Page 2 of Milo
I shake my head. “I’ll never stop creating.” Just the thought makes me want to quit breathing.
“Good,” Jacob says. He clamps his big hands on my shoulders. “You’re talented, monkey. This is a different market.”
“I never got accepted back home either,” I mumble.
“I didn’t know you applied.”
I nod, letting my shoulders slump.
Rory taps the bottom of the water bottle. “Drink some more water. The thing is, your art exploded when you started sharing it online. People from all over the country come to you for illustrated book covers and character art. Peopleloveyour art.”
I barely keep from squeezing the open water bottle. “Iknow, which is why it’s so irritating that this bothers me so much. It shouldn’t matter, but it does.”
“I’m sorry, monkey.” Jacob’s big brown eyes seem to stare deep into my soul. He looks devastated that he can’t fix this for me.
“No. No. I’m thirty-four and a half. I need to get over this shit. Not everyone gets into the gala and I knew that. I don’t know why I’m acting like it’s the end of everything. I have clients from all over the world. I have thousands of followers online. I have the job, well jobs, I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid. Who cares that I didn’t get into the gala? Or any of the craft fairs?” I chug down more of the water and choke when it goes down wrong. That’s what cracks me open. Tears spill over as I cough up the water. “But… what’s wrong withme?”
Anytime I’ve tried to date, nothing ever goes anywhere. I get stood up. I get dumped before the first date. The only reason I’m not still a virgin is because of a half drunken seven minutes in heaven when I was just out of high school. I didn’t exactly feel great about myself the next day, but we both enthusiastically consented. Not that I recommend fumbling in a dark closet with a guy you just met. Or going to a party half-starved because you went with the intention of getting fucked and wanted to be prepared. Idorecommend bringing your own condoms. That’s never bad advice.
“There’s nothing wrong with you, monkey. You’re perfect the way?—”
“Stop with the Daddy voice,” I bite out harsher than intended.
“Shit, I’m sorry.”
“No, I am.” I lean into Jacob’s shoulder and he pulls me closer. Jacob has always been my protector, even from myself. “I love you, you know, right?” The words come out muffled against his shirt.
“I know, monkey. And I love you so much. I wish I could help you with this.”
Rory hugs me from the side. “I love you, too, My My. And Rowan does also. And Logan. And mom and dad and?—”
I laugh cry and wipe at my tears before launching myself at Rory. “I love you, too. I love you all. But…”
“I get it,” Rory gives me the softest smile. The look he gives my brother is one of pure love. “I really get it.” He leans in and presses his forehead to mine. “You’ll find someone. I just know it. Maybe you’ll get home and your perfect Daddy will be waiting for you.”
I snort and we giggle as we lean away from each other.
“You never ever, ever,everknow. You have an empty apartment across from you. Maybe you’ll have some sexy Daddy bear move in.” Rory wiggles his brows, drawing more laughs from me.
I sigh and let my imagination run away with me. “Wouldn’t it be ridiculous if flower Daddy ended up being my new neighbor? He’s moving his studio to southern Indiana. I just don’t know where. No one knows where yet.”
“Flower Daddy?” Jacob asks.
I’m sure I’m red as Rory pulls out his phone. “FlowerClayton. Everyone calls him flower Daddy. He’s this really built guy that does amazing flower arrangements. He’s been in New York City for years, but he’s moving according to his insta.” Rory hands over his phone and Jacob frowns down at it as he swipes through the pics. “He’s coming home. Wants a quieter life. Probably a more affordable life, too. New York is expensive.”
“Flower Daddy,” Jacob mumbles. He plays a video and Clayton’s deep calming voice fills the room.
“Hello my beautiful petals.”
I must have turned brighter because Jacob cocks a brow as he lets the video play.
Clayton’s auburn hair has a lovely wave to it. There are a few sprigs of white blended in, but not much. He’s got a slight belly, and so many muscles. His arms are probably bigger than both of my tiny thighs put together and doubled. I don’t even wantto think abouthisthighs. He always wears leather pants and a leather jacket. Unless it’s warm outside. Then it’s leather pants and… I swallow at the memory of him shirtless in a garden.
“Earth to Milo,” Rory says as he bumps my shoulder with his.
“How old is this guy?” Jacob asks.
Rory legit cackles, holds his stomach and everything. The pair have a twenty-year gap if I remember correctly.
