Page 65 of More Than a Fling

“Thanks Sam.”

“You know I love you like a brother,” Sam said as he got up to leave.

“Yeah I know, now let me get back to work.”

Gabe just sat there for a while pondering Sam’s words. From anyone else Gabe would have told them to go fuck themselves, but from Sam it was different. He trusted him completely and knew Sam would never steer him wrong.

He picked up the phone and dialed the local florist and ordered a dozen roses a mix of red and white, to be delivered to the salon. Now that he had made the shift from anger to humility, he was desperate to have it out with Annie. He needed her. He now wondered what had took him so long. He hadn’t seen her for over a week and he was hurting. He hoped she felt the same.

* * *

Annie was shampooing her first customer when she saw the huge vase of deep red roses delivered. J.J. took the flowers from the driver and peaked at the card. “Annie, these are for you.”

Annie’s face lost all its color. “Are you sure?”

“Yep, plain as the nose on your face, the envelope says Annie Morgan. Red roses, true love,” he said. “It’s about fricking time.”

The customer getting her hair rinsed said, “Go ahead and read the card.”

“I’ll wait.”

“No! The suspense is killing me,” James said.

“You are a pain, do you know that?” she said, grumbling.

James took the tiny envelope over to Annie to open. Hand shaky, she slid her finger under the seal and pulled out the card.

I’m an idiot. I should have fought harder. Please forgive me! Gabe

“What does it say?” J.J. asked.

Annie read the card aloud and James clapped his hands with glee and said, “Finally, he admits it!”

Annie’s eyes were decidedly moist as she wrapped her customers hair in a towel. “Let’s move over to my station,” she said.

“Those roses are gorgeous,” her client said.

“Yes, they are the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen,” Annie said.

* * *

“Gabe, it’s Annie. God it’s so good to hear your voice.”

“Thanks for the flowers,” she said.

“Babe, it’s not nearly enough. I’m sorry, I was a fool. I should have been more understanding. When can I see you? I need to explain.”

“Tonight?”

“Yes! I was hoping you’d say that. Dinner out?”

“Yes,” Annie agreed. “I can come over to the farm and we can leave from there,” she offered.

“I’ll make reservations for seven thirty if that works for you?”

“Perfect.”

“Annie, I’m sorry.”

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