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Keats
We gotthrough the rush of customers, and it wasn’t until mid-afternoon that we had a moment to stop and breathe. I’d made some phone calls about the kumquat tree and sent Linden a text.
Good news about the tree. Price is a bit ridiculous. Call me to discuss when you have a moment.
I left it at that, ignoring the thrill it gave me.
“I told you he’d be back,” Lina said with a knowing smile.
“Yes, well,” I tried. “We’ll see.”
She had said he’d be back after the first time he’d come in. She’d said she hadn’t heard me laugh like that in a long time and how nice it was. She’d also sworn that he was very cute, and he was looking at me a certain way.
I’d argued that he was in the middle of a breakup and how we shouldn’t read into anything that simply wasn’t there. Ignoring the fact I’d given him my card and how he hadn’t called me.
But then hehadcome back in, and there was definite flirting. Also the definite exchange of numbers and the suggestion ofa coffee or dinner date. He’d hedged around the subject of interest, asking if my flower of choice would be for a woman.
I’d told him I was more of a green carnations kind of guy.
I’d never said anything so ridiculous in my life.
But the way he’d smiled after I’d said that?
Totally worth it.
So I texted him about the tree. Technically a work text but still, it was now an open channel of communication. The ball was in his court.
“If he texts back or if he calls,” I added, trying to compartmentalise and over analyse every little thing.
“If he texts, it means he’s busy. Most people prefer to text these days. You know that.”
“Yes, but if he was really interested?—”
My phone rang on the counter, Linden’s name on the screen.
Lina laughed. “If he were interested, he’d call?”
I scowled at her and picked up the phone, answering. “Linden,” I said.
“The one and only,” he replied. “Literally. Surely there isn’t anyone else out there with the name of an old people’s home.”
I laughed before trying not to smile, giving a too-happy Lina a stop-it glare as I took the call into the backroom.
“So, the kumquat tree,” he said. “You found one?”
“I did. The price is steep though.”
“This client will pay,” he said simply. “No questions. She’ll then use it as a thank you gift for the buyers when they settle the contracts.”
“Oh, okay. And the two bouquets,” I went on.
“Also fine. Just send me the invoice. I’ll also need delivery. I can send you the address. It’s in Millers Point, so not far.”
Millers Point? A very expensive address. “Nice.”
“Very.”
“So, coffee,” I said, then winced because, god, what the hell was I doing?
