nodded with a sigh, taking a sip of her coffee. Even with the sugar added, it still tasted bitter.
***
She hadn’t heard from Kadence in almost two days. It didn’t seem like a lot, but it was when every little thing reminded her of Kadence. Avery’s fingers itched to dial Kadence’s number. They had gone from seeing one another daily, texting dozens of messages per day, to complete silence. It was driving her mad. But Avery had taken Emma’s advice, urging her to give Kadence space. As difficult as it may have been.
Imagine Avery’s surprise when she found Kadence standing in her doorway, enchanting as ever. Her raven hair was pulled into a loose fishtail braid, with small baby hairs coming undone near the crown of her head. Her winged eyeliner drew direct attention to her emerald eyes. Avery was entranced.
“Uhh, to what do I owe this pleasure?” Really, Bennett? To what do I owe this pleasure? Can you learn to talk like a normal person in front of your crush for once? What are you, twelve? She shook her head. “What’s up? Wanna come in.”
Kadence fidgeted in the doorway. Green eyes trailed her figure, taking in Avery’s paint-stained limbs.
With red-hot cheeks, Avery crossed her arms, flashing a cheeky grin as she attempted to cover her messy state. She scratched the flakes of dried acrylic caked above her chest. When she looked up from removing the residue, Kadence’s gaze darted away. She rocked back on her heels.
“Uhh, I was wondering if you’re free right now.”
“Now? I’m kinda covered in paint.”
“You look fine, Avery. Great, actually.” A blush crept across Kadence’s face. “I mean…I like it. It’s very…you.”
“It’s very…me?”
“Yes.” Kadence bit her lip.
Was Kadence Cooper nervous? “Okay. Let me just grab my shoes and we can go.” Avery managed to find a pair of sneakers, slipping them on without having to unlace them. “All right. I’m ready if you are.”
“Wait.” Kadence held out a hand, maneuvering toward Avery’s room. Avery caught a whiff of her perfume as she passed and her knees went weak. Before Avery had time to even collect herself, let alone question Kadence’s actions, Kadence returned with John’s hat in her hands. Nimble fingers placed it atop Avery’s wavy blonde curls.
“There. Perfect.”
Avery did her best to calm the accelerating pace of her heartbeat.
***
Kadence threw the car into reverse, backing out of the apartment complex lot. “I have a few wedding arrangements I want to get done before the bachelorettes come for the fitting next week.”
Avery blinked. Time had been flying by.
“That fast, huh?”
“You know, that’s life.” Kadence paused, bottom lip tucked between her teeth. “Sometimes things just happen that quickly.” Kadence’s gaze darted to hers before tearing away. “Overwhelmingly and terrifyingly quick.”
Avery’s heart skipped. She forced herself to look out the window, afraid her expression would give away the confession she’d made to Emma a few days ago. Settle down, thirsty. She’s talking about the wedding.
Kadence drummed the steering wheel with her thumbs. Music filled the space between them until the pair arrived at a small flower boutique.
“Centerpieces?” Avery guessed before noticing how Kadence’s steps hesitated as they crossed the lot. The closer they approached, the slower she seemed to move.
Avery wrapped a careful hand around Kadence’s hand. “Are you okay?”
Kadence nodded, frozen in place.
Avery shuffled forward. “Kae, please talk to me.”
Instead of vocalizing her needs, Kadence cast her gaze downward. Avery seemed to understand her request, lacing their fingers together. She h
oped her palms weren’t sweaty. Kadence didn’t seem to mind as she tightened her grip.
The shop door opened with a ring. She could feel Kadence tensing at the sound. Though Avery wasn’t sure of why this place seemed to be triggering to Kadence, she was honored Kadence trusted her enough to bring her along.
Ramona, according to the nametag on the flower shop owner’s apron, smiled at Kadence as though seeing an old friend. Her gentle gray eyes studied the pair as she greeted them. Under the woman’s gaze, Avery wondered if she should drop her hand, but Kadence simply held on tighter.
“Oh, Kadence! It’s been so long!” Ramona’s eyes shone with a bursting excitement tainted by sorrow. She tucked her shearing scissors into her apron before rounding the counter, arms outstretched. The elderly woman’s feeble fingertips trembled as the pair embraced. Avery wondered just how long it’d been.
“I’m sorry it took so long to come back.”
“When someone goes from purchasing weekly roses to just a single lily, I’ve learned to expect that they won’t be coming back.” Ramona’s wise eyes were tinged with sadness.
Avery decided that maybe the conversation wasn’t meant for her to hear and moseyed out of earshot. While she allowed the two a private moment, Avery lost herself in the blending of the pastel petals. A unique, but subtle form of art went into flower arranging that she had never taken the time to consider. A hand on her bicep caused her to jump with a yelp and a stifled giggle sounded from behind her.
Kadence smiled. “Sorry, Avery. I just realized I never introduced you. Avery, this is Ramona. She’s going to be Melody’s florist.”
The woman’s hands were aged and calloused, but despite her frail appearance, her grip was steady and welcoming. “Nice to meet you, Avery. You weren’t the blonde I expected to walk in with Kadence, though you’re just as beautiful.”
Avery’s complexion could rival a fire engine.
“I told Melody to focus on packing. I can handle this.” Kadence’s voice wavered. Ramona didn’t seem to notice, but Avery did. She skimmed her fingertips along Kadence’s forearm in silent reassurance. Kadence’s lips quirked upward.
“I thought Avery could help. She has a better eye for these kinds of things. She’s an artist.”
“An amateur at best.”
“That’s not true.”
Ramona smiled between the two of them, a twinkle in her eye. “You two are just lovely. Avery, dear, do you think you’ll be able to help me pick something out?”
Before she could answer, Kadence jumped in to respond. “Avery’s great at picking up minor details. Shapes, colors, patterns, you name it. She can do it.”
Avery’s stomach bubbled at the compliment. “You want me to pick something for Melody’s wedding?”
“No pressure, Avery.” The way she said her name was softer, different than in the past. “I’d just like to get your suggestions. Mel will be the one to make the final decision, but I’d love to know what your thoughts are.”
Avery felt herself glowing. She recalled the details from their previous errands as her mind spun with ideas. “How about a white flower with gold glitter sprinkled on the petals. It could be classy. Or maybe something with black tulle ribbon. You could paint the outside tips of the petals gold. It might be tedious, but I think that could be classy, too. Or maybe dip-dying? Braiding gold or black ribbon around the stems?”
“Well, Avery, it sounds like you might have this all taken care of,” Ramona chortled with a wave of her hand. “You might even put me out of my job. Should I be worried?”
A strand of blonde dislodged from where it had been tucked into her hat as Avery shook her head. “No! I can assure you that my true love is with 2D mediums. No offense. I mean…but florals are nice.”
Ramona chuckled and turned to Kadence with a smile. “She’s sweet,” she whispered, though it was still loud enough for Avery to hear.
Kadence leaned in, whispering just as loudly in reply. “I know.”
Avery wasn’t sure what inside joke the two seem to be acknowledging, but the compliment caused her to redden.
“So, Avery, do you want to help me with some sample mock-ups?” The woman redirected her attention to focus on the cherry-faced artist. Avery nodded, following the two women into the dedicated work area.
After a half hour of collaboration between the creatives, accompanied by intermittent compliments from Kadence, the trio conjured up their top three options. Kadence snapped a few photos, texting them to her sister.
“Google the meaning behind them.” Ramona smiled with a wink, sending the pair off with two white gardenias. “Take care.”
“We will.”
“Of one another,” the woman tacked on.
Kadence’s steps slowed at that. Her eyes met Avery’s. Avery noticed the way Kadence’s jaw pivoted, lips parted. A moment passed, far too long to be consider a coincidence, before Kadence looked over her shoulder.
“We will.” Kadence looked back at Avery, her eyes warm, and the two made their way to the car. They didn’t talk about the moment they shared, but neither woman could deny that it was definitely not platonic.
“So, what does it mean?” Kadence asked.
You tell me. “What does what mean?”
“The flowers. What do the gardenias symbolize?” Kadence inquired, not taking her eyes off the road.
“Oh, right.” Avery dug her phone out of her pocket. “It says that gardenias are given to convey you’re lovely. It is a flower that can be gifted to lovers, friends, and family. Other common associations include trust, hope, renewal, and alignment.”
Kadence smiled from the driver seat, but otherwise said nothing else. They fell into a comfortable silence as they made their return to the artist’s apartment.
***
Avery entered her apartment in a complete daze, still buzzing from the feeling of Kadence’s lips against the apple of her cheekbone. She hadn’t expected the goodbye gesture. But she wasn’t complaining. A vibrating from her back pocket drew her from her euphoria. It was Adam, the gallery owner.
“Hello?” she answered, feeling a strange texture against her face. She pulled the device from where she had smashed it against her cheek and a flower fell at her feet. Kadence.
She hadn’t even noticed Kadence slip the gardenia behind her ear. She was too caught up with petal-soft lips upon her skin. Kadence was so smooth without even trying. It made Avery’s belly fill with butterflies.
She bent to pick up the flower, shaking it off. A few of the petals had creased, but nothing a little love and care couldn’t fix. It wasn’t broken by any means, just a little damaged. Something about its appearance paralleled her own life at its current state.
“Avery?” She heard her name in her ear.
“Sorry, sir. Could you repeat that?”
Adam chuckled. “I hope that silence is a result of your excitement. I asked if you’d like to be featured as one of our most promising artists.”
Avery’s jaw dropped. “You want me to be an MPA?”
Only the most prestigious exhibitors were asked to display their works at the follow up. It was an elite showing where the highest-paying, VIP patrons were invited to bid.
“Your last series was incredibly well-received, and you were given very high compliments amongst my colleagues.”
“I...” It took a moment for her to find any other word besides hell fucking yes. “I... I would be so honored. Thank you.”
“Then it’s settled. I’ll reserve your spot in the gallery. We can check the details of how much area you’ll need to display your works closer to the date of the exhibition.”
“That sounds perfect. Thank you so much.”
The second the line beeped in conclusion, Avery pumped her fist in the air, arms flailing and legs shooting out in every direction. She bopped her way down the hall, pouncing on her unsuspecting roommate as she unlocked the apartment door.
Emma yelped, the contents of the popcorn bowl in her lap flying
everywhere. “Umm, hi?”
“Hi!” Avery grinned, shining her pearly whites.
“You’re in a good mood.” Emma flexed her thigh muscles. Avery shuffled on her hands and knees before settling across from her, beaming as she watched her roommate pluck popcorn out of her hair.
“I am.” Avery stole a piece of the salty snack and placed it in her mouth.
Emma rolled her eyes at her primal behavior. “Out with Kadence?”
“I was, but that’s not why I’m happy.”
Emma raised a brow.
“Okay, fine. She’s part of the reason why I’m happy.” Avery dipped her fingertip into the center of the flower, tracing the softness of the petals. “But there are other things, too.” She waited for a beat. Then another.
Emma slapped Avery’s arm. “Spit it out, woman.”
Avery made a show of pretending to be injured, cradling her forearm. “Careful! I’m going to need that if I’m going to be making stuff for the MPAs this year.”
“You’re such a baby.” Emma shrugged, reaching to salvage whatever popcorn was left in the bowl. Her hand froze. “Oh, my god! Did you just say the MPAs?”
“Maybe…”
The bowl was hurled into the air, as Emma squealed in excitement. Popcorn rained around them, scattering on the living room floor. They were a mess, but she couldn’t care less in that moment.
“I’m so happy for you.” Emma bounced against the cushions. “Congratulations!”
“Thanks, Em. It’s humbling.”
“Good.” Emma gave her a nudge. “Sometimes your ego needs deflating.”
Avery blew a raspberry.
“Really mature.” Emma laughed, hands held up in defense. “I’m just saying. The Avery I’ve seen the last few weeks has been great. I definitely approve.”
Avery softened her gaze. “Me, too.”
“So?” Emma glanced at the popcorn kernels wedged between the couch cushions and scattered across the floor. “We need to celebrate. I’m gonna have Danny stop by the liquor store on his way. Party time?” Emma accompanied her proposition with an obnoxious wiggle of a brow, prompting Avery to burst into laughter.