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I take a deep breath. “Sounds good. I’m sorry, I can’t deal with this Elijah situation right now.”

“We understand. Why don’t you pick the takeout while Mary and I open the wine?” Lil asks.

I nod, glancing at the bouquets.

The next day, I sip my morning coffee, lost in the flowers aligned along the window. As I take another sip, the sound of the doorbell startles me, and I spill some on the counter.

Please, not again. No more flowers.

Lil rises from her spot on the couch, humming as she approaches the door, probably expecting the same as me.

Another delivery guy bringing flowers.

But as she squints through the peephole, her enthusiasm wanes. Her hand hovers over the doorknob, hesitation evident in her movements. No flowers.

“Lil?” She startles at my voice.

“It’s your brother.”

“I’ll take it.” I stand up, but before I can get even close, she pulls the handle.

The door opens to reveal none other than my brother. He and Lil exchange stiff smiles. Guess they didn’t make up either.

I fold my arms across my chest as Bash steps inside. Whatever he’s here for, I’m not in the mood.

“Hey, sis. Got a minute?” He glances around the apartment, no doubt taking in all the floral chaos.

“Sure, what’s up?”

“Can we go to your room?” Bash glances back to Lil, who is settled on the couch reading her book.

I nod stiffly. “Yep.”

Once inside, I shut the door and wait.

“So Elijah sent you a lot of flowers, huh?” He shoves his hands in his pockets.

My eyes narrow. “If you’re here to talk about him, you can go.”

“Will you hear me out, please? He doesn’t know I’m here.”

“Three minutes.” I sit on my bed, looking up at him.

“He feels really shitty about what happened between you two. Honestly, it’s kinda pathetic seeing him mope around like some heartbroken schoolboy.”

I snort. “Right. I’m sure he’s real torn up in his penthouse while I’m here drowning in roses.”

“Gem, c’mon. The guy legit cares about you. I’ve never seen him like this over a woman before.” Bash levels me with an earnest look. “He ended things with Esther.”

That gives me pause. “He did?”

Bash nods. “Broke it off completely. He said you’re the only one he wants to be with. Elijah screwed up, but he’s trying to make it right. Just talk to him, okay? Hear him out.”

I chew my lip. As much as I want to cling to my anger, the vindictive part of me feels smug satisfaction at winning over Esther. Ugh, I hate this.

“I’ll think about it.” My eyes focus on the floor.

“He’s a good guy. Complicated, but if I was going to approve of someone for you, it would be him.” He pauses. “You shouldn’t cut ties with him completely.”

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