Page 21 of Petals and Plot Twists
The lights flicker one more time.
“It has to be better thanthat,” Sophie says, pointing toward the ceiling. “Did you call Steve? Or Archer?”
I’ve talked to The Serendipity’s building manager at least ten times today, but so far, our conversations haven’t been very productive.
“Yeah, Steve brought an electrician by today, but they couldn’t find anything wrong. That’s the main reason I’m leaving. They’re going to have to remove some sections of wall to get to all the old wiring, and I really don’t want to live in a construction zone.”
Sophie frowns. “Is your parent’s place going to be any better? With all the packing they’re doing?”
It’s a valid question. I’m not particularly excited about witnessing the dismantling of my childhood home, but Mom assured me my bedroom is still functional, if completely devoid of LEGO sets, so it has to be better than here.
“It’s free and it’s close,” I say. “Plus, I’m supposed to pick up the rest of my LEGO bricks anyway.”
“But we’re doing that together,” she says. “Why not just come crash at my place? My couch is super comfortable, and then you’ll still be close to all your stuff.”
I prop my hands on my hips, considering. Itwouldbe easier to stay with Sophie. That way, if I need anything from home, I’m only a floor away. It would also give us more time together—and maybe givememore opportunity to talk to her about how I feel.
Then again, if I tell her, ask her out, and she says no, would I have to keep living at her place like everything is normal?
In that circumstance, I probably could just bail and go stay with Mom and Dad.
“Come on,” Sophie says. “It’ll be fun. Besides, if you’re staying with me, it’ll only be easier for you to help me with my new plan.”
“Your new plan?”
“Yep,” she says brightly. “I’m going to use my magic flower to find love.”
Chapter Seven
Sophie
“Okay,”I call to Willa, who is waiting just inside the stairwell with Archer. “Come on out!”
I focus my phone camera right on the love flower and wait for what I know is going to happen. Sure enough, as soon as Willa and Archer are within sight, the closed bud on the flower slowly unfurls, revealing the creamy white petals and dark pink center. It’s the first time I’ve gotten the entire process on film, and I just barely keep myself from squealing.
I’m still getting to know Archer, but I know enough to guess he’s not the kind of man who appreciates a good squeal.
“Did you get it?” Willa asks.
“I totally did,” I say. I open my gallery to watch the video. The actual process of blooming doesn’t look all that different from that of a moon flower, though a moon flower doesn’t bloom quite so quickly.
“Look,” I say as I pull up the video, turning so Willa and Archer can watch too.
Except, there’s nothing to watch.
The video plays, but the image on the screen is completely blurry. “What on earth? I swear, it was totally clear while I was filming. I was staring at the screen the whole time.”
“Maybe you moved a little?” Archer suggests.
“Or maybe the flower just doesn’t want to be filmed,” Willa says.
I give her a dubious look, and she rolls her eyes.
“So you think it blooms in the presence of true love, but you’re too much of a skeptic to think it doesn’t want to be caught on camera?”
“Okay, fair point,” I say. “But this totally sucks. I really wanted to show Peter, and he’s still refusing to come up and see it for himself.”
“Why?” Willa asks. “He loves your garden.”
