Page 34 of Deck the Hauls

Roz smirked. “It sounds like you’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty.”

I glared at her. “I was just trying to ensure the film was a success, for the good of the farm.”

Roz held up her hands. “Okay, okay.”

I’d made it very clear that I wasn’t interested in dating, but my friends were all so happily loved up that they struggled to understand that I actually liked being by myself, that I liked the peacefulness and the freedom of being single. If I wanted to spend an hour wood chopping, followed by a hot shower, a dinner of cereal and then read a book in bed until my eyes were heavy, I could. And on the odd occasion I got a little lonely, I’d message the group and there’d always be at least one person up for a walk or a coffee.

“Even if I wanted a relationship, Emily wouldn’t be an option. She’s only here for another week and she’s probably straight.” I’d Googled Emily earlier today, curiosity about her relationship history getting the better of my misgivings that Googling her was a little creepy. All I’d discovered was that she had dated a few male actors. That didn’t rule out her also being interested in women, but it also didn’t give me any reason to think she was.

Jenny frowned. “But⁠—”

I spotted Emily walking toward us. “She’s coming back now, so can we please change the topic?”

When Emily returned, she remained standing. “I should probably get going. We’ve got another early start tomorrow. But thank you so much for letting me crash your dinner.”

“You’re welcome any time,” Hannah replied.

“I’ll drive you home,” I said. While Emily’s Airbnb was close by, I didn’t like the idea of her walking alone in the dark.

When we got to Sapphire Blooms, I jumped out and opened the passenger door for Emily.

She winced as the truck door slammed shut.

“Sorry,” I said. “I didn’t mean to close it so hard.”

“I don’t think it was related to the noise. It was just another random pain.”

Emily’s face was lit by the warm glow of a cast-iron lamp. She didn’t look like herself. My chest constricted.

“Why don’t I come in with you to make sure you get up the stairs okay? If I remember correctly, they’re pretty steep.”

Emily waved a hand. “That’s okay, I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

If Emily fell down the stairs, no one would find her until Olivia came to open the shop. “No, I insist. It’s no trouble at all, and I’d feel much better knowing you were safe.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

Emily pushed open the door to Sapphire Blooms and flicked on a light. With all the flowers in storage, the flower shop looked slightly eerie. The floral scents and kaleidoscope of colors were noticeably absent. I stood behind Emily as she slowly made her way up the stairs.

“Can I offer you anything? Tea or coffee?” Emily asked as we walked inside the apartment. She sounded tired, her voice devoid of its usual energy.

Not wanting to overstay my welcome, I opened my mouth to say I should head out when Emily let out a pained yelp, swayed, and then clutched the side of the door frame.

“Shit, are you okay?” I asked, rushing over to her.

“Yeah, sorry. Just a shooting pain that threw me off balance.”

I helped Emily over to the couch. Her face was drawn and pale. Was this getting bad enough to take her to the ER? Blake had suggested Tylenol for her head.

“Do you have any Tylenol?”

Emily nodded and attempted to stand on wobbly feet. My heart lurched.

“Hey! I can go get it. Where is it?”

Emily collapsed back onto the couch. “Thank you. It’s in the cabinet in the bathroom. Down the hall and to the left.”

I strode to the bathroom, found the Tylenol, and then ventured into the kitchen, opening cupboards until I located a collection of floral mugs. I filled a sunflower one with water.