AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“So, it’s worth keeping?” Jake asked as he considered her.
Lily nodded. “It is to me.”
“Yet you’re not sure if you can afford the repairs. Wouldn’t it be easier to get something newer and more reliable for your business?”
Lily placed her hands on her hips. “I didn’t ask for a lecture on safety or car repairs. I just asked you to tow the van and call me when you know what’s wrong with it.”
“I’ve got your number.”
When Lily just stood there, Jake gestured toward my SUV. “Get in.”
“Fine,” Lily said and headed toward my car.
“Thank you for coming so quickly,” I said. I was initially worried it would be hours for the tow. I figured I’d get Lily and the flowers to the reception and worry about the van later, but I knew Lily wouldn’t leave it.
“No problem.”
“Please take care of Lily’s van. She loves that thing.”
“I can’t imagine why.” He turned away and started to hitch the tow truck to the front of the van.
I got into the driver’s side of my SUV, eager to get to the venue with the flowers.
“What was his deal?” Lily asked as we pulled away, her eyes on his ass as he was bent over the hitch.
“I don’t think he likes your van.”
Lily sighed. “But it’s so cute.”
“Just like you.” Lily’s style could only be described as bohemian. She loved maxi dresses and skirts, tank tops, cross-body purses, and flats. Her hair was braided more often than she let it loose. And she was a free spirit. She loved flowers and nature. She loved her grandmother more than anyone, and the van had been hers. Lily had opened Petals with the money she received from her grandma’s inheritance. She’d moved into her home too.
“I don’t know what everyone has against Berta.”
“I think it’s her constant breaking down on the side of the road that people don’t like.”
Lily settled deeper into the seat. “He didn’t have to be so mean about it.”
“I think he was more worried about us standing on the side of the road than anything else. He’s probably wondering if this is a common occurrence for you.”
Lily huffed. “Why would he care?”
“He seemed like a nice guy under all that gruff.” My sense was there was a mutual attraction between them.
“I don’t know about that.” Lily’s lips pressed into a thin line.
“I’m just happy we’re not going to be late.” I had time to help her unload the flowers at the reception hall and get back to the wedding in time to take the requisite pictures of the bridal party preparing for the wedding.
“Thanks for picking me up,” Lily said when we pulled up to the loading entrance to the Maryland Inn.
“Any time.” I would do anything for the women. My friends and business partners. We’d become close.
When I arrived at the church, Gia was pacing outside the side door. “Is everything okay?”
“We lost another bride.”
The first time Gia said that, my heart jumped in my throat, but I’d quickly learned that meant we’d lost a client to a competitor. “She wanted something different?”
“Tina and Chris signed a contract with Chesapeake Resort,” Gia spat.
