Page 2 of Sunflowers and Surrender

Oh, no.Where is this going?

“And apparently, I caught something from them because my girl stormed into my office and practically beat the shit out of me after she received a call from her doctor.”

Yikes. Well, at least she’s not pregnant. “Oh, Ben.”

“Yeah.” He sounds so defeated.

Not to sound like Ross and Rachel fromFriends, but they were on a break.

“I’m hoping she’ll forgive me. I mean,sheleftme. It was a mistake, but I was drunk and heartbroken. I need to do something to show her how much she means to me.”

“Hmm. You’re right. This might take more than just flowers.” I turn to see the various add-ons we offer when my gaze lands on a few colorful balloons and stuffed animals that I quickly dismiss. “I’m not sure you should focus on forgiveness, Ben. Technically, you didn’t do anything wrong.”Well, except maybe the decision to forego using a condom. I can’t help but grimace. “Instead, use this opportunity to demonstrate how much she means to you.”

The line grows quiet again. “What do you mean?”

“Like, up your game. You said you love her. Show her. Use this occasion to make this a regular thing. Start by delivering a beautiful assortment of flowers to work, then bring a pretty bouquet of purple hyacinths home a while later. Make her dinner and have them waiting on the table. The following week, greet her with some white poppies and lilacs as you take her to a new restaurant. Run her a bath with rose petals and relaxing essential oils. Let her find chocolates and a love letter. Push yourself farther than you have before in the romance department. Show her your actions are more than asking for forgiveness. It’s because you love her.”

“You know, you’re right. I like that.”

“And if she chooses to stay focused on what you did while the two of you were apart rather than what you’re doing to bring the two of you together, you can walk away knowing you did all you could.” The tinkling metal chime of the bells above the front door steals my attention away from the phone, and as I look up, my heart practically stops beating.

“You’re fantastic, Tuesday. Tuesday. Such a pretty name.”

“Ben.”

“Yes?”

“Keep focused on your girl. I’m going to work on a few ideas and call you back to confirm. Does that sound okay?”

“Yes. Perfect. Thank you. I’m feeling more optimistic already.”

“Good. I’m so glad I could help.” I disconnect the call, with my eyes still fixated on the only other person in the shop. Despite all of the plants in the showroom doing their part in photosynthesis, I may need to be revived. He’s stealing all of the oxygen from the room. This glorious man stands at six foot two with dark brown eyes and wavy brown hair with a single dimple smirking at me. It’s enough to make any girl swoon.

“Tues,” the deep tone of his familiar voice coats my skin in delectable warmth as it floats in my direction. I feel like a peace lily thriving under a heat lamp. I’m practically melting under his gaze until the front doorbell dings again, and a tall, leggy blonde strolls in, draping her arm through his.

Chapter 2

Tuesday

“Hi, Alex. Ainsley,” I add, my tone turning curt with her arrival into my peaceful space. “What brings you to Cygnature Blooms?”

“I wanted to drop this key by for you.”

My brows jump in question as he places the shiny metal key into my palm. I turn it about in my hand, enjoying the warmth, unsure if he’s been holding it awhile or if it’s from the current transferred from his body to mine. “Why are you giving me this?”

“Your brother is going to be away. He has a few different med school interviews over the next week and said you had exams coming and might want to use his place to study.”

While I appreciate the sentiment, I’m not sure I understand. “Yeah. I might take him up on it. But I have a key.”

Alex looks surprised by this admission. “Did you ever come by when I was living there?”

“Of course not. I wouldn’t let myself in uninvited. I only used it when you two were away. Just to have a girls’ weekend or some time away from the folks.” Still living with my parents at twenty wasn’t my preference. Yet it’s saving me money, and I’m not home much anyway.

Up until a few months ago, Alex and my brother, Ricky, had been roommates. Once Alex joined the Hanover fire department, he found his own place. He said he was being proactive, preparing for Ricky’s departure once he went to medical school. Yet I secretly wonder if he had difficulty sleeping after his twenty-four-hour shifts with Ricky’s girlfriend spending more time at their place.

“Why don’t you keep this? I have one. Who knows. You might need it for something one day,” I say.

“Man.” Ainsley huffs. “And here I got excited thinking you brought me here to get me something pretty.”

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