Page 9 of Cocky Choices: Zoe Cocker

I wince at the sight and apologize, marble vase heavy in both hands at my front, Ralphie quietly a supportive companion at my back. “I’m so sorry I didn’t bring your replacement last night, Ms. Perez! I’ll take twenty-percent off of your bill to make up for it.”

Fingering a white hydrangea petal on the new arrangement of purple and white flowers, before I set it down, she announces, “Thirty percent!” watching as I hurry to place it where the other was, the security guard departing to a safer distance.

A deep voice says, “A thirty percent discount for being only a few hours late?” and I look behind me to discover a very handsome man in a suit approaching us. He looks to besomewhere in his thirties, with black hair and amused brown eyes, one eyebrow cocked. “A little extreme. That’s not like you, Perez.”

The manager snaps to attention, stiff and professionally respectful. “Mr. Astor, good morning.”

With his eyes locked on me, he extends his hand and introduces himself, “Caleb Astor III, and you are?”

Darting a worried look to my valued and very new customer, I answer, “Zoe Cocker…the first.”

A grin flashes then disappears as he releases my nervous fingers and inspects my design with interest. “I’d say this is one of the best hotel flower arrangements I’ve seen, and I travel extensively.”

Ms. Perez explains, “Yes, it’s beautiful. I even like it more than the last, but we expected to have this yesterday and the old one has been in…decline. It was an eyesore for our guests.”

He dryly asks, “Then why didn’t you remove it last night?”

“That’smyjob,” I interrupt Ms. Perez before she tries to defend herself, which I don’t want her to have to do, adding an earnest, “It was my fault. I don’t mind. And thirty percent is fine. That’s fair.” I offer a smile. “I’ll do whatever it takes to smooth over my mistake. I’m very grateful for the honor, and I’d love to continue designing for you, Ms. Perez, if you’d like me to.”

Shifting her weight, she counters, “Twenty percent discount is fair, Zoe.”

She brought it back down to my original discount! Why doesn’t that make me feel better? Oh! It’s because she didn’t address my mention of future orders.

Caleb Astor III may have noticed it, too, because he offers with a purposeful gleam in his eyes, “My family is having a retirement party for my father here this coming Saturday. My mother hasn’t found a florist she’s happy with yet. I’d like to hireyou to supply the arrangements. There will be five hundred in attendance.”

My eyes go wide and I stammer, “I…I’d love to!” Calming myself I try to speak more slowly, like someone who knows what she’s doing. Experienced. “Do you have a palette for the event? Would you like a standing spray?”

“A…standing spray?” he asks.

“It’s one of those large arrangements that sits on an easel. If there’s a podium for speeches, they can be very pretty.” I offer an example to help him picture it, “You see them a lot at funerals?”

“He’s retiring, not dying.”

I blush, “They’re also for benefits, special occasions. I was just mentioning funerals because most people have been to one, and have seen them there.”

“I was kidding,” he informs me. “Do you have a card?”

“Oh.” I wriggle out of the backpack, unzip its side pocket to get my phone. “I have a QR code you can scan that will take you to my website.”

“Meow!” Ralphie hollers, his desire for attention echoing throughout the vast opulence.

Glancing to Ms. Perez and feeling as if I should have been more careful since I’m so late, I hastily apologize, “Sorry about bringing my cat here without asking.” I don’t feel nearly half as cool as Hunter is, with my apology, believing that in this case I really should have asked permission first.

Ms. Perez informs me, “We allow cats and dogs fifteen pounds and under. We even provide our guests with pet amenities.”

“That’s wonderful,” I smile, aware that she’s more likely to be seeking Caleb’s approval with this information than mine. Still, I’m impressed. “I think more businesses should take your lead.”

Ms. Perez’s, “Thank you,” is subdued and followed by a quick, “It’s company policy. But if it were up to me, I’d do the same.”

“You didn’t think of it,” Caleb clarifies.

“That’s correct.”

“Either way,” I interject, trying to ease the tension and wondering why he’s not being nicer to her, “It’s a great idea and I’m sure guests are very happy to have that policy!”

Ms. Perez smiles at me as if gratified by my compliment, but now it feels like there’s nothing left to be said. She comes to attention as a front-desk clerk calls over to her, “Ma’am?” bows her head and escapes.

At the look of disapproval in Caleb’s eyes as he watches her go, I offer, “You have to understand, this is one of the best hotels in the world. Their standards are exceptionally high.That’swhy she was going to dock me thirty percent. It wasn’t personal.”

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