Page 18 of Petals and Plot Twists
Mom must still be within cell range, because her reply comes through pretty quickly.
Mom
His name is Jean-Luc. Isn’t he dreamy?
Sophie
Mom. Where is Pierre?
Mom
Old news. But don’t worry. I’m totally fine. We’re still friends. I’ll explain everything later.
Only my mother could start an eighty-day cruise with one man and end it with another. Without even getting off the boat.
I heart Mom’s last message, doing my best to ignore the tightness in my chest that comes whenever I think about my mother’s ridiculous dating history. I get that she’s been hurt. I’m just not sure this is the healthiest way to cope.
I sigh and close out our text thread, then navigate back to the images from the library.
I zoom in on the paragraph I photographed and read it one more time.
Willa’s closet didn’t toss her into Archer’s apartment until she was ready to find love. At least, that’s my theory. And the love flower didn’t appear in my garden until now, even though I’ve been tending the garden since I moved in.
If this story is correct, the timing is significant.
Maybe I’m supposed to use the flower to help others find love?
Or maybe…it appeared because it’smy turnto find love?
A breeze picks up and ruffles the leaves on the maple tree behind me. I don’t know why, but it feels like confirmation, and I’m filled with a trembly sense of anticipation.
If I bring my dates up here, it won’t matter if myickdetector is broken.
Because the flower will tell me once and for all if a guy has potential—if he’s truly meant for me.
It’s the ultimate dating hack.
But do I want to start dating again? It’s been kind of nice lately, not worrying about it. I’ve been spending more time with Peter. And I’ve had a much easier time staying on budget without all the drinks and dining out.
But if the flower could help—if I could do it without all the pointless searching and bad dates—the process would be so much easier.
I think of Willa’s suggestion about Peter one more time. Her wordshavemade me look at him differently the last few days. At least in small ways. But I doubt very seriously I would need a magic flower if Peter were the one who’s meant for me. Besides, a decade is a very long time to never make a move. If Peter had feelings for me, wouldn’t he have said something by now?
No matter how I shake it, the most important thing is that I have the opportunityright nowto use the flower to find my match.
Willa’s closet eventually stopped acting as a portal, which means my flower could disappear at any point. It would be irresponsible not to take advantage.
What if this is it?
What if it’s finally my turn?
My main character moment.
The love flower in my garden is going to help me find my soulmate.
I just have to figure out how to use it.
Chapter Six
