Page 60 of Worth the Chase

“Nooo.” I dragged out the word and laughed. “It’s fine. Really.”

I was actually relieved about that part because I knew that I’d most likely have had to fire her soon enough. This was a much better option for both of us, minus the fact that my best friend was about to move away…again.

“I’m going to miss you,” I said, pouting a little. “I feel like I just got you back, and now, you’re leaving again.”

“I know. I’m going to miss you too. But I’m going to FaceTime you, like, every single day because I need to hear allthe details about you and your new boyfriend.” She emphasized the last word.

“You’d better,” I demanded because Anna was the only person I confided in and told all my secrets to.

She always understood and never made me feel crazy or weird. I needed her in my life.

“You know I’m only a phone call away. And a few hours’ drive. I can be here in no time at all,” she reminded me.

“It will be fine. I’ll be fine,” I said because minus this little setback, things in my life seemed to really be looking up.

I had a job that I loved, working for an incredibly talented chef, and I was starting a relationship with the guy I’d been crushing on for most of my life.

What more could I ask for?

HOUSEWARMING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

MATTHEW

The next afternoon, while Bells was at work, I drove my happy ass to the florist and put together an arrangement all by my-damn-self. I could have had the owner, Lizbeth, make it for me, but I wanted to pick and choose flowers that reminded me of my girl.

After I was finished, Lizbeth laughed.

“What? Is it ugly?” I asked, looking at the mismatched bunch.

There were roses in different colors, a sunflower, tulips, daisies, and some other things I didn’t know the name of, all combined to make a total shitshow. Nothing looked like it went together.

“It’s not ugly; it’s unique,” she emphasized the last word.

“It’s ugly.” I frowned and almost threw the whole bunch to the floor.

“Matthew, I love that you picked these out yourself. Give them to me so I can arrange them in a way that makes sense.” She reached out her hands and waited for me to give her the colorful bunch.

“You are the professional.”

I shoved them toward her, and she disappeared somewhere in the back while I sat out front, pouting.

There was a small section of cards, and I started reading them, wondering if I should get one for Bells, but they were all so embarrassing.

When Lizbeth reappeared, I couldn’t stop myself from asking, “Why are all these cards so bad?”

She blew out a breath. “I know, right? They’re awful. But they sell, if you can believe it.”

“They’re so cheesy,” I said, reading one out loud before shoving it back in the case.

“I’ll never unhear that,” she said with a laugh. “Come look at this.”

I did as she’d asked, and suddenly, my bad mood lifted. “How’d you do that?” I reached for the flowers and nodded my head in fierce approval.

“Just added a little greenery and a little baby’s breath. That usually fixes everything.”

I spun the bouquet around in my hand so I could take it in from every angle. “You made it real pretty. I guess you do know what you’re doing.”

“Gee, thanks.”

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