Page 2 of Love, Morgan

“My job?” She gestured around us. “I’m a florist.”

“I actually hate you.”

“No, you don’t.”

I sighed. “Fine. I don’t. But I’d like you better if you packed my bags.”

“I’m sure you would.”

She wasn’t giving in. I was going to have to pack them myself. How gauche. “No. What’s with the arrangement? It’s not your style. It’s more structural than usual.”

She smiled, obviously delighted that I’d noticed, but it was hard not to. Her usual style had movement and flow. It was relaxed and formal at the same time. Natural, in any way that flower arranging could be natural. This was all acute angles and severe in its beauty. She was talented enough to pull it off with ease, it just didn’t suit her as a person.

“I’m practicing for a wedding down at the yacht club. First one of the season for them and it’s all about structure.” She smiled down at the orchid she’d clearly imported to Jackson Point. “This one, however, is just to prove to the couple that I can pull it off to their exacting standards, and then I’m going to give it to Ekundayo to give to Joel.”

I rolled my eyes. Ripley’s assistant and Alicia’s brother. Two people who should already be together. “Jesus. Those two are worse than you and Alicia. How did they manage to kiss at New Year and they’re still going around the houses? The whole town knows they’re in love. I wouldn’t be surprised if all the visitors know it too.”

“Orchids symbolize love and beauty, so I’m hoping it helps them both get the message.” She tilted her head. “Of course, they also symbolize fertility and loads of kids, but we’re going to ignore that part. I have zero desire to be that involved in my employee’s relationship with my brother-in-law.”

I laughed at the notion that they’d even know that. “I don’t think most people use flowers as communication quite the same way you do, you know?”

“What are you talking about? People come in here all the time asking for flowers that mean things.”

“Yeah, like red roses because everyone knows they mean love. I doubt you get many people showing up for those yellow carnations because they essentially mean fuck off.”

She thought about it for a moment, carefully adjusting the orchid. “Okay, fair point. I think I might be the only one who has sent those, but Ekundayo works here. And Joel is Alicia’s brother, and she knows all about flower communication.”

“She knows because she loves you, and she loves it when you send her flowers. I doubt she’s sitting at dinner educating the whole Burton family on the topic.”

She sighed. “Well, orchids are pretty well known for symbolizing beauty, so I’m sure it will work.”

“If making out didn’t work, I don’t think the poor orchid stands a chance. Sorry.”

“I have faith.”

“I’m sure you do.” I paused, considering. “Can I trade faith in your idea for you packing my suitcase for me?”

She looked at me, laughing. “You think pretending to believe an orchid will finally get Ekundayo and Joel together is on the same level as packing for your vacation for you?”

I frowned. “Yes, I do. Do you know how strong my will is? You could use me on your side.”

“You want them together as much as the rest of us do, and that hasn’t achieved anything yet. And, besides, I’m busy tonight.”

“Doing what?”

“Alicia.”

I stared at her as she held her laughter in, clearly absolutely thrilled with herself. “Hilarious.”

“I know.” She laughed. “But I really can’t. We have plans tonight. You’re just going to have to do it yourself. Which begs the question of why you haven’t done it yet?”

“I was waiting for you to do it.” I felt myself starting to blush, already knowing where this conversation was going. She wasn’t going to just drop it and believe that was the only reason. She was far too stubborn for that.

“But it must have been very clear by last night, when you askedagain, that I wasn’t going to do it, nor did I have time to do so. So, why didn’t you just do it then? Why aren’t you doing it right now?”

“I’m here, gracing you with my presence. You should be thankful you’re so lucky.”

She laughed, finally stepping back from the orchid and its elaborate setup to photograph it. If someone didn’t know a florist, I doubted they’d have any idea how long it took to create something like that. Just because it looked minimalist didnotmean it took minimal effort to achieve it. “And last night?”

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