Page 62 of Love in Bloom

“How about a couple of weeks? You can let us know when we get back from our annual fishing trip to Canada. I know there’s a lot to consider in joining,” Bob said. “This is a big decision that you shouldn’t enter into lightly.”Didn’t see that coming, Miller thought as he walked back to his office.

He’d anticipated this day for almost ten years. He should be more excited. Hell, he should be a little excited, at least. Miller paused. Nope. No excitement at all.Maybe, I’m in shock? I’ll be excited later,he promised himself.

Several days and sleepless nights later, Miller still wasn’t excited. It didn’t help that he was sleeping in a strange bed. They were in Milwaukee for Jackson’s bachelor weekend. Last night, they’d cheered the Twins on to a win at Miller Park.

It had been a close game. Tied at the bottom of the ninth, but a missed catch from the Brewers had allowed the Twins to score. Today, they’d toured several parks with beer gardens during the afternoon, ending up at Sprecher Brewing Company for a private reserved tasting. They’d enjoyed samples of several premium beers paired with artisan cheeses.

But at dinner, Miller had wanted only a big, bold Cabernet with his steak. He drank more than usual, but he’d argued he was on vacation so it didn’t count. Plus, he wasn’t anywhere near the buzz level of some of the others. Eric was especially amusing this evening.

“What’s with the eye?” Miller pointed to the gash and bruise near Eric’s left eyebrow.

“Wren’s painting bit me when we moved it to Mrs. Hart’s.”Didn’t take her long to move on.Miller chewed the steak in his mouth until there was nothing left.

“It was the least I could do. I wish she’d let me help more, but she’s really stubborn and I think she’s sad,” Eric said.Good. Miller’s chest eased. Maybe Wren wasn’t too happy in this new relationship.

“Why’s that?” he asked and took a sip of wine.

“She’s moving.”

“Oh, new apartment?” Miller asked, poker face firmly in place.

“No, man, she’s lost everything. Apartment. Business. Everything.” Eric shook his head at the tragedy.

“Really?”What the hell? Why didn’t she tell me?Miller relaxed his grip on the wine glass when he set it down, empty. “How did that happen? I thought Wallflowers was doing well.” Eric studied the beer mugs in front of him and found one that wasn’t empty. He finished it then looked at Miller with a sloppy, sad expression.

“I overheard my dad on the phone with Diane. Sounded like she’d asked him to kick Wren out so AAS could expand into her spot. Wasn’t hard to do since she was on a month-to-month lease. Kicker is, she’d called my dad several times trying to get a longer lease and the asshole never called her back.” At least that’s what Miller heard through the slurs. Eric stabbed his porterhouse.

“When did this happen?”

“Early July. I’ve been helping her find a new location, but nothing. There’s nothing, man. And no location means no business!” Eric threw his arms wide, smacking Miller in the process. “Shhh”—he put his finger to his lips and looked around nervously —“I’m not supposed to tell anyone, especially Miller.” Eric’s eyes flew open, and he slapped his hand over his mouth when he realized his blunder.

“Don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me.” Miller patted him on the back.

Wren lost her lease and then broke up with him. It wasn’t a coincidence. And he was positive Diane would have made sure Wren knew she was behind it.

He should have listened to her warnings. If he’d paid attention, he could have stopped all the nonsense. The only nonsense he couldn’t stop was Wren’s irrational fear that she’d change into someone else if their relationship continued after his promotion to partner. He would have made damn sure she didn’t. Miller didn’t want a redheaded Stepford wife. He wanted Wren.

Miller filled his wineglass.Dammit!All he’d needed was more time, and she’d cheated him of that by breaking things off. He’d been dismantling her fears and getting her used to the idea of a long-term relationship. If not for the eviction, he may have been able to convince her she wasn’t bad for his career, that she wouldn’t have to change anything for him. And maybe they’d still be together. But Diane had made sure that hadn’t happened.

Why didn’t she trust him enough to tell him the truth? Miller slammed his fist on the table.

Jackson looked up startled, and cocked an eyebrow. He slid Miller’s wine away from him, but Miller slid it back. “Trust me, I need this tonight. And only tonight.” Miller topped his glass. The other men watched. Miller knew it must be weird for them to see him drink, and even weirder to see him and Jackson butt heads.

“Spill it,” Jackson ordered across the table.

“The wine?”

“No, Mr. Lightweight, what’s bothering you.”

“Wren lost her lease because of me and she didn’t tell me.”

Eric punched him in the shoulder. “Dude, which part of don’t tell anyone did you not understand?” He tossed his hands in the air like Miller was the world’s biggest idiot.

“I’m guessing she didn’t tell you because she knew you’d do something stupid and risk the chance of partnership,” Jackson said, defending Wren. Miller knew he was right. Wren had protected him. He should be grateful, but he wasn’t. “You were involved with Wren, weren’t you?” Jackson asked. Miller nodded.

“Yes. She wanted it kept a secret, but Diane figured it out. She went out of her way to make Wren’s life difficult.”

“Why?” Jackson asked.

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