Page 100 of The Heart You Kept

Another day, another country….

ALORA

Market night is always crazy, but this one is intense.

“My god,” Helene whispers as I wrap a vase. “Why are they all drinking so much, we’re going to run out of wine at this rate.”

“There’s three more boxes in my office.”

“They’re hot.”

“So go put them on ice.” I fake a smile to the customer. “Thank you so much for coming.” I pass her the paper bag. “Enjoy your vase.”

“Oh, I will.” She smiles.

In true market night fashion, this has been a sell-out event. We have every casual staff member working and still we can’t keep up.

Helene begins hauling wine out of the office and dumping it in ice buckets. “We’re nearly out of cheese as well,” she whispers. “This isn’t a restaurant, fuckers.”

“Pigs,” I mouth. “Hi.” I smile to the next customer. “How can I help you?”

“I’d like the pair of Ming lamps please?”

“Oh, they’re divine.” I walk over and put a sold sticker on them. “I’ll just run out the back and grab the boxes.” I walk out to the back room and begin hunting down the boxes, Helene is on her hands and knees emptying wine bottles.

Jonty comes around the doorway. “Those idiots are here but don’t worry, I told them tickets are sold out.”

“Who?” I put my hands on my hips. “Have you seen the boxes for the Ming lamps?”

“Prescott and his stupid friends.”

“He’s here?” My eyes widen.

“With whom?” Helene snaps.

“The prince and whatnot. I told them to leave but Prescott refused, told me to go get Alora.”

“Jonty.” Helene slaps him hard on the arm. “Are you fucking insane.” She marches to the front door. “Hello,” I hear her over-the-top gush. “How lovely to see you again, Edward. Come in. Come in.”

“She’s pathetic.” Jonty rolls his eyes.

Boom, boom…boom goes my heart.

What is he doing here?

I take my time as I try to find the boxes for the Ming lamps, which have somehow miraculously vanished into thin air. I hold my fingers to my temples as I inwardly freak out.

Calm down…it’s fine. Everything is fucking fine.

“Hello.” Edward walks into the back room. He’s wearing a perfectly fitted navy suit and a cream shirt; his hair is just-fucked perfection and can we have a moment of silence for the scent of his aftershave, it’s dancing around me naked.

Dear lord.

“Hi.” I force a smile, suddenly the store feels way too small for his energy. His presence penetrates every inch of space.

“What are you doing here?” I act casual as I concentrate on the shelving.

Where are these fucking boxes?