Page 64 of Crazy In Love
“You’re being too kind. Laney said it was, and I quote, ‘very mid.’” Jane chuckled. “Am I supposed to know what ‘mid’ means?”
Laney was her seventeen-year-old daughter, whom I’d known since she was a baby.
Beatrice and I both laughed.
“Teenagers,” I said with a smirk. “Enjoy the flowers.”
“Thank you. Have a great day.” She waved and pushed the door open, and a gust of wind moved through the space and then quieted once she’d closed it behind her.
I moved to pick up a piece of ribbon that had fallen off the counter, and I still smiled every time I took in the black-and-white-checkered floors. I’d renovated this place three years ago.My parents and my grandmother had agreed to pull some money out of the business for much-needed updates.
“The Vintage Rose” was a very fitting name. The black-and-white floors brought all the charm, and we had a huge rustic reclaimed wood counter that ran the length of the space. Antique duck egg–blue shelving lined the entire back wall, where we kept vases and baskets. The two facing walls had floor-to-ceiling glass refrigerators filled with the most beautiful blooms.
Running a flower shop had never been my dream, but it was something that came naturally to me. I wouldn’t say it challenged me the way I longed to be challenged, but it was comfortable.
I mean, how can you complain about being surrounded by beautiful flowers every day?
At the moment, the smell of pine flooded the store, because we were making wreaths and swags today.
My stomach twisted when I looked at the clock and realized I’d be meeting with Bridger soon. It was my first opportunity to show off my skills.
Obviously, I was nervous because he would definitely be a difficult client. Not to mention the fact that I was also running the flower shop, so my time would be split, and his home was massive. It would be a lot to balance.
But taking on the largest home in Rosewood River would have its benefits. Everyone would know that I had renovated it, which would hopefully make people realize I was a legit designer.
I hadn’t slept much last night, as I’d stayed up late putting a presentation together for tonight. I knew he’d have no problem telling me if he wasn’t impressed.
And I was determined to impress him.
“You need to go and let me finish this up,” Beatrice said as she stacked another wreath on top of the tall pile we had going.“If you’re going to take this gig, things are going to change here, right? So let’s start now.”
I nodded before moving to the sink to wash my hands.
Was I nervous?
Why was I nervous?
Maybe because it was Bridger Chadwick.
Childhood crush. Broody billionaire.
The man who’d starred in every one of my teenage fantasies and gone on to torture me as a grown woman.
The most beautiful man I’d ever laid eyes on.
Also, the most aggravating man I’d ever known.
He was bossy and intimidating—yet he’d finally apologized to me and offered me my first design job.
Well, he’d offered me the shot. Not the job.
I’d have to prove myself worthy, and I had a feeling he’d let me know after my presentation tonight what he thought. He didn’t seem like the type of man to linger over a decision, nor did he appear to be a guy who’d give someone multiple chances.
So, the pressure was on.
“Well, I don’t have the job yet. But if I get it, yes, things will change.” I blew out a breath as I pulled my coat on.
“Go dazzle the shit out of him. I’m so proud of you,” Beatrice said as she wrapped her arms around me. “And I’ve got things handled here if he hires you. It’s time for you to chase those dreams of yours, Em.”
