Page 2 of Cocky Choices: Zoe Cocker

“My morning coffee put the spring in my step I sorely needed, thank you,” she ends with a laugh, eyes crinkling in wonder at my current project. “What a lovely arrangement! My goodness! It’s enormous!”

Tucking fragrant Lavender stems into my selection of dark violet and bright white flowers of many varietals, I smile, “It’s intended for the foyer at The Four Seasons hotel. Have you been there?”

“Not once.”

“It’s massive. This is the second time they’ve hired me for the honor. I think my Uncle Justin made them hire me the first time as a favor to him, but they were pleased with what I did so they asked me to create another! Last time I went with reds as the focal point. I was planning on pinks today, but something about purple spoke to me. Do you think they’ll like it?”

“I think they’ll love it.” Mrs. Porter gently touches one of the iris’ violet petals with a hint of both sadness and nostalgia. “This was my husband’s favorite color.”

Sharing a look with her that says I miss him, too, I whisper, “I remember,” and add wistfully, “He used to ask me if I would paint my cream roses purple for him. I said I couldn’t suffocate them like that. I wish I’d given in and done it just once, though. If I’d have known he’d be gone so quick…”

Touching my hand, Mrs. Porter gives a tender chuckle, “He did that to needle you, Zoe. Martin knew you believe that flowers and plants are sentient beings.”

“They are!”

“Then how can you cut them?”

I blink at the odd question. “They were meant to be cut. They don’t mind at all.”

“I almost believe you think that’s true.”

I insist with sincerity, “Itistrue!”

People can be so funny sometimes, how they hold on so tightly to their ideas of reality.

Mrs. Porter eyes me knowingly. It’s a look I get from people a lot. As iftheycan see that my head is in the clouds and thatIdon’t know it is.

However, I do know.

I want it there.

“Lilies again, Mrs. Porter?”

“Yes, dear. The last ones stayed with me for nearly three weeks. I don’t know how you do it! Today I finally said,it’s time for a replacement.Have you any?”

“For you? Always!” I disappear into the refrigerated room where I keep my beautiful little wonders, collect a dozen white Calla Lilies to lovingly arrange as I happily return to where she waits for me at the main counter. Mrs. Porter watches as I place the graceful flowers on brown wax paper and tie them with thin, natural rope. “Put them on your tab?”

“Yes, please, dear.”

The howl of the bell raises my gaze toward the door, and my heart starts pounding faster than is healthy for me.

Or anyone.

Ryder Hamilton has been my crush ever since we met. And by crush I mean cracked, smashed and pummeled. He has no idea how I feel about him. If he does, he’s never taken it seriously, which is the bane of my existence. He’s the nephew of my cousin Emma’s husband, billionaire Tanner Hamilton, and when Ryder moved to Atlanta I thought for sure I’d found the guy I would marry.

Seeing him today, I still feel that way.

“Hey Zoe,” Ryder smiles.

“Hi Ryder!” I grin, heart pounding.

He pauses and holds the door open. I blink as a beautiful girl who looks to be also in her twenties, steps into my shop and takes Ryder’s hand. “I want you to meet Margot,” he says, adding as if it means nothing, “My girlfriend.”

Jaw.

Dropped.

To.

---