Page 22 of Innocent Union
I sidle up close to her and bat my eyes. “For me, then?”
Mom stares at me before sighing. “Fine. I think flowers are a good place to start. I’ll get you the number for the florist I’ve used in the past. But I’m not going. You’ll have to figure it out on your own. Or see if one of your sisters can join.”
“Thanks.” I give her a quick squeeze before hurrying off.
I call Emilia to see if she can help me, but she tells me she can’t get away from LA. “You know how it is. Essie is in school now, and I can’t just leave.”
After telling her I understand, I try Francesca, who also tells me she’s busy being a new mom. “Matteo is taking up all my time. I’m so sorry. I wish I could help.”
“It’s ok.” Next, I try calling Gemma. She’s in New York and doesn’t have kids. She has to have more time on her hands.
“Will you help me?” I ask.
“With flower shopping?” Gemma laughs. “No way. I hate that stuff. I never had to do it for my own wedding.”
“Because Viktor kidnapped you.”
“Semantics.”
“Don’t you want to help me now?” I don’t care if I’m begging. I’m beyond begging.
“Sorry, Mia. I just don’t care for that stuff. Find someone else.” I want to tell her I’ve asked everyone else, but they’re all busy.
Except, there is one more person—Cecilia. But I’d rather gouge my eyes out than ask her to help me plan my wedding.
I could always ask Nina, so I call her up. “Will you help me with flower shopping? Please?”
Nina sighs on the other end, and I just know that’s not a good sign. “I’m sorry, Mia. Antonio and I have plans this afternoon. But I’d help if I could.”
“No worries,” I say, trying to sound cheerful and knowing I’m utterly failing at it.
When I hang up the phone and turn around, I almost jump out of my skin when I see Lucia standing in the living room, just watching me.
“You could make a little noise, you know,” I mutter.
Lucia shrugs. “I hear you’re having trouble finding someone to go flower shopping with you.”
I wait for her to say more, and when she doesn’t, it dawns on me what she’s really saying. “Wait. Do you want to come with me?”
She shrugs. “I don’t mind flowers.”
I huff, shaking my head. “Lucia, you’d only make me feel bad.”
“That’s on you,” she says, narrowing her eyes. “I just say things as I see them.”
I roll my eyes. “Ok. Whatever. I have to go flower shopping without any help, so I’m not in the mood for your attitude.” I start walking to the door when Lucia calls out.
“Ok, fine. I do want to go. I think it would be fun.”
I turn back to her. “Really?”
“Yes, really.”
“Fine.” She perks up, but I hold up a finger. “But only if you drop the attitude. If you say one snide remark to me, I won’t let you join me.”
“Deal.”
This probably won’t go very well.
