Page 38 of The Floral Arrangement

“It’s all very fresh. Just out of the udder this morning,” Will said.

I spluttered, nearly spitting out the milk, before forcing myself to gulp it down. I threw back the rest of the shot glass. If I did it fast enough, perhaps it would circumvent my tastebuds.

“Wow! You downed that like it was a tequila shot,” Olivia said, grinning.

“So, what do you think that one was?” Will asked.

“It was more strongly flavored than normal milk. Goat?” I used all my willpower not to wrinkle my nose.

“Olivia?” Will asked.

Olivia pursed her lips for a moment. “I’m going with sheep.”

Will nodded, tilting his head. “Interesting.”

“So, who got it right?” Olivia asked.

“We’ll wait until the end for the big reveal.” Will grinned. “Now, if you ladies keep going with milk tasting, I’ll get the cheese ready.” He disappeared into a room behind the counter.

I stared at the two remaining shot glasses of milk, trying to hype myself up. Sweat pricked my armpits as my stomach roiled.Oh god.

“I don’t think I can do it,” I muttered under my breath.

“Do what?” Olivia asked, her brows furrowed.

“Drink any more milk. I’m going to be sick.”

Olivia stared at me. “Well, don’t, then. Just tell Will.”

“I don’t want to offend him.”

Olivia rolled her eyes. “He’ll be fine. But if you’re worried…” She grabbed the two remaining shot glasses off my paddle.

“What are you do?—”

Olivia threw one in her mouth, swallowed, and then did the same with the other one. She placed them back on the paddle. I breathed out.Oh, thank god.

“There.” She grinned. “Problem solved.”

Before I’d had a chance to respond, Will reappeared holding a wooden platter with cheese. I didn’t dare inspect it too closely in case it increased my nausea.

“Wow, Roz, you really polished that off! What do you think?”

“Um, the second one was sheep’s milk and the third one cow’s?” I guessed wildly.

“Very interesting.” Will turned to Olivia.

Olivia downed her remaining shot glasses. “I think the second one was cow’s milk and the other one was goat’s.”

Will grinned. “Good work, Roz. You got them all right!”

Pride welled up in me.That was complete luck, you idiot.

“There’s no prize, I’m afraid, just the glory,” Will continued, looking at me. “Although, you’re welcome to another glass of milk if you’d like.”

My stomach flipped. “Oh, no thanks. But what a kind offer.”

“No problem. Here’s your cheese tasting.” Will placed the platter in front of us. “I’ll leave you two to enjoy.”

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