by S. E. Law
I’m glad my parents didn’t expect me to stay with them the whole time we’re at the barbecue. I would not have been able to engage in the chitchat and small talk that happens at these events. Especially having to hear my dad’s coworkers talk about all of the great things their kids have managed to do while here I am working in a flower shop with a boss I hate.
I don’t hate my dad’s coworkers or anything; they’re all nice enough people. I just don’t know any of them that well, and I’d rather not hear about their children if I don’t have to. When my parents asked me if I wanted to go mingle with them, I declined. I told them I was going to look around on my own instead, maybe get myself some barbecue. My dad wasn’t totally lying when he said that the barbecue convinced me. It did, a little bit.
I walk around a bit and take in the sights. There’s so much going on here today. Company events have gotten way bigger since I stopped coming to them. This whole party must have cost a fortune, maybe more than I make in a year. It’s crazy. I knew Brick Productions was doing well, but I didn’t know they were doing this well.
I'm not really interested in any of the various activities they've set up, so I go over to the food table. It's a little daunting seeing all of my choices. There is just so much to choose from. I don’t want to look like a fool, staring at the food for too long, so I grab a plate and put some ribs and cornbread on it. Those are my go-to choices when it comes to barbecue, so I'm sure I'll like them. Plus, I’m really hungry. I didn’t eat much for breakfast – nerves got the best of me – and now that’s biting me in the ass because my tummy is rumbling. I won’t be able to talk confidently with Brick if my stomach is making all sorts of noises.
I find a semi-secluded place to stand so that I can enjoy my food without anyone feeling the need to talk to me. My spot is underneath some trees, out of the way of the food and the festivities. There is quite a lot I need to think about – like the fact that I still need to confront Brick.
That whole conversation between my parents and him had felt so awkward. My mom was fawning over him, not that I blame her. Both of my parents treat him like royalty. He’s been such an integral part of my parents’ lives. My dad going to work for him all of those years ago had been a bit of a risky move on his part. Brick had been young and new in the movie scene. But my dad had thought Brick’s production house had a fresh perspective, so he jumped ship. Thankfully, it had all paid off in the end. There were a few years at the beginning when things were a bit tricky, but then the studio took off, and everyone who’d joined on for the first few runs had all of their hard work pay off.
Plus, Brick treats his employees well, especially compared to other employers. And it’s a good sign that the people who work for him like him. That means he can’t be too bad of a guy.
Thankfully, my parents didn’t seem to pick up on the awkward air between him and me. My mom was just so excited about saying hi, and then he brought up the greenhouse, which sent her over the moon. My mom goes crazy anytime someone shows a little bit of kindness. She latches onto that stuff. Admittedly, I'm pretty excited myself. I’ve been to this greenhouse before, but only when it was full of other people. It'll definitely be different when it's empty. I’ll be able to move around freely without anyone getting in my way or talking to me. It actually might end up being one of the best experiences of my life.
I look down at my plate. I've been ignoring it long enough, worrying over a man. My tummy is hungry, and it needs to be fed. I take a few bites of the barbecue.
“Holy crap!” It’s delicious – definitely some of the best I’ve ever had. I keep going, eating what I can. While eating, I start to wonder what Brick is doing right now. Seeing him today… While I have a lot to say to him that might not be flattering, I can’t help but admit my attraction to him. He’s just so hot. So much muscle and… I take a big bite out of the meat, chewing it with ferocity. He’s just a hunk of a man!
I have not been both this turned on and frustrated before in my life. The blood rushes past my ears as I recollect the exact moment I saw him in the studio. In that moment, I was mortified that I had orgasmed at the mere sight of him, but as I’ve thought about it more and more, Brick himself had looked so mystified. No one has ever looked at me with such wonder in their eyes before. It made me feel beautiful.
“Um, Tammy?” I turn to my side and see a young teenage girl with a smile on her face. I feel like a bit of an idiot, hornily eating ribs as if no one can see me. Putting the food down, I pick up a napkin and wipe the sauce off my fingers and from around my lips.
“Yes?” There’s still some food in my mouth, so the word comes out all muffled. “Sorry.” I cover my mouth. This is so embarrassing. I can’t seem to stop doing things to embarrass myself these days.
“No worries. I was told to take you to the greenhouse. I have the key, so I can let you in if you want to go.”
“Oh! Yeah, of course. Thank you.” With that, the girl starts walking away, but I’m still standing here with a plate of ribs. She stops when she notices I'm not behind her.
“I’m sorry. Did you want to finish eating? I should have asked you.” I know I’m not about to bring all of this food around those gorgeous plants. I don't think that's even allowed. So I shake my head and toss the remaining food in the trash.
“I’m done eating. We can just head over.” She smiles, and I follow her in the direction of the greenhouse. She leads me where not many people are hanging about, and once we’re away from the hubbub, she shoots me a quick glance with a smile.
“I’m not sure if you’ve been to the greenhouse before, but it’s pretty easy to navigate. All of the plants have little name plates, and there are information pamphlets all over if you want to grab one. The pamphlets have a little map that lists the different sections and provides information about the featured exhibits. We have a few going on right now. Everything should be open, except for the desert plants. That area is going through maintenance today, so there’s no access.”
“That’s fine. I’ve actually been here before, uh…I’m sorry. What’s your name?”
“Tiffany.”
“I’ve been here before, Tiffany. I love coming to this greenhouse… when I have the time, that is. It’s one of my favorite places in town.”
“Oh, that’s great! I love it here, too! That’s why I applied for this job. Make some cash while also doing what I love.” She reminds me of myself a bit. If I weren’t going through a very weird week, I might have tried to talk to Tiffany about my love of plants. Maybe when I’m not dealing with a crazy billionaire, I can come back.
We get to the door to the greenhouse, and she lets me in.
“You can take as much time as you need. Don’t worry about coming to find me once you’re done in here. When you leave, the door will lock automatically behind you. If you happen to get locked out, you can go up to any employee and just tell them Teddy is okay with you being in the greenhouse. They should let you right back in. I don’t think there’s anything else you need to know. Do you have any questions?” I shake my head. “Great! I hope you have fun in the greenhouse!”
“I will. Thank you.”
“Okay, bye!” she waves.
I walk inside, and Tiffany closes the door behind me. I’m left alone in the greenhouse. It’s so different being in here by myself. It’s quite amazing. The air has this stillness that takes over the entire room because no one else is here, but the flowers keep the space from going completely dead.
It's a dynamic stasis. I’m not sure if that makes much sense, but it’s the general feeling this space gives me.
“Wow,” I whisper to myself. I begin going down one of the walkways, taking in the sights and smells. There are all kinds of local and foreign flowers here. Not a lot of towns have such intricate greenhouses, so I’ve always appreciated the one here in Merryton. It’s a little something that makes our small town special. Makes it stand out. Plus, this greenhouse is exquisitely cared for. I absolutely adore it.
I haven’
t been here in a while, and there has been some turnaround with the plants on display. Looking around, I see some of what we have growing in our own garden back home. When it comes to my personal garden, I mainly stick to local plants and fruits and veggies. At least for the time being. It would take a lot of funds to maintain a non-regional garden. Another big goal of mine is to be able to have an international garden. Until then, I satiate myself with trips like these.
All of the flowers in this greenhouse are amazing, but what catches my attention are the rare beauties. There are rows and rows of different plants, some of which you wouldn’t get to see in person unless you traveled to very specific regions or paid an exorbitant amount of money to have them flown out to you. My heart swells at all of the sights and smells. I let out a deep breath while continuing to walk through the greenhouse.
I’m immediately drawn to the orchids, one of my favorite flowers. Orchids are a finicky flower, so getting one to bloom made me just about the proudest I have ever been as a florist.
Here at the greenhouse, they have a whole selection of them: moth, boat, Singapore, dendrobium, dancing-lady, Venus slipper – so many different orchids to look at. I cannot believe my eyes. This is for sure a new part of the exhibit because I would have been here every week had I known this existed.
“Oh my goodness.” I want to touch them so bad, but I have too much reverence for flowers to be so disrespectful. Even with gloves on, I'd be too nervous. I settle on inhaling their delicious scent as deeply as possible.
“I should get myself a couple,” I whisper. I haven’t taken care of an orchid since university because they require a lot of care and attention. I thought it might be nice to buy one when I get my own place. Then the two of us could grow together. A dumb metaphor, maybe, but it feels right.
I leave the orchids to see what other new exhibits are around. Maybe I’ll circle back to the orchids later. I want to give myself enough time to marvel at everything else in the greenhouse. They don’t have only flowers, but all kinds of plants. Trees, bushes, vines. This greenhouse is very comprehensive.
I’m just wandering, lost in the feeling of being here. I can’t hear any of the noise outside, and I start to forget the whole reason for me being here. I’m immersed in this moment of resting my mind. It’s the first time I’ve felt calm since the whole kerfuffle with Brick. I know that once I leave the greenhouse, it’ll all come rushing back to me, but for now, it’s just me and the flowers.
Whenever it is just me and some plants, I always find solace.
I turn the corner, fully ready to bask in the glory of even more flora, but stop dead in my tracks when I realize I am not alone in here.
“Brick,” I breathe, staring at him, my mind hyper-focused. He’s standing there, his hands in his pants pockets, looking as if we’re just having a casual meeting between acquaintances.
“Tammy, hi,” he smirks. His smile is so beautiful. I want to run my finger along his bottom lip, push it into his mouth, and let him suck on it.
Dear God! I’m losing my mind. My heart starts racing so hard I’m worried it’s going to burst out of my chest. He’s so fucking gorgeous. I don’t understand how someone like him even exists. It’s ridiculous that he’s so good looking.
I don’t know what to say, and he grins at my speechlessness. Of course, he organized this whole thing. He probably had this planned from the very beginning, from the second he offered to get me some private time in the greenhouse.
Brick Barrister is a calculated man.
I need to say something instead of standing here like a complete idiot. If I want Brick to respect me, then I've got to show him that I can go toe-to-toe with whatever he has in store. I can stand up for myself.
“I see you've found somewhere we can talk in private.” I try to say this like I’m a powerful, confident lady, but I just sound stupid. I have already set a bad tone, and Brick is here masterminding this whole interaction.
Of course he brought me here to discuss the elephant in the room. I guess trying to have this conversation outside in front of everyone at the barbecue wouldn’t have worked out very well. Someone was bound to have overheard us there, and people are always coming up to Brick, trying to get his attention. He’s clearly superior at this type of situation. God, why am I so bad at it?
“That's one way to put it,” he responds, taking a step closer to me. Instinctually, I want to step back, but I can't let him know I'm intimidated by him, so I hold my ground.
“Then I'm assuming you want to talk. What is it?” I hold my head up, pointing my chin at him. I’m going to make him show his hand first. That’s some business acumen I picked up over the years. Don’t show your position too early on.
“I want to strike a deal with you.”
A deal? What does that mean? Does he want me to negotiate for the tape? Is that what this has come to?
What could Brick possibly want from me? He has money and power and influence; I’m just a lowly worker in a flower shop with too much student debt and a bunch of dreams.
I can’t figure out what he could possibly want from me. Either way, I didn’t come here to mince words. Brick is in the business of making deals. If I play his game, then I’m definitely going to come out on bottom.
I need to think of another way to get out this but still get the tape back. There has to be something I can do to convince Brick to give me what I want without screwing myself over.
Oh boy.
7
Tammy
So Brick decided to lie in wait for me and then drop the bomb that he wants to make some sort of a deal. I don’t trust him. I know I’m the one who screwed up in the beginning, but Brick has joined in on the shadiness. When he took the tape, I should have done something to stop him, but I was in such a state of shock. There was nothing I could think to do in that moment, but I’m not going to make the same mistake twice.
Brick isn’t going to talk me into a corner today.
“No deal is necessary,” I manage to say in an even tone.
“Oh?” He actually sounds surprised, which is good for me. If I can keep him on his toes, then I just might be able to come out on top of this negotiation.
“Yes.” I roll my shoulders back and stand up straight. Brick is taller and more physically intimidating than me, but that doesn’t mean I can’t posture. “What you’re going to do is return the tape to me because it’s the right thing to do. And you’re a good guy, right?” I’m going to remain firm and stand my ground. I won’t let Brick steamroll over me with his fancy words and roundabout way of talking.
“I’m going to return it? Now why would I do that?” His eyebrow quirks as he challenges me.
I had assumed this wasn’t going to be an easy feat. I’m ready for a little back and forth.
“I just told you. Because it’s the right thing to do. And good guys do the right thing.”
“But it’s technically my property. It was filmed with my equipment, in my studio, on the tape rolls I paid for. I don’t understand what you’re saying. I can’t see any perspective where it isn’t rightfully mine.”
I’m starting to get angry at this point, which is something I didn’t want to do. When I’m mad, I start sputtering and stuttering, and there is nothing I can do to stop it.
My face heats up, and I scrunch my nose, trying to keep calm.
“That’s…that’s not…” I start out, but I don’t know what to say because everything he just said is true, I guess. I don’t actually know the legality of ownership, and it’s not like I can go to a lawyer for a consult. That would just be embarrassing. None of the real chips are on my side, and Brick is making that very clear to me.
“Hmm?” He turns one of his ears toward me condescendingly.
“I didn’t mean to…” I trail off again, unable to finish my thought. I see myself losing ground. Unless I can pull something literally out of my ass, I’m going to be at this man’s mercy. I need to get back to the point.
“To wh
at? You didn’t mean to what, Tammy?”
“I – I,” I’m stammering. He just keeps pushing and pushing and pushing. And now, he’s just a few feet away from me. If I reach out, I could touch him. “I didn’t intend for you to find me. No one was supposed to know. Ever. It was all just one big mistake.” I throw up my hands to solidify my point.
Brick laughs. The sound fills up the section of the greenhouse we’re in. It’s actually quite joyous, his laugh. If I weren’t so flustered, I might join in with my own giggles. That’s how infectious it is. Not just that, but he’s so handsome. His face all lit up with his smile makes me want to keep him laughing all day.
Even if he is the most aggravating person on earth to me right now. We’ve barely interacted with one another, but I don’t think I could ever truly be angry with him. There’s just something about him.
I’m about to throw up my hands and just beg him to give me back the tape when he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small rectangle.
“Is that–”
I excitedly grab it from him. I can’t believe he just took it out in front of me like that. He must have known I would make a grab for it, and he didn’t try to stop me. The tape is mine now. I’m in the clear.
But I know he isn’t stupid enough to let the tape accidentally become mine, so that means he meant for me to have it. Did he make copies or something? Could this be a sick joke?
“You’re just going to give it to me like that? Really? Just like that?” Maybe he doesn’t totally suck. There’s some relief in my heart, and that feels amazing, but I’m also worried that it’s fleeting. Having that tape floating around was giving me so much anxiety.
My calm only lasts for mere seconds because Brick laughs again. That tells me he never meant to just give me this tape. He has something up his sleeve.
“What is it?” I ask.
“Nothing. You’re more than welcome to keep that tape. I have other ones to keep as my own.” Other ones? What does he mean other ones? I only had one camera rolling. That’s something I know for a fact.