Coming into this meeting, I didn’t think Rosie was going to run it, but she clearly makes the decisions and is a little pushy when she wants something.
“I can ask her once we secure the contract.”
“We’ll secure it today if she signs on.” She inches forward in her seat. “Should I get her or you, Mr. Owens?”
Earl just shakes his head and shrugs.
“I’ll get her.” I give her a smile I hope reaches my eyes.
I rise and step out, shutting the door behind me, then lean against it and close my eyes for a moment.
Can I do this? Who cares about my name in this industry? Working with Delaney is going to stir shit up again. We’re both unattached, changing the game.
Who am I kidding? She probably wants nothing to do with me, plus she’s coming off a mess of a relationship. I can handle a little temptation in order for Wren to have a comfortable life. But seeing Delaney every day, working late hours, pretending it’s only professional when everything in me still wants more? It’s not going to be easy. I have to though, for Wren.
After my little pep talk, I push off the door and walk into the shop. Poppy and Delaney are laughing about something. They’ve always been like that, laughing and talking nonstop. It’s nice to see, for Poppy too.
“Delaney,” I call, raising my chin at her when she looks over.
“We’re busy. Get your clients’ coffee yourself,” Poppy teases, dancing to the music while arranging a bouquet for a wedding shower at The Knotted Barn. Which makes me think of my sister Romy, and I wonder why I haven’t seen her lately. I need to ask Lottie about it.
“Earl and Rosie want to talk to you.”
Delaney turns to Poppy, then to me. “Um… why?”
“You made an impression. Rosie wants you on the project.”
She hesitates, biting the inside of her cheek. I know that look and exactly what memories are flashing through her mind. The way we promised to keep it professional seven years ago, but late meetings turned into lingering touches, nurturing that seed of arousal until we couldn’t stand it any longer.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She shakes her head.
“They own Blue Prairie Country Club up in Lincoln. It’s huge. This is a massive account for us.” Poppy looks between us. “She’ll do it.”
“You can’t make that decision for me.” Delaney’s forehead wrinkles.
“I can because I’m your best friend. I can because you deserve to have something for yourself. I know we’ve been separated for years, but you should be happy I haven’t flown to California and kicked he-who-shall-remain-unnamed’s ass for what he did to you. So yeah, you’re taking it. You love flowers, and you gave up that dream for a man who didn’t deserve you.”
I fight the smile that wants to break out. Poppy’s so right, and I would’ve messed it up if I’d tried to say the same. Principal North’s words ring through my head. I’m ashamed that the first thing I thought of wasn’t the same thing as Poppy. I was worried that I couldn’t be around Delaney, when I should’ve wanted her to do this. Should’ve seen this opportunity as Poppy sees it—a way to start something new in her life, build herself back up. Fuck, I’m ashamed of myself.
“It’s been so long.” Delaney worries her bottom lip.
“Flowers are still flowers,” I say.
Her head snaps toward me, eyes wide as if asking how I could be on Poppy’s side with this. “Nebraska’s different than California. The soil, the weather, what grows, and what dies.”
“You know your stuff, and what you don’t, I’m here for you.”
Her face flickers, and I remember how many times I said those words to her only to not be there for her in the end.
“I don’t know. It would take me away from Leia and?—”
“I’ll do pick-ups or help with dinner, homework. Whatever you need.” Poppy urges her to say yes.
“I appreciate that.”
“My mom can get her from school. She’s there getting Wren anyway. And she’ll be happy to not have to entertain Wren until I get off work.”
Another sigh.
