Page 90 of The Floral Arrangement

I watched her go, the winged unicorns back again and flapping harder than ever in my stomach.

CHAPTERTHIRTY

ROZ

“I never thoughtI’d say this, but I think your expensive Italian coffee machine might be worth every penny.” Olivia let out a satisfied sigh as she placed her mug of coffee on the wicker table and turned back to the farm stretched out in front of us.

The coffee did taste particularly delicious this morning—rich and nutty.Everything’s better with Olivia.I frowned.Don’t be ridiculous.

Dana’s truck rumbled down the road toward the farm exit. I raised a hand in greeting and she waved back. As Olivia requested, we hadn’t told anyone we were seeing each other casually, but Dana must have suspected something given how often Olivia’s car was parked at the farm. Dana wasn’t one to gossip, but I should talk to her, let her know we were keeping it quiet.

That reminded me… “Dana thinks I’m finally ready to drive the hayride.” I grinned. It had only taken six weeks of practice and one very expensive crash.

“That’s awesome! Lottie will be thrilled.” Olivia broke into a wide smile, her eyes crinkling. My heart bounced.

“Would you be interested in joining her on my inaugural hayride around the farm? I thought I’d ease into it with a friends-and-family-only ride before I expand to strangers. Perhaps tomorrow afternoon after the farm has closed?”

Olivia laughed. “I’d be honored.”

The familiar warm glow I felt each time Olivia and I planned another meet up filled my chest. For two people who were casually dating, we had spent a lot of time together in the past two weeks—rom-com movie nights, lazy mornings in bed, a dinner at Prue’s vineyard.Fred will be sending through the paperwork any day now. Might as well enjoy it while we can.

Heaviness washed over me. I hadn’t checked my emails today.

I unlocked my phone and clicked on the mail icon, my pulse increasing as I scrolled through the emails, scanning for Fred’s name. I should have been experiencing unbridled excitement at the prospect of finally receiving the investment contract—it would be the culmination of everything we’d worked so hard for over the past few weeks. But to say my feelings were mixed was an understatement. Because once the papers were signed, Olivia and I would go back to just being friends. My shoulders relaxed as I reached the end of the new emails. Nothing from Fred. There was a short email from Prue, which I skimmed over.

I put down my phone and turned to Olivia, grinning. “Prue’s in for the spring festival.”

“Oh great! We’ll—I mean you’ll—have heaps of stalls, then.”

My body buzzed. There’d be local produce, live music and spring activities. While I’d made a number of behind-the-scenes changes at the farm already, the festival would be my first very public initiative. It better be a success.

I spooned nutty granola into my mouth, watching the wispy clouds slowly moving across the blue sky.

“Moooo!” Louise stuck her head through the fence, her soft brown eyes focused on us.

“Your BFF has come to say hello,” Olivia teased.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be over soon!” I yelled toward the cows, then chuckled. Over the last few weeks, Louise and I had formed a bond—a special bond based on a steady supply of carrots and apples.

“I was thinking of heading over to the flowers after we finish eating to see how the irises are coming along,” Olivia said, leaning back on the chair. “I’m hoping to use them for a wedding next weekend. Do you want to come?”

“Sure, but I’m more interested in seeing how the lupines are doing.”

Olivia let out a peal of laughter. “Look at you, taking an interest in the flowers.”

I shrugged, the corners of my mouth lifting. “I mean, they’re not terrible looking. They are nice and… purple.”

Olivia snorted. “That’s strong praise, coming from Roz ‘I hate flowers’ Kennedy.”

I rolled my eyes. “And as long as we can swing past Thelma and Louise on the way to say hi and deliver a couple of carrots.”

“It’s a deal,” Olivia said, picking up her empty bowl and stacking it on mine. “And do you feel like heading to Novel Gossip later for lunch? George was telling me about the special this week—crème brûlée French toast with berries—and I really want to try it.”

“Yes please. My mouth is already watering.”

This was shaping up to be yet another weekend spent completely with Olivia. Was this really wise, spending so much time together? I pushed the thought out of my mind. This could be our last weekend together; it would be nice to end it on a high.

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