Page 21 of Tempest’s Torment

Louise rushes through the door, cheeks pink from hurrying. "I'm so sorry. Traffic was a nightmare."

"You're only fifteen minutes late," I tell her.

She still looks guilty while Cara waves her hand. "Go put your bag away before you apologize again." Louise disappears into the back room with a sheepish smile.

The phone rings later that morning, and Cara answers it from the back, Louise continues working the front while I finish today's orders, ready for delivery.

"Petals, how can I help?" I hear Cara’s soft voice. "She did? Oh, that's so lovely, I'll let her know. Of course, please hold on."

She appears in the doorway. "It's for you."

I frown, nobody calls me at work. Hell nobody calls me ever. "Who is it?" "The man said his name is Hades, he says his wife wants to thank you for the birthday flowers."

Something loosens slightly in my chest. I quickly wipe my hands and move toward the back and take the phone. "Hello?"

"Hey." The voice is deep and rough. "Sorry to bother you at work, I'm Hades. My wife, Evangeline, had a birthday Friday; apparently the man I sent to buy her flowers did a far better job than I could've managed myself."

I release a little laugh. "I'm glad she liked them."

"Liked them?" He rumbles out a laugh. "She rearranged the whole kitchen table around them. Our eight-year-old asked if she could have flowers for her room too. I now owe you a second order, apparently."

I smile widely, his family sounds amazing. "Bring her in, and she can pick whatever she likes."

"I'll tell her that. She'll hold you to it, fair warning. Sophie doesn't forget things. Anyway. Thank you, genuinely, you made her day."

"That's the job."

"Well. You're good at it." He hangs up, and I stand there for a second with the phone in my hand. I can’t help but think that was one of the best compliments I have ever received.

I set the receiver back in its cradle and go back to my workbench.

"Everything alright?" Cara asks.

"Yeah,” I say softly as I straighten a ribbon on the bouquet that’s ready for delivery. "The customer was happy."

"I gathered that."

"He just... called to say thank you because his wife loved the flowers."

"It’s the best feeling knowing we picked correctly and made someone happy,” she says.

She’s right; it is the best feeling. "He also said his daughter wants flowers in her bedroom now."

Cara smiles. "That's adorable."

"It is." She studies me for a second. "What?"

"Nothing."

I grind my teeth. God, I hate when she does that. "Cara."

She shrugs. "I like seeing you happy, that’s all."

My heart clenches. God, when was the last time I felt this happy?

"I'm not unhappy," I lie.

The sad smile she gives me tells me that she doesn’t believe me. "I didn't say you were." She reaches over, straightens the name badge on my apron, and pats my shoulder.