Page 17 of Protecting my Zinnia

"Ten. So I'm going to have to rush home and do some research first."

"Why don't you make it eleven?" I ask. "That way I could wander by the café on my way back from a job."

Zinnia sighs. "Didn't we talk about this yesterday?"

"Yes, but that was with the movie guy. I know him. I have no idea who this Hortopan dude is."

"He's my client. At least, I hope he will be. He might change his mind if he sees some huge hulking guy threatening anyone who speaks to me."

"Zinnia—"

"Please, let's get going." She jumps to her feet, rinsing the cups and stacking the dishwasher.

I get ready quickly, pack my gear, and meet her in the front hallway. As I'm driving, I notice Zinnia's fingers tapping awkwardly on her knee.

"Is something wrong?" I ask.

"Yesterday I had to listen to my overbearing dad telling me that I'm too young to date. Today you're saying that I'm too young and delicate to meet a local businessman in broad daylight in a café where the staff know me. At ten in the morning. With my sisters probably a half a block away."

"You're doing everything right. I just can't help it. Listen, I can drop by and have a snack in the corner. I won't even talk to you. Just let me take a look at the guy, and if I get any terrible vibes from him, I'll—"

"You'll what?" She whips to me as I park in front of her apartment. "If he's friendly, you'll come over and sling an arm around me, showing off that I'm taken? If he's unfriendly, you'll deck him? This is my business, Evan."

Taking a slow breath, I reach for her hand, but she snatches it away. "Zinnia, you are a gorgeous young lady. Men are going to check you out everywhere you go. If a guy is doing business with you, he might use that as an opportunity to bring you to his office. Alone. I mean, if you knew some of the things I've heard some men mutter in bars and locker rooms…"

"I can't live with anyone breathing down my neck. To be honest, I was thinking about getting my own place long before Dad said he was moving and we all decided to come here."

I can't stand how sad she looks. "I don't want to be a little girl asking the big man's permission to live my life. So you're going to have to think about whether or not you can be with someone who is truly independent, and refuses to ask permission to do normal everyday things."

She jumps out of the truck and dashes into the apartment, leaving me with my knuckles clenched around the steering wheel.

Have I really ruined everything already? I'm glad that she speaks her mind, but I do need to protect her. Look what happened when I didn't warn my mother not to drive in heavy rain.

The thought of anything like that happening to Zinnia makes my blood run cold.

I already know that we belong together. I'm not going to let anything happen to her.

I can't.

9

ZINNIA

Ineed my head to be perfectly clear while preparing for my meeting. But as I gather a sample of my illustrations that showcase the style I'm thinking of for the safety supply store, I can't stay focused.

I've always talked a good game, and been the official bullshit meter for my friends. Why can't I do the same for myself? I honestly can't tell whether Evan's overprotectiveness is completely insane, or just a bit over the top.

Do I really come off as so fragile that both my would-be boyfriend and my father think I need that kind of supervision?

It's always bothered me when people assume that I can't do anything for myself because I'm so tiny. I didn't mention that part to Evan, but it's one of the main reasons I don't want to work in an office environment. I don't want coworkers to think they need to reach something down from the top shelf for me – like, that's what ladders are for – or that I can't lift the heavy box of photocopy paper. I would be fighting too hard to make them respect me all the time.

Maybe I really am better off being alone. Well, with my sisters. At least until they move in with their new boyfriends, which from the sounds of things is going to happen pretty soon.

Luckily, Rose and Lily are lost in their own worlds this morning, and barely mention the fact that I didn't come home last night. By the time I get down to The Tiny Goat, I feel fairly well prepared for my meeting.

Edgar is equally well-organized, and arrives with a sheet with all my questions answered, together with a detailed list of the work he needs done. As well as the email illustrations and headers, he'd like a few small graphics for signs around the store. It's an absolute dream job, and we arrange for me to do a few of the items to make sure he approves of the style, then I'll do several things per week on an ongoing basis.

By the time he pays for our bill and leaves, I'm in a fantastic mood. Which flies out the window when I see Evan in the back corner hiding behind the local newspaper.