Page 79 of Hoax and Kisses
I roll my eyes, but then I catch sight of the spreadsheet we’re using to tally sales, and my plan to check the weather app slips my mind.
Dammit, she’s getting close to taking the lead. And Iknowmost of these people, which makes the fact that they’re coming to her and not me even more impressive.
I glance over at her, a sudden rush of warmth flooding me. She’s talking to a young dad with a stroller, effortlessly making him laugh.
Her hair is tossed into a messy bun, but a few strands have fallen free, teasing the curve of her neck.
Does she notice how much she affects me? The way she stands, the way she moves—every little detail draws me in, pulls at something inside me I don’t want to acknowledge. It travels to my hands, through my chest, in my jaw. It’s a tension that won’t shake loose. I’m just standing here, wanting, aching, wishing I could do something… anything.
Okay, yeah. I’ve been doing that a lot. Getting lost in my thoughts while watching her, instead of selling flowers. And it’s clearly costing me this game.
Focus,Matt.
I turn to the next customer, a guy in his mid-thirties. “How can I help you today, sir?” I ask, flashing a grin.
In the distance, the sky rumbles.
“I’d like to buy a bouquet for my wife.”
“Of course. Do you know what you’re looking for?”
He presses his lips into a thin line. “Something that says, ‘I’m sorry’?”
“Ah.” I chuckle. “I have the perfect one for that.” I glance at Zoey, who’s handing out an arrangement of sunflowers.
“Do you know about our promotion today? If you buy two, the second is 30 percent off. Any other lucky lady in your life? A sister, or a mom maybe?”
By the time he walks away, he’s purchased two bouquets.
As I add them to my tally, Zoey sighs dramatically and bumps me with her hip on her way back to her spot.
“I swear you could sell weeds and people would throw their money at you.”
I’m about to retort when Justin steps up to the stand.
“Hey, man.” I check the time, surprised he’s stopping by so early, only to realize lunch break is already over.
“Just dropping by to say hi before I get back to work.” He leans in, giving me a conspiratorial grin, and nods toward Zoey. “Heard through the grapevine that you had company today.”
“Of course you did. Let me introduce you.” Time for our second game of the day. “Hey, Zoey.”
Hands in a crate of daisies, she peers back at me. “Yeah? Oh.” She straightens, brushing the dirt off her fingers, then steps closer. “Hi,” she says, sliding her hands casually into her back pockets. “Justin, right?”
Justin raises an eyebrow, a hint of amusement tugging at his lips. “How come you know my name when all I’ve heard about you is that Matt found his dream girl?”
I sputter, nearly choking on my saliva.
“Wow,” she says with a laugh, unfazed. “Gossip sure moves quickly around here. But between you and me,” she adds, leaning in. “Your van gave you away.” She nods toward Justin’s construction van parked down the street, the one with his name and face plastered on the side.
“You gotta get rid of that thing, dude.” I let out a chuckle. “I don’t think it’s bringing you the kind of publicity you think it is.”
Justin shrugs. “I don’t know, man. Business is going pretty well. And it doesn’t hurt that it gets the ladies’ attention too.” He winks at Zoey.
She snorts in response, her eyes dancing.
“I’m right here,” I mutter, wrapping an arm around Zoey’s waist, pulling her to my side like a jealous asshole. I have to play my part, right?
“Calm down. I’m joking.” He holds both hands up.
