Page 33 of The Florist By Chance
“Not all ruined,” I say, forcing calm into my voice, though my gut churns. “We can fix this. We just… need to move fast.”
Her hands tremble as she touches the water-soaked tablecloth. “People are already taking pictures. They’ll see this. They’ll think we can’t handle it.”
I place a firm hand on her shoulder, grounding her, grounding me. “Hey. We’ve dealt with worse. Together. Right now, we just need to act. We can save this booth, Mia. I promise.”
We dive into the mess, moving with urgent efficiency—snapping stems, adjusting toppled vases, fluffing damaged blooms. Every brush of her hand, every shared glance in the chaos makes my chest ache. I’ve wanted to protect her for years, but right now, it feels bigger than that—this is our shop, our community, our pride. And I won’t let Titan take any of it from her.
The festival crowd murmurs around us, oblivious to the sabotage, oblivious to the storm we’re weathering. I glance at Mia, her hair damp from a splash of water, cheeks flushed with exertion, eyes fierce.
She looks at me—really looks—and I feel that spark, the same one that nearly had me on my knees in the shop last night. But now isn’t the time. Focus. Protect the booth. Protect her.
And as we race against time to salvage every bloom, I know this: whatever comes next—Titan, sabotage, or the chaos of the festival—I’m not letting Mia face it alone. Not ever.
I stand behind the counter, watching Mia arrange the morning shipment of blooms, her fingers deft and precise as always. The shop smells like roses and hope, a sharp contrast to the tension still simmering from Titan’s latest stunt. I take a deep breath, letting the scent anchor me. Today, we’re not just reacting—we’re taking control.
“Okay,” I say, leaning against the counter, trying to sound casual, though my pulse is steady with purpose. “Here’s the plan.”
Mia looks up, eyebrows raised. “You mean you actually have a plan?”
I smirk, the corner of my mouth twitching. “Not just a plan. A plan that involves this town, every loyal customer who loves this place as much as we do, and a little… strategic charm.”
She narrows her eyes. “Strategic charm? That sounds suspiciously like you being yourself.”
“Guilty,” I admit, shrugging. “But listen—Titan’s betting on fear and intimidation. We’re going to show them they can’t bully this community. We’re going to rally support, get the townsfolk invested, and make it impossible for Titan to push us out.”
Mia tilts her head, considering. “You think people will actually get behind us?”
I meet her gaze, steady and sure. “I know they will. They love this shop. They love what your mom started. And I—well, I’ve been watching. This isn’t just a business to you. It’s a heartbeat in this town. We’re going to protect it. Together.”
Her lips twitch, almost a smile, though her eyes betray the worry she’s holding at bay. I can see it—she’s calculating, weighing the odds, trusting me even as she doesn’t want to admit it.
I step closer, lowering my voice so the hum of the shop doesn’t carry it beyond the counter. “And if Titan comes at us again? We won’t just survive. We’ll make sure everyone knows they’re on the wrong side of this fight.”
Mia swallows, nodding slowly, and for a brief moment, the weight of everything fades. We’re not just reacting anymore. We’re leading, taking back the narrative.
The sun hits the windows just right, casting the flower-strewn counters in golden light, and I realize something else—this fight isn’t just about the shop. It’s about standing for something bigger than either of us. And for the first time since I came back, I feel certain we can win.
Mia sets down a vase with a small clink, shooting me a skeptical look. “So your big plan is… public charm and moral high ground?”
I grin, leaning against the counter. “Not exactly. Call it persuasive diplomacy—with a hint of me doing what I do best.”
“Which is?” she asks, arching an eyebrow.
“Annoying you until you start believing in me,” I say, letting my voice carry just enough humor to mask the tight coil of nerves in my chest.
She snorts, shaking her head. “You really think this town will just… follow you?”
“I don’t think. I know,” I reply, meeting her gaze steadily. “People respect loyalty. And Mia, you’ve earned theirs long before I even showed up. I’m just… amplifying it.”
Her lips twitch again, almost a smile. “Amplifying, huh? Sounds like a lot of you and not much of me.”
I step closer, lowering my voice so only she hears. “I need you with me on this. Not just because I can’t do it alone—which I can—but because you matter. You matter to this shop, to this town… to me.”
Her eyes widen slightly, the faintest flush creeping up her cheeks. She looks away, busying herself with a ribbon, but I catch the tremor in her fingers. I’ve said it without saying it. She knows, even if she won’t admit it.
“And here I thought your plan was all strategy,” she mutters, voice soft, almost vulnerable. “Turns out it’s also about making me uncomfortable.”
I chuckle, but there’s sincerity under it. “Maybe. Or maybe it’s about making sure you know I’m not going anywhere this time.”
