Page 22 of Playboy’s Purgatory

It needed to be said.

That doesn’t mean I like being fodder for the town’s rumor mill. I didn’t realize there were friends of the club and others at the BBQ, not just brothers and their women. If I had, I might not have spoken up.

It’s too late now to regret it.

All of my business is out there.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath while tamping down the need to run away screaming from this little display. It’s also equally tempting to set both bouquets on fire. They wouldn’t burn for long, but I bet it would be pretty.

My movements are tentative as I grab the note tucked amongst the blossoms in the larger arrangement.

It’s not enough, but this is just the start. I wanted you to have something that makes you smile today.

I’m sorry I was such an asshole.

Would giving you five free slaps help?

J

I hate myself a little when one side of my mouth tips up while reading his little note. I don’t know what the J stands for, but I know who sent these.

Even though I am considering reading the note with Vanessa’s flowers, I don’t. Those aren’t for me and while he might be an idiot, Playboy isn’t going to be cruel to a child.

Just as I’m about to rip the larger bouquet off the counter, march them to the front door, and throw them out into the street, Opal steps into Bunz Out. When she sees the look on my face, she frowns slightly. It disappears the moment she looks at the flowers.

“Oh,” she exclaims, “I see the apology gifts have started.”

I narrow my eyes at the woman who is far too cheery. Thankfully, I don’t see people pressing their faces to my windows to see the show. It might just be a matter of time though.

Opal leans on the counter slightly and points toward the flowers. “You know,” her tone is light, “since he’s a tattoo artist, he knows the meaning of different flowers. I’m sure he chose these on purpose.”

“I don’t care,” I grit out through my teeth. I’m beyond annoyed that I have to even deal with this foolishness. “I said my peace and I am more than willing to let it drop there while leaving him completely out of my life. And her, but that goes without saying,” I add.

Opal doesn’t pay me any mind and pull out her phone and taps away at the screen. Her eyes light up with whatever she’s found. “I knew it,” she exclaims and does a little shoulder shimmy while flapping her hand in my direction. “Listen. White roses mean sincerity, respect, and a fresh start. Tulips mean forgiveness and renewal. Blue Hyacinths mean peace and sincere regret.” Her face softens before she looks up at me. “Irises mean hope.” She pauses and pouts slightly. “Isn’t that sweet?”

“Adorable,” I deadpan.

She scrunches her face up at me like I’m the one being ridiculous. I’m not. He was a complete dick to me; I should not be moved by flowers.

“I don’t want them,” I try a different approach.

“They’re gorgeous,” she counters.

Her hands frame one of the large hyacinth blooms like she’s showcasing it on a game show. She wiggles her eyebrows and makes a sound of encouragement in the back of her throat.

I only cross my arms across my chest and scowl.

“I’m just saying,” she holds up her hands, “it would be a shame to waste these beautiful flowers and not enjoy them just because of the person who sent them. They’ll only last so long anyway, but they’re nice to look at right now.”

She’s not fucking wrong. But I’m not about to say that out loud. Hell no, then she’d never let me hear the end of it.

I don’t want them and I can feel myself digging my heels in about it.

That doesn’t mean I stop looking at them though. Because they are stunning.

“Anyway,” I shoot her a look for her to play along, “what brings you in here today?”

“I can’t just stop in for a little chat?” She asks the question so innocently and, for a moment, I’m unsure whether she has ulterior motives or not. I keep quiet. After a long moment, she breaks and lets out a sound filled with exasperation while throwing her hands up. “Fine, you caught me. I did come in for a snack, but it’s only a bonus. I come bearing gossip.”