Evie smiled as she watched Saffy dance around the shop. It was lovely to see her assistant so excited. ‘Great news, isn’t it?’
‘The best. I get to keep my job.’ And then she stopped dancing. ‘I do get to keep my job, right?’
Evie laughed. ‘You do. Now come on, we need to get back to work. This lot has to be finished tonight or we’ll be behind when the flowers arrive tomorrow. We have a wedding to plan for.’
Scott followed her over to the counter. ‘Talking of weddings, I have something else I need to ask you.’ He rubbed his chin self-consciously. ‘I was hoping you’d be my date on Friday.’
Saffy jumped in with, ‘Yes, she will,’ before Evie could even digest the question.
Thankfully, Scott ignored her assistant. ‘You’ll be there doing the flowers anyway and I’d like you to be a part of the day. My way of saying thank you for everything you’ve done. So I thought maybe you could … you know … be my date.’ His voice had lost some of its conviction, no doubt sensing Evie’s less than enthusiastic response.
A number of objections filled her brain. She started with the obvious one. ‘But what about Nicole? Surely you’ll be going to the wedding with your girlfriend.’ Evie couldn’t imagine Nicole taking kindly to a threesome. The woman didn’t look like she’d be happy sharing a lifeboat, let alone a boyfriend.
Scott’s brow creased. ‘My girlfriend? Nicole’s not my girlfriend.’ He looked confused. ‘Why would you think that?’
Evie wondered if she was going mad. ‘But I thought you and her got back together?’
The bell above the door chimed. Josh entered. ‘Hey, guys—’
‘Shush!’ Saffy waved for him stay where he was. ‘This is just getting interesting.’
Josh looked startled, but dutifully obeyed.
Scott was still looking puzzled. ‘I’m not back with Nicole. I thought you knew that?’
Evie shook her head. ‘But she was at your mum’s funeral, and then when I came to your flat to see if you were okay, she told me you were moving back to London with her.’
Scott looked poleaxed. ‘Shit. Right. Okay. I had no idea you’d come to the flat.’ He stepped backwards, then forwards, and then rubbed his forehead. ‘It’s true Nicole wanted us to get back together, but she isn’t who I want … not any more.’ He held Evie’s gaze.
Evie heard Saffy’s sharp intake of breath.
Before Evie could escape, Scott took her hand. ‘So, will you come to Ben and Amy’s wedding with me?’
Painful as it was, Evie withdrew her hand. She hated seeing the hurt look on his face, but how could she be in a relationship with someone she owed money to? She’d already been in one relationship that had been unbalanced; she wasn’t about to enter into another. Scott might not feel he had a hold over her, but supposing they fell out? Argued over money? Split up? He’d always have the upper hand and she couldn’t handle that, not again. She needed to listen to her head and not allow her heart to dictate her choices … however much it pained her.
Trying to clear her mind, Evie looked at Scott. ‘Listen, we’ve just agreed to go into business together. The only way that’s going to work is if we keep things professional.’
He gave a half-hearted nod. ‘Can’t we keep the two things separate?’
She gave him a regretful smile. ‘You know that won’t work.’
Scott sighed. ‘I’m regretting making the offer now.’ But she could tell he didn’t mean it. He nudged her arm. ‘Come to the wedding anyway, please. It would mean a lot to me.’
Evie nodded. ‘Sure. That would be nice. As a friend.’
Saffy grunted. ‘God, you two drive me crazy.’ She went over to Josh. ‘Come on, let’s leave these morons to it. Star Wars is waiting.’
Saffy slid her hand into Josh’s. Evie had known they were getting closer, but hadn’t clocked just how far things had developed. ‘Are you two dating?’
Josh smiled at Saffy. ‘Quick on the uptake, isn’t she?’
Saffy leant into him. ‘It’s hard to resist a man who buys you a gothic fairy.’
‘You told her it was you?’ Evie found herself overcome with joy. She did a little twirl, yelping with delight.
Josh looked embarrassed. ‘It wasn’t that big a deal.’
Saffy smirked. ‘It was to me.’
Josh grinned. ‘You were meant to enjoy it. I didn’t realise your boss would get so stirred up. I have to say, I feel a little awkward.’
Evie laughed, but then a thought struck, mortification hitting her hard and fast. ‘Oh no! I forgot to tell Saffy about the Odessa calla lily you left for her.’
Josh blushed. ‘I did wonder about that.’
Saffy looked astonished. ‘You left me a flower?’
He shrugged. ‘Part of my charm offensive.’
Evie ran over to the drawer. ‘And a card too.’ Retrieving it, she handed it to Saffy. ‘I’m so sorry. You weren’t in for a few days afterwards and I completely forgot. I’m a terrible boss.’
Saffy’s face broke into a smile as she read the scribbled words. ‘You’re forgiven.’
Evie hugged her assistant. ‘I’m still trying to get my head around you two dating.’
Saffy wriggled free from Evie’s embrace. ‘No biggie. I like him. He likes me. End of. I decided it was stupid to keep resisting.’ She looked at Evie, suddenly seeming much older and wiser than her nineteen years. ‘You should try it some time.’
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
Thursday, 26 June
Scott had misread the signals. He’d assumed Evie liked him. And maybe she did. Maybe her reasoning for not wanting to be his date for the wedding was genuine, but the rejection still hurt. He’d really hoped they could get together. He was convinced they’d make each other happy, but when a woman said no, you had to respect that. And Evie had turned him down twice now. His ego couldn’t take a third hit, so he needed to back off, lick his wounds and get over it. Though he suspected it wasn’t going to be that easy.
The sting of her rebuff had been marginally eased by a phone call from his sister asking to be picked up from the airport. In typical Lisa style she’d given no warning she was coming to the wedding. The news had brought on a rush of teary relief. He seemed to be doing a lot of that lately. Evie might refer to it as being ‘emotionally intuitive’ but in his book he needed to man up.
As if conjuring her up, Evie came through the double conservatory doors carrying a tray of food, her ponytail bouncing behind her.
Smiling, she headed his way. ‘Sausage roll?’
‘What are you doing?’ He took the tray from her. ‘They have staff here to do that. You’re a guest.’
‘I don’t mind. And they’re a waiter down, so I thought I’d help out. Anyway, you invited me to the wedding, not the rehearsal dinner.’
‘Like I’d allow you to wait on everyone while we all have a booze-up.’ He placed the tray down on a trestle table.
Not that there was much drinking taking place. Neither Ben nor Amy wanted a traditional stag or hen party, so they’d opted for something the Americans did, a dinner to celebrate the joining of two families. Which was slightly ironic considering that, as of five thirty this evening, their collective families consisted of one bride’s mother and one groom’s uncle. Hiring the conservatory room at the Bell Inn for the gathering now seemed somewhat excessive, like booking the O2 for a game of five-a-side footy. Thankfully, Lisa showing up had swelled the numbers, although Amy’s dad was yet to make an appearance. Not that Amy seemed bothered.
Scott nodded to the garden, lit up with a string of lanterns. ‘The archway looks stunning.’ Evie had spent the last two hours attaching flowers to the structure, ready for tomorrow’s ceremony. Amy had squealed when she’d seen it. He’d taken that as a good sign.
‘It worked out better than I’d hoped.’ Evie rubbed her hand against her black trousers, trying to remove a smudge of green. ‘I’m glad your sister decided to come. You must be relieved.’ She accepted Scott’s offer
of a glass of champagne. ‘Ooh, bubbly. Thank you. Don’t let me get squiffy, I’m a terrible drunk.’
He couldn’t imagine her drunk, she was always so in control. But he supposed she’d had to be, with everything she’d gone through. He liked to think she could relax and enjoy life a bit more now. ‘Terrible how, exactly? Violent and mouthy, or dancing on tables?’
She smiled. ‘Nothing so interesting. I get very giggly, slur my words, fall off my shoes and then fall asleep. This is rapidly followed by waking up sober with a blinding headache and all within about half an hour of having my first drink.’
He laughed, but she stepped away from him. It was like a slap in the face, reminding him they were business partners, destined to be nothing more. He was trying to be a big boy, but it wasn’t easy.
‘Better make myself useful and see if they need a hand in the kitchen.’ She scuttled away before he could object, unbalanced on her pina colada slingbacks.
He was glad she’d accepted his offer to buy into the flower shop, but he wished he’d known she thought he was back with Nicole. If he had, he could have told Evie how he felt before offering her a business partnership. Maybe then he could have secured both deals. But he hadn’t, so he needed to let it go and concentrate on making sure Ben and Amy’s wedding went off without a hitch. There was also a small matter of finding a place to live. No pressure.
Sipping his champagne, he went over to his sister. She was standing in the shadows, watching Ben and Amy clink glasses, their faces saturated with love as they shared a kiss. He had no idea whether their relationship would last, but he wouldn’t bet against them. ‘Are you okay for a drink?’
Lisa startled at the sound of his voice. She’d always had the ability to get lost in her own world.
He held up his champagne flute. ‘Bubbly?’
She shook her head. ‘No, thanks. I’m good.’ Her attention reverted to Ben, who was making Amy laugh, whispering sweet nothings in her ear. Scott wasn’t jealous of his nephew, but he missed sharing such intimacy with a woman. If that made him soft, he didn’t care. Cuddling up on the sofa watching a film gave him as much pleasure as indulging in more carnal activity. It always had. Ben was cut from the same cloth.
Scott wondered whether his sister would ever meet anyone. Maybe she already had, and just chose not to mention it. It wouldn’t surprise him. She’d never been one for sharing – or even conversing, for that matter. Still, she was here now and he was grateful. ‘I’m glad you decided to come to the wedding.’
His sister gave a half shrug. ‘I figured you were right.’
For a moment, Scott thought his sister had said he was right. He must have misheard.
‘Ben would never have forgiven me. I wouldn’t want that.’ She frowned, as if battling with her thoughts. ‘I’m not a good mother. But staying away would’ve made me a bad mother.’ She kept her focus directed towards the happy couple, who’d been joined by Amy’s mum. ‘It doesn’t come naturally.’
This was quite an admission. Scott couldn’t remember her ever offering up such an insight into her insecurities. ‘All you can do is keep trying. As long as Ben knows that he’ll cut you some slack.’
She glanced at him. ‘You’ve always been much better at parenting than me. You have the ability to love unconditionally. You instinctively know what to do, how to educate and guide without coming over as an uncaring disciplinarian. Ben was better off with you.’
Scott frowned at his sister, disarmed by such a startling revelation. ‘I don’t believe for a second that I love Ben more than you do.’
‘But you’re better at showing it. I accuse you of being sentimental, but in truth … I envy you. I can’t be open like you are.’
Scott scratched his head, wondering whether he’d drunk more than he’d realised. ‘Being around is the best way of showing him you care. You did the right thing in coming home. And if you get the chance, talk to him, tell him what you just told me. He’s a smart kid, he’ll understand.’
She moved away, abruptly ending the conversation. ‘Maybe.’
He watched Lisa go, wishing his mum was alive to advise him on how to reach her. He had a feeling his sister wasn’t as content with her life as she pretended. He’d always assumed her decision to move abroad was solely career-based. Now he wondered if there was something more deep-rooted. Had she left because she was afraid of being a bad mother? That was quite a burden for someone to carry around.
Knocking back his champagne, he went to find a beer. He needed a man’s drink. It might stop him feeling like such a wuss.
Ben was goofing around, sending Amy into fits of giggles with his Jack Sparrow impression. Patricia was laughing, her arm linked through her daughter’s. They shared the same smile, both faces tilting forwards when they laughed. As good as it was to see his nephew getting on so well with his future mother-in-law, Scott imagined this example of family bonding only served to alienate his sister further. Lisa didn’t have to be the life and soul, as long as she didn’t constantly remove herself from every situation. Would she ever understand that?
Amy and Patricia’s laughter faded when a man, who Scott didn’t recognise, appeared. He’d never met Amy’s dad, but judging by the look on both mother and daughter’s face, it couldn’t be anyone else. By all accounts, David Robinson had been against the wedding from the start and, from what Ben had told him, Amy’s parents were now estranged.
As the host of tonight’s celebration, Scott felt it was up to him to keep things civil. Judging by the man’s body language, that might prove challenging. Scott tried to be welcoming. ‘Hi, I’m Scott Castillo. Ben’s uncle.’
Ignoring Scott’s outstretched hand, he addressed Amy’s mother. ‘Why were my clothes delivered to the club?’
Although Patricia Robinson’s expression remained pleasant, Scott could see this was an effort. ‘I assumed you’d be needing them. You haven’t been back to the house for two weeks.’
‘I’m not moving out.’ His tone was belligerent. He was dressed in a suit; dark stubble shadowing his chin.
‘Fine. Then I’ll move out. It makes no difference to me.’ She held onto her daughter and her chin lifted.
Sensing trouble, Scott tried again. ‘Can I get you a drink, Mr Robinson?’ Or preferably a taxi?
He ignored Scott. ‘You can’t move out, you have no money. You wouldn’t last five minutes without me.’
Amy stepped in front of her. ‘Dad, this is not the time. We have guests. I’m getting married tomorrow. Please go.’
He shook his head. ‘No, you’re not. You’re both coming home with me now.’ He caught Amy by the elbow and gave her a hard tug.
Ben jumped in. ‘Get your hands off her.’
David Robinson batted Ben’s words away as if swatting a fly. ‘This is not your concern, young man.’ He beckoned his wife. ‘Patricia, Amy, we’re leaving.’
Ben wasn’t backing down. ‘It is my concern, Mr Robinson. Amy’s my fiancée. We’re getting married tomorrow.’
David shook his head. ‘No one is getting married. You don’t have my permission.’
Ben tried again. ‘With all due respect, sir, we don’t need your permission. Please remove your hand from Amy’s arm and allow me to direct you to the nearest exit. She’s staying here.’
Amy’s father seemed to expand in size as he rounded on Ben. ‘Don’t tell me what to do, you little twerp. This is my daughter. I don’t have to listen to you.’
‘Then listen to me.’ Lisa’s voice caused heads to turn, Scott’s included. He’d forgotten how fierce his sister could be when riled. She walked up to David, completely unperturbed by the anger radiating off of him. ‘Your wife has asked you to leave. Your daughter has asked you to leave. My son has asked you to leave. You seem to have a problem understanding the concept of not being welcome. Let me clarify. This is a family party to celebrate Ben and Amy’s marriage, which is going ahead tomorrow regardless of anything you say or do. You’re welcome to join us for a drink, but if you
cannot support my son and his future wife, then I too will have to ask you to leave. And unlike them, I have no reason to remain polite. Is that clear enough for you?’
He made to argue, but Scott intervened. ‘Let’s take this elsewhere, Mr Robinson.’
‘I’m not going anywhere,’ he barked, standing his ground. ‘I have every right to be here.’
Scott needed to stop things escalating. ‘Then you have a decision to make. Either you support the marriage and stay, in which case we’ll be glad to include you in the celebrations …’ This was a massive lie. ‘Or leave and let us get on with it. It’s your call.’
David turned to his wife. ‘You should support me. I’m your husband.’
‘And you should support your daughter. You’re her father.’
His expression turned pleading. ‘Patricia, see reason. Come home. We can talk about this. You know I love you.’
Patricia shook her head. ‘No, you don’t, David.’
‘I do.’ With all the sincerity of a politician trying to avoid an expenses scandal, he took her hand. ‘Give me a second chance. I’ll change. I’ll work harder to make you happy. We can make it work.’
She avoided his gaze. ‘Those false promises don’t work on me, David. Not any more. I’m filing for divorce.’
But he wasn’t listening. ‘You need me. You won’t survive on your own.’
‘Then I’ll just have to learn.’ She withdrew her hand and moved closer to Amy, mother and daughter united. ‘Have you made a decision, David? Will you offer your support to Amy and Ben?’
Realising he wasn’t winning ground, he reverted to attack mode. ‘She’s too young. She’s making a huge mistake.’
Amy kissed her mum’s cheek and then addressed her father. ‘In that case, please don’t come to the wedding tomorrow. I don’t want you there.’
He jabbed a finger at her. ‘I wasn’t coming anyway.’
Amy burst into tears. Patricia took her in her arms, making soothing noises as she glared daggers at her husband. ‘Go away, David.’
The Forget-Me-Not Flower Shop Page 34