Page 32 of Cocky Choices: Zoe Cocker

She pauses, expression thoughtful. “I wanted to create a space where people can express to the ones they care most about… all of the things they sometimes cannot say. I wanted to create a sanctuary, a garden that’s not so secret after all but is available to everyone. Flowers can be expensive so I have a free day every third Thursday of the month where anyone can come get a bouquet for their loved ones, even if they don’t have any money. Flowers brighten our souls, that’s what I believe. I want to brighten souls.”

I nod, completely captivated. “You could open one in New York.”

A frown immediately pierces her brow. “I don’t think I could leave my family.”

“My place is in New York.” We stare at each other, and she starts to rock in place, cooing to her cat. “Zoe, I live in New York.”

“Couldn’t you live here?”

Her gaze is filled with innocence, so I laugh, “I’ll think about it. God knows I don’t love my job and that’s the main thing keeping me there, I guess. Plus my friends.” I almost said my sponsor, who I rely on — they’re someone who’s teaching me how to be less selfish, among other things.

Zoe sets down Ralphie and he saunters away as she asks me, “You don’t love your job? I’m sorry…I just realized I don’t know what you do for a living.”

“I work for my father.”

“Doing what?”

“That’s a great question,” I mutter. “I sit at a desk and show up to meetings and have no clue why I’m even there. They don’t listen to my ideas. I’m basically glossed over, tolerated only because I’m the boss’s son.”

“I don’t understand.”

That crazy freakin’ bell goes nuts and I nearly jump out of my skin as I look toward the door. In walks her deliveryfriendcarrying an empty box and a clipboard with pen dangling. The expression on his face as he adjusts the pen tells me he didn’t expect me to still be here.

“Any new orders, Boss?”

Zoe brightens up. Did I just see her shoulders relax? “Oh right! I have some orders to fill. Thank you for reminding me. I swear, where does my head go sometimes? They’re all going to the Bentworth’s.”

“Oh great, then I don’t need the address.”

This prompts me to ask, “They order a lot, do they?”

Zoe and Tom shrug, locking eyes as he says, “Not in what…three months or so?”

“But they’re neighbors,” she smiles. “Everyone knows the Bentworth family.”

Thinking how different this place feels from New York City, I nod.

He flicks a tense glance to me, then smiles at her. “Want me to wait?”

“Yeah, if you could.”

“I’m here for you,” he says, and glances to me again, “whenever you need me.”

My phone buzzes and I check to see a text from my father.

Where are you?!!

I blink, wondering what he’s talking about. It’s not time for dinner. I was going to hit the gym and shower before meeting them. “Oh shit,” I mutter as it dawns on me. “I’ve gotta go. I’m supposed to be in a video conference for work.”

Zoe reaches out and touches my hand. “Oh no! Now you sound like me. Forgetting important work things!”

“Yeah,” I frown, glancing to Tom as he waits for the orders. Or is he waiting for me to leave? “Dammit, I’m sorry. I have to run.”

“That’s okay. We’ll talk later.”

“Yeah, and I want to go over what will be needed for the retirement event, too. We forgot to talk about that. I’ll call you tonight. That number your cell?”

“The one listed online?” She bends under the counter and bounces up, holding out her phone, looking adorable. “One and the same.”

---