Page 54

Chapter eleven

Charlotte

The bell above the door of Flower Me This chimes as Scarlett pushes it open and steps inside. I slip behind, with Tommaso and Scarlett’s guard, Asher, bringing up the rear.

As soon as the door shuts behind us, the familiar scent of flowers fills my nose. I close my eyes and inhale deeply, letting the calm settle inside me.

“Welcome, Mrs. Alarie.” The woman behind the register steps around the counter with a bright smile. “I’m Cora. It’s so lovely to meet you.”

She regards me, and I instinctively lower the brim of my baseball cap, then adjust the oversized glasses on my face and let my gaze drift toward a display of roses rather than risk drawing attention to myself.

“Thank you for having us this afternoon,” Scarlett says, her eyes sweeping across the boutique, taking in the wide varieties of flowers before us. “And thank you for your discretion.”

“Of course. Per your husband’s request, we’ve closed the shop to the public for the afternoon, and I’ve sent my staff home. You’ll have the entire place to yourselves.” She gestures around the quiet store. “So please, take your time. If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll be in the back putting together a few arrangements. Otherwise, I’ll join you in a little while.” She gives one last warm smile, then turns and disappears behind the curtain.

Tommaso and Asher take posts by the front door, their eyes roaming over the space for any threat as we make our way toward the first section of floral displays.

Scarlett quietly takes everything in, her fingertip resting against her chin as her gaze coasts from one colorful display to the next. Then she wanders toward one of the floral coolers filled with rows of roses in every shade imaginable.

I step up beside her, leaving plenty of space between us. I was honestly surprised when Scarlett asked me to join her. Maybe it was a pity invite. Or maybe she really did need help. Either way, I’ve never technically had a friend. Well, unless you count my sixty-year-old high school art teacher. But the idea of having one, especially one close to my age, seems appealing. So maybe now is as good a time as any to try to make one. “So, you and Leo are already married, right?”

A soft smile tugs at her lips. “Yeah. We got married last fall at town hall, and next month we’re having the wedding at the New York Public Library with all our family and friends.”

I return her smile. “That sounds perfect.”

“It will be… Hopefully.” She faces the room, rubbing her temple, looking overwhelmed. “There are so many choices.”

I wring my fingers before me, steeling my spine. Clearing my throat, I ask, “Is there a color palette you have in mind?”

“Soft pinks and whites.” She stands before the wall of tulips, leaning forward to inhale their scent before stepping back and running her fingers through her hair. “I wish I knew what I was looking for. I thought picking out flowers was supposed to be the easy part.” She purses her lips.

“Let me help,” I offer. I open the cooler and scan the buckets of flowers. “White and pink roses with a touch of white hydrangeas and a sprinkle of ranunculus might look nice together.” I gather a few white roses in my hands and then shift my gaze down the row until I spot what I need. Gathering a few of each, I hold them before me and assemble them into an arrangement. “You could keep it like this or add a touch of lily of the valley throughout to add more of a fairy tale feel. Personally, I love white bougainvillea, but if you want—”

I glance up and find Scarlett watching me with an amused smile.

Heat rushes to my cheeks. “Oh my God. I’m rambling.” I let out an embarrassed laugh and rest my palm against my temple. “I’m so sorry.”

“No, no.” She reaches over and gives my shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Don’t apologize. I love how passionate you are about flowers.” Her eyes settle on the bouquet in my hands. “Honestly, it’s a good thing I brought you. Otherwise I’d have no idea where to start.” She sinks onto the nearby bench with a sigh. “It’s all…kind of a lot.”

I reach for some white ribbon and carefully wrap it around the stems of the flowers in my hands. “Planning a wedding can definitely be overwhelming.” Movement outside the storefront window catches my eye. A man strolls past, most of his face hidden by his black hood. His dark eyes find mine, a cold smirk appearing before he disappears out of sight. My fingers tremble around the ribbon.

Did I know him?

No. I force myself to shake off the thought and finish tying the bow.

Don’t be ridiculous.

“Was it…” She pauses. “Was it overwhelming for you?”

The question takes me by surprise. I’ve never thought about my wedding day. Probably because it felt more like an event I was invited to and forced to attend than a day of celebration. I set the flowers on the counter beside me. “I umm…” The memory presses in, and my throat tightens. If I say too much, I might not be able to keep holding myself together. I can’t seem to find the right words.

Regret flashes over Scarlett’s eyes. “I should not have asked that.”

“No, it’s okay.” I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear, keeping my gaze fixed on the floor. “I didn’t have to do anything for it because it was kind of…well, it was forced upon me.” I wrap my arms around my middle.

Scarlett’s features soften. “You were forced to marry Garrett?” she asks softly, sympathy lacing her words.

I nod. “The day after my graduation.” Hesitantly, I take the free seat beside her. “These past three years have been…” I search for the right word, but nothing feels accurate enough to describe the hell I’ve survived. “Not so great.” I try to smile, but it dies before it can fully form.