Page 26 of Cocky Choices: Zoe Cocker

Under her breath, Elena mutters, “The timing of this...”

I glance back to her, “Timing?”

Elena starts to speak but Tom interrupts her, “Timingwill help your brothers understand.”

Elena’s mouth shuts as she shoots him a look. Glancing to me, she shrugs, “Yep! That’s what I meant.”

“Ice cream for everyone on me!” Lexi shouts, jumping once before reaching for the shop door.

Tom reaches out, long arms holding it open for us all to walk through before him. I smile, “Thank you, Tom.”

“Anything for you, Zoe.”

THIRTEEN

Zoe

The bell roars as I push the door open, familiar scent of fresh blooms wafting over me like a warm hug. Morning light spills into Florist Shop, illuminating the delicate petals of my colorful offerings, each a promise of brightening someone’s day.

Starting with mine.

I set Ralphie’s carrier down on the brick-colored tile floors, his impatient, “Meow!” cutting through the tranquil morning air.

"Alright, Ralphie," I coo, crouching down to unclip the latch. "Time to explore your kingdom." He bolts out, an energetic ball of white fur, darting between pots, his tail high and proud. My heart swells watching him, a simple joy that makes a morning without coffee — I ran out — feel worthwhile.

It doesn’t take me long to prep today’s orders as there weren’t many to fill. I put all of my heart into their designs, humming to clear my head. I didn’t sleep well last night. Too much on my mind. While I appreciated the ice cream celebration, and it did feel good to let my news out, there was a hollowness in the air.

As I’m cleaning up the mess, the bell wails and in walks Tom. He’s wearing his usual delivery clothes — khakis and a polo shirt— and there’s something about the way he moves that makes my heart race. His brown hair is tousled, as if he just rolled out of bed, and I can’t help but imagine what it would be like to run my fingers through it.

“Morning, Zoe,” he greets me, voice a little tense. He glances down at my cat who has begun investigating a potted fern. “Is Ralphie working today? Quality control?”

“He just asked for a raise.” I reply, trying to keep my tone light, even as my stomach tightens. There’s something behind Tom’s glance that feels…angry. “Just be careful. He’s got a mind of his own lately.”

Tom chuckles, eyes sparkling with light as he bends to give Ralphie a pet. “How ya doin’ buddy?” Tom straightens. “I’ve never seen him cause any trouble. You ready with today’s orders?”

“Trust me, he’s been acting weird!” I roll my eyes as I walk toward the refrigerated room where I just stored today’s deliveries. “We have a few. Let me just grab them. Should’ve left them out here for you. I didn’t have my coffee.”

“Why not?”

I shrug, “Ran out.”

“Why didn’t you pick some up on the way?”

“I’ve been careful about saving money.”

He shifts his weight, grabs one of the gift cards absentmindedly from their stand. “Won’t have to do that much longer.”

I freeze, tilting my head. “What do you mean?”

“You’re marrying a rich guy. You’ll be able to get all the coffee you want from wherever you want.”

A frown pierces my forehead. “Oh,” I whisper, so taken aback that I don’t say another word as I disappear to get the orders. Heat is in my cheeks, enough that makes me pause and let the cold air cool them. And slow my heart rate.

When I return with the bouquets, I can feel Tom watching me. It’s a familiar sensation — he always watches me while he waits for orders. But usually he looks warm and kind. Right now, his expression is guarded. That wall I felt last night remains.

“Um…” I whisper, overwhelmed.

Heading away from him for the last batch, I steal a glance back at Tom, and our eyes lock for a moment. His look is intense, almost searching, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s angry with me. It feels like he is.

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