Page 28 of Last Date
“No. I’m not.” I crossed my arms. “But I’m okay with that.”
Helen shuffled papers. “I’d invite you over, Kip, but my sister is staying with me. She’s a fanatic about bridge, and she’s insisted we make a night of it. I wouldn’t put my worst enemy through that. She takes her bridge very seriously.”
I smiled. “It’s fine. I’m probably the worst bridge player on the planet.”
Helen studied me. “I really hope Allister doesn’t cancel. You deserve a romantic evening. It’s been a while since anyone’s pampered you.”
Heat touched my face. The last thing I wanted was their pity. If Allister did cancel, I’d live. “You overestimate my desire to dress up and go out tonight. If he bows out, I’ll be fine spending the evening at home. Seriously.”
Charlene gave me a pitying glance. “Look at him, putting on such a brave face.”
“It’s almost more depressing,” Helen said softly.
I grimaced. “What is up with you two?”
Moving toward me, Charlene said, “We’re just worried about you. We know you’re lonely.”
“I’m not,” I disagreed. “I’m perfectly happy. Have you been talking to my mother or something?”
“No, but we have eyes.” Charlene shook her head. “If Allister cancels, I’m going to go sink his boat.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Don’t you dare. Then I’ll just have to cover all your shifts when you’re in jail.”
A sly look touched Charlene’s lips. “Oh, don’t worry. They’d never catch me.”
“That’s what every crook thinks.” I turned to go back to my office but stopped when a delivery guy came in carrying a huge bouquet of flowers. I let out a low whistle. “Looks like one of you ladies has an admirer.”
“Oh, wow, those are gorgeous.” Helen’s eyes were wide.
“Actually, I’m looking for a Kip O’Connor?” the guy said, meeting my gaze. “I’m assuming that’s you?”
Surprised the arrangement was for me, I froze. “Wait. What?”
“If you’re Kip, these are for you.” The guy smiled and set the flowers on Helen’s desk. “Have a wonderful day.” He turned and disappeared out of the shop.
“What in the world?” I stared at the bouquet, taking in the jaw-dropping arrangement of hydrangea, roses, orchids, and Stargazer lilies. “But… who would send me flowers?” The only flowers I’d ever had sent to me were from the Pearl Cove Chamber of Commerce when I’d first opened my shop. That bouquet had been about an eighth of the size, and no doubt the price, of this arrangement.
Charlene clapped her hands. “Oh, my gosh. Those are stunning. Who’s it from?”
“Uh…” I grimaced. “I have no idea.”
“Well, read the card, silly.” Helen grinned, standing to inhale the fragrant flowers. “Goodness, these smell like pure heaven.”
I guess I wasn’t moving fast enough to suit Charlene, because she tugged the little card from the center of the bouquet. She held it out to me. “Come on, tell us who sent these.”
Feeling a bit foolish, I took the card from her. “Is sending flowers to guys a thing these days?” I murmured.
“Why not?” Helen shrugged. “Guys love flowers too. Who doesn’t love flowers?”
Charlene watched me expectantly as I opened the little envelope that housed the card. I cleared my throat and read the message aloud. “Here’s hoping the fireworks we share tonight aren’t only in the sky, Allister.”
Helen and Charlene both let out little “Oooh” sounds.
My face warmed. “It’s a bit cheesy, don’t you think?”
“I think it’s romantic.” Charlene sighed.
I tucked the card in my shirt pocket, regretting reading it in front of them. “He probably sends the same exact message to all his dates.”
