Page 55 of Moonshot

Before I can stand from my desk, Joanie enters the room with a huge grin on her face.

“What?” I can’t help laughing at her expression.

“I need to know what’s going on. I’m thrilled he’s back. But he brought you a huge vase of flowers and said he’s not supposed to see you. He asked if I could have you sign his form, and he’d be on his way. Then all of a sudden, he looked worried about something and asked if you didn’t like the flowers he gave you last time. I told him about the lilies and how they affected you.”

I sit dumbfounded, listening to this. Why would he tell Joanie he’s not supposed to see me? Is he really trying to stick to the rules, or is this a ruse to get her on board to help break me down? “Well?”

“Well, what?”

“Is he still out there?” I laugh, feeling like I’m speaking to a child.

“Oh, no.”

What? “Well, where are the flowers? Was there a card?”

“They’re gone too. But here’s his form.”What? He didn’t even leave the flowers?

Immediately feeling disappointed, I stare down at it. Knowing I did this to myself, I sign his form and hand it back to her. Suddenly, my eyes light up as a thought comes to mind. “Joanie, how’s he getting this signed form back if he’s left.”

“Oh, he’s coming back. He just went back to the florist to get you a different bouquet.” She hoots. “I was afraid he’d hurt himself the way he darted out that door yelling, ‘I’ll be back,’ like the Terminator.”

“Oh my gosh.” I giggle. “He didn’t have to do that.”

“Sure he did. Make him work for it, beautiful girl.” Joanie gives me the thumbs up and walks away.

Slumping into my chair, I can’t fight the huge grin plastered on my face.He does care. I think we just might be okay.

* * *

It’s been a few days since I’ve heard from Mick. This self-imposed sentence is making me miss him even more. How am I possibly going to survive thirty days? Looking at the gorgeous flowers sitting on my dining room table, I put my teacup in the dishwasher and giggle. Mick had gone back to the florist and asked for a large bouquet with little to no scent. They were a variety of white flowers with a bright red bow tied around the vase, like something you’d expect to see at Christmas. The card he attached was so sweet. “True love can thaw a frozen heart. That’s what you’re doing for me.”

Heading to my bed, I curl up under the covers and revel in how my world has turned around.

Bzzz. Bzzz.

Michael York

9:10 p.m.

Mick: I know I’m breaking the rules. But I couldn’t help it. I miss you. I hope you liked these flowers a little better. Please don’t be afraid to tell me things too. xoxo

Knowing I shouldn’t but wanting to give him some reply, I send a short text before drifting

off for the night.

9:14 p.m.

Ava: I love them. And you. xoxo

* * *

It’s been a week since Mick was here. I have to admit, I’m missing him even more than I anticipated.Maybe I should’ve said we could have one night together first instead of one kiss.Look at the bright side, Ava. He’s back and seems to be trying hard. The flowers were beautiful, and the fact he took such great pains to make sure they were unscented says a lot. And the unexpected text was nice too.

The workday is nearly done. I can’t wait to get home. Having spent the first three hours of my day in the emergency room and the OR assisting Dr. Stark before the whirlwind afternoon of clinic patients, I’m exhausted. Surprisingly, my headaches have been more manageable. It’s nice to rush home to a hot soak in the tub, a good book, and leftover lasagna from Luigi’s instead of pain pills and a big cup of peppermint tea.

Knock. Knock.

Looking up, I notice Allison standing in the doorway. “Hi.”

---