Page 81 of Petals of Blue: Part Two
As far as groveling goes, this evening gets five whole ass stars. Out of five of course.
Get this.
Declan came home with a bouquet of blue, red, and purple flowers. They're the prettiest fucking things I've ever seen. The card read:If you've wilted, then I'll spend the rest of my life ensuring you blossom again.I cried. Yep. Dec turned me to mush.
Jared bought me a bottle of wine—the same wine he made me drop all those months ago. Not only that, but he gave me the strangest gift ever. A sparkly shard of glass from that incident. Topped with a blue bow.
Roman, I'm sure anyone can guess, he made me my mom's banana bread. But the real gift was what he said to me when he delivered me a slice as I was getting ready."Your mom would be so proud of you."And yes...I cried. Mascara ruined for the second time in half an hour.
Felix mended something I didn't realize was stillhurting. He bought me blue boxing gloves and wrote on a card.You may know how to throw a punch, but I'd like to double-check. Spar with me on Saturday?
My eyes were so fucking wide when I looked up at him. I didn't think he remembered the text he sent to me eleven years ago until then. He kissed me senseless after apologizingagain.
It was then that I knew putting makeup on was pointless tonight. With jeans and Roman's sweatshirt as my outfit, a bare face, and wavy blue hair, I decided this is just who I am tonight. Relaxed. Loved.Seen.
Then the night got better. Chicken strips, French fries, and ranch with a beer? Yeah, I was in heaven. Felix was worried about me getting a bellyache, so I told him to fuck off and ordered one anyway. I indeed did get a bellyache, so Declan helped me finish it when our boyfriend went to the bathroom.
That brings us to now. The car takes a turn I wasn't prepared for. "I thought we were going home," I say, looking out the window at the mall.
Declan grabs my hand and kisses my knuckles. "I read a book that said a shopping spree is mandatory when groveling. Or at least all the ones I've read have tons of gifts."
"Declan." I laugh, not surprised he's acting out one of those books he'sstudying. Admittedly, I've also been reading the same things he has and always feel a little jealous when the FMC gets to go shopping.
He unbuckles me and helps me out. The other three follow, and Felix locks the car.
"This is too much," I protest, not really knowing howI feel about them spending money on me. "I have my own money."
Felix hands me my knit hat, and Roman zips up my coat. They've been obsessed with keeping me warm, which I don't mind considering the four days I spent in a freezing cold shed.
"We know that," Jared says, taking my hand and pulling me along with him through the darkening parking lot. "We figured you'd protest, so we decided if you want to buy your new work clothes, you can. Let us buy the fun stuff, though. Okay?"
Damn it. That's a good compromise. I do need to get new outfits for work since I'm no longer a bartender. My clothes will need to be more professional and flexible if I need to help with a situation.
"Fine," I grumble. "I'm buying Violet something too."
Declan comes up on my other side and slips an arm around my waist. "Yes! Let's go look at makeup first. It's so cool when you do the awesome blue eyeshadow." I snort, appreciating how he's noticed the artwork that is makeup. But he pales and looks at me nervously. "I didn't mean to say youneedmakeup. You know that, right?"
"Of course I know that. I love doing my makeup. It's fun, and I love that you noticed." I kiss his cheek, and he smiles at me. Roman opens the door for us, and Jared goes first, sandwiching me between all my men.
Felix plucks my hat off my head and kisses my forehead. "Alright. Show me your favorite stores, sweetheart."
"Come on, Petal. My turn to hold your hand,"Roman declares, reaching for me. I go to him willingly with a big grin on my face.
This all feels so normal. It might not be what other people considernormal,but this is my life. Mine. When Jared and Declan tease about us all having a turn tonight, I blush and think that sounds like afantasticidea.
My love keeps on blooming.
A petal for Roman.
A petal for Felix.
A petal for Jared.
A petal for Declan.
Oh, and a whole bouquet for myself. Because I love myself too. Every version of me.
I couldn't have become Blue without Erica, after all.
