Page 48 of Bookworm

"ButHalmeoni, I told you I'm fine. We don't need her."

"And I told you, she'll work for free."

"Saturdays are our busiest time with deliveries," he said,keeping his voice calm and rational. "Kent doesn't know anything about flowers. She's a liability."

Mrs. Lee turned to me. "You know nothing about flowers?"

"No," I admitted while cutting my eyes at her grandson, "but I learn fast, and I'm great at customer service. The people who come into the library love me."

Bo scoffed.

"Well, most of them," I amended.

After a beat, Mrs. Lee said, "Bo, you show her."

His grandmother scowled when he went to protest, and Bo's mouth snapped shut as hefrowned back at her. Neither of them blinked.She was so tiny. Bo looked like a giant next to her.Despite myself, I was fascinated, wondering who would win this battle of wills. Just knowing him and his surly nature, I would've put good money on Bo. But after a few seconds, he caved.

"Yes,Halmeoni," he said with a sigh.

Mrs. Lee nodded. "She'llcome with you on deliveries too."

Bo released another sigh then started walking past me.

"Let's go, Kent," he said.

I followed without a word.

The back of the flower shop was just as magical as the front. There were more flowers here in buckets like the ones Bo had been carrying as well as in little refrigeratedglass cases. There were ribbons, baskets, and vases in various colors and shapes.Beautifuldidn't cut it. This place was truly other-worldly. I couldn't resist reaching out togently run my fingertips against some of thepetals. They were soft and fragile. As Bo kept walking, and I saw his strong frame settle behind the long table that was obviously used to set up the arrangements, I was struck by how muchhe didn't fit in here.Like at all.

Bo caught me staring, and I shook myself out of it, quickly walking over to join him.

"What were you thinking just now?" he asked.

I shrugged. "Just that it's kind of odd. You, working at a place like this."

"Odd how?"

"This is such a beautiful, happy place."

"Ah," he said, "and I'm hideous and miserable."

"That's not—"

"It's fine, Kent. I got your meaning."

"Yeah, got it all wrong," I said with a huff. "Jeez, Stryker, all I meant is that this place is full of delicate, cheerful-looking flowers. You're so strong, rugged, and grim all the time. It'sunexpected. That's all."

Bo tilted his head. "Rugged?"

"It means muscular or chiseled."

"Oh yeah?"

"Well-built," I added.

"Ah," he said. "So, you think I'm well-built, huh?"

I narrowed my eyes at him. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you were teasing me, Stryker."

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