Page 70 of Cocky Choices: Zoe Cocker

“My father knows the captain.”

My cell door unlocks, triggered by a switch pressed elsewhere. I step out of the cage with disbelief. “Must be nice.”

“To tell you the truth, my father calling the police today after you punched me, is the first time he’s defended me in any way.”

Caleb walks ahead of me without another word.

As we step out into the cool night air, he heads right and I turn left, my steps quickening.

I'm coming, Zoe.

And this time, nothing will stand in my way.

THIRTY-ONE

Zoe

“These are a Godsend.” I stand in the heart of Florist Shop, soft lights illuminating the vibrant colors of loose flowers scattered around foldout worktables Amelia saved us with, carting them from her garage to give us more space to create this unusually large order.

As grateful as I am for her contribution, and for the talent and personality of my team of two, working on these arrangements with Amelia and Perry would have, under other circumstances, made my heart sing with joy. Today it’s like a rock. The kind that sinks you.

How does it feel to be in jail?

Is he cold?

Could I bring him a blanket?

A warm meal?

Do they allow that?

“Zoe, can you pass me those peonies?” Amelia calls out from the next table, her bright and cheerful voice a stark contrast to the shadowy darkness in which I’m living.

Lifting the soft pink flowers carefully from years of habit, I walk them over, forcing a smile onto my face. “Here you go.”My voice is quieter than I intended. Amelia looks up at me with worry in her pretty eyes. To make her feel better I compliment her work, “That bouquet would soften even the hardest heart.”

Her face lights up. “Thanks Boss! Coming from you, that’s an honor.”

Perry, on the other side at a table of his own, is deep in concentration, brow furrowed as he assembles a towering centerpiece. “We’re going to need more of these,” he mumbles, holding up a handful of white roses. “The lead table has to be perfect.” Under his breath he adds, “Still can’t believe you gave me this one to craft!”

He’s right to be surprised. That centerpiece would normally have been under my care, but I am feeling the opposite of inspired today. Addressing his need for roses I answer, “There are more in the refrigerated room. I’ll get them,” trying to shake gloomy thoughts away from my mind.

“Are you okay, Zoe?” Amelia’s voice breaks through, stopping my journey.

“Oh, I was just thinking about how much we have to do,” I lie, forcing another smile. “It’s a great opportunity and I’m hoping we will make a good impression.”

Amelia throws her arms into the air, “We’ve got this! We just need to stay focused and let inspiration rule the day. I love that you decided to make all the bouquets originals. So common to have them all matching. Who wants common?”

“We make a great team,” I say, implying that if it weren’t for their jumping in with full commitment to the idea, it wouldn’t have worked. Amelia and Perry are talented, too, able to pull this off. I hope Florist Shop will have a lasting impression on the guests tomorrow night. Now, if I could just get excited about it!

My feet trudge to the refrigerated room and I fill a milk-crate with more white roses for Perry, plus some greenery for me. I was running out.

At my table, I start arranging eucalyptus in a vase, determination edging my voice. “Everything will be beautiful for the dinner. It’s important to Caleb.”

My staff exchange a look, and I know why. I’d shared the story of my engagement, and they’re worried about me.

Perry mutters, “Marrying a rich guy is what everyone wants…even me. So why aren’t you smiling, Zoe?”

“I don’t know why everyone is so caught up on money.” At their rolled eyes I can’t help but smile, but assert, “I get it! I took out a loan to start this business that I’m still paying for. I am very careful about what I spend, and I live below my means in order to get by and save a little, so I do get the appeal of having financial freedom. However!”

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