Page 13 of Stay With Me

He lays the flowers down, reaching over for my hand. “I’m listening now.”

“Too late, Jake.” Pulling my hand away, I cross my arms, eyes firm on his. I steel my voice as I say, “I’m not interested in getting back together.”

Jake opens his mouth to reply when the bell rings again. Young Jae, Owen, and Cameron come in, their laughter cutting out as they take us in. The glares they’re directing at Jake are formidable. It’s almost comical to see him react.

“We will talk about this later,” he murmurs, turning away.

“No, we have nothing left to talk about.” My voice is firm, but he doesn’t turn around. He skirts around the guys and goes out the door without saying another word.

Grabbing the flowers, I briefly contemplate tossing them in the trash, but it would be a waste. “Do any of you know someone who likes daisies?”

Cam shakes his head. “Nope. And I can’t have them at the clinic. They’re toxic to animals.”

“I don’t know anyone either, sorry.” Owen comes to the counter, leaning his hip on it. “He’s still trying to get you back, hey?”

Rolling my eyes, I nod. “He probably ran out of boxers or clean dishes.”

They chuckle before ordering coffee and treats to go.

I wave them off when they go to pay. “On the house. You got him out of here.”

Owen nods. “Anytime. Oh, Adeline wants to have you both over for a bonfire on Sunday. Does that work?”

Glancing at Young Jae, he nods.

“Yeah, sounds fun. We will likely be done paddle boarding around six, so let’s say seven-thirty?” I pick up the flowers and hand them to Young Jae. “Would you mind giving these to Mrs. Patterson? I think she likes daisies and will likely be in her garden when you get home.”

“Sure.” He takes the flowers and looks at me. “Everyone who pays attention knows your favorite flowers are dahlias. He should know that if he wants you back.”

My heart warms that he remembers how much I love dahlias. I remember telling him in high school and he bought me a bouquet for my birthday that year. And every birthday since.

Smiling at him, I shrug. “It just makes it easier to hold my ground and not feel guilty.”

“What time do you think you will be home? I was going to make ramen, I’m feeling lazy.” Young Jae lingers as Owen and Cam walk outside with a wave, heads bent together.

“Early. I just need to close up and pack up any leftovers. I want to drop them off at the seniors’ home.”

He grins, that dimple popping out. “Perfect, let’s eat on the couch and watch that reality show you love so much.”

“Yes! Sounds like the perfect way to end the day.”

That evening, as I come in the door, I bend to greet Kimchi. It’s become our little routine over the past four days. I’ve always wanted a dog and after being greeted so happily every day since moving in, I can’t imagine not having one. She follows me in and when I see a fresh vase of dahlias on the dining table, I pause.

Young Jae glances at me from the couch. “I figured you should get some flowers you will actually enjoy.”

Smiling, I bend to smell them. “I love them. Before we settle in, I’m going to change real quick.”

Bounding up the stairs, I’m in my cozy yoga shorts and T-shirt and back in the living room in less than five minutes. It’s my nightly tradition, comfort winning over fashion every time.

I plop next to Young Jae on the couch. “We need to start with season one. It’s still the best one.”

He clears his throat, leaning forward to grab my bowl of ramen and handing it to me. Our fingers brush and it’s hard to ignore the flutter in my stomach. It feels like more than friends and roommates coming home to flowers and dinner ready. A cozy night on the couch together.

Shoving that aside, I explain the premise of the show as he finds it and hits play.

“They’re trying to gain popularity to get special privileges. The one who is the most influential wins the money at the end.” My hands wave as the first contestant is introduced. My eyes rapt on the screen as I dig into the ramen.

By the time we’ve finished eating, he’s hooked.

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