Page 77 of Flowers Near Me

PINNED, TAILORED, UNDONE

PERSEPHONE

In the cramped fitting room, Persephone traced the off-shoulder sleeves and sweetheart neckline of the black ballgown. The tailor worked beside her, pinning the side seam with meticulous precision. It was stunning. She couldn’t wait to see Hades’ reaction to it. His compliments on her everyday outfits felt lavish. This was going to blow his mind.

It had been over two weeks since her first interview, and she was grateful that no more unexpected poppies had appeared. Under Hecate’s daily guidance, she’d learned to summon and banish the flowers, mastering her magic one poisonous petal at a time.

“Do you realize you’re officially halfway through the term of your six-month contract?” Charon asked, holding her tablet and swiping through what Persephone assumed were an array of calendars.

As instructed by the tailor, Persephone twisted side to side, making the dress fan and sway. Fluttering black petals sewn to cover her chest waved along. She answered, “That’s not possible. I thought I had at least a week or more before I was halfway.”

Charon leaned against the wall, giving the tailor room to work around Persephone. “If you count the gala as the final date, then no, you’re not halfway. But remember, under the original terms, you have no legal obligation to attend.” Charon didn’t look up from her tablet, and Persephone sensed a slight strain in her voice. Was Charon worried she wouldn’t attend? Or was she suggesting that Persephone miss it? She hoped it was the former, as the assistant was becoming a welcome companion at these events.

Lifting her arms so the tailor could adjust the floral appliqués of the bodice, Persephone said, “I’m going to the gala, don’t worry. I can’t wait for the app to launch—I think it’ll take off fast.”

“You and Hades have done your part to get the word out.”

“We all did, Charon. And how is Eurydice?”

“Better now. The ‘snake bite’ forced her to rewrite a significant portion of the code, but her team got it working again.”

“I can’t wait to see the newest version and how much it’s changed.”

“Which fitting room?” Both Persephone and Charon’s attention snapped to the familiar deep voice outside the closed fitting room door.

Persephone gawked at Charon. She couldn’t believe he’d showed up here. “Can you stall him?”Would he portal into the fitting room?!

Charon’s hand was on the doorknob before Persephone finished her question. “On it.”

“How close are you to finishing?” Persephone asked the tailor.

“Just one more minute and we’ll be set. It’s mostly there.” She tapped the waist of Persephone’s dress. “How’s it feel?”

“Perfectly tailored.” Persephone smiled at her. The tailor smiled back with a few pins pinched in between her teeth.

She heard Charon’s muffled voice from the other side of the door. “You’re supposed to be uptown for a meeting. Why are you here?”

Hades laughed. “Oh, sothat’swhy I was booked across town today.”

“What happened to your meeting with the director, then?” Charon asked, and the door frame creaked as something or someone pushed against it from the other side.

“We finished early. Shocking, right? Try to contain your excitement.” Persephone pictured the smug look he probably wore on his face, matching his mocking tone.

Charon replied, “Thatisgreat. Now you can get back to the office. Hecate has urgent items for you to approve.”

“Good idea. I’ll just check on Sephy then head there.” Hades gave three knocks before shouting, “Sephy, I’d like to see your gala dress.”

One locked door was nothing to a god. Hades could’ve portaled in by now, so he must’ve wanted permission. That knowledge didn’t stop Persephone from covering her chest with crossed arms despite being already clothed by the midnight flowers decorating the bodice.

“As soon as the tailor’s done, you can come in.”

“Finished,” said the tailor who began gathering her things.

Carefully pinching the satin fabric nearest her knees, Persephone lifted her skirt and stepped off the miniature platform. Hanging on a hook, a silk robe was within reach. She grabbed it, then quickly threw it on and tied the belt with shaky hands. Was she ready for him to see the dress?

Equally excited and terrified, Persephone opened the door and the tailor left.

Hades’ face lit with joy. “Sephy, it’s wonderful to see you.” Hades held out his hands and gave her a chaste kiss on each cheek. “May I see the dress?”

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