Page 90 of Pucked Up Plans
Aunt Marsha and I crack up with laughter.
“Never change, my girl. Never change.”
CHAPTER 21
WALSH
Never have I wanted a day to go by faster than today. The countdown to three p.m. began the second Tate told me what time Aubrey would be leaving. Jitters—freaking jitters—have me on edge. I’m pretty sure when we played in last year’s championship game, I wasn’t this nervy.
My bag’s been packed, checked, and double-checked, since early this morning. I made an appointment at the florist for 2:45. I had to hold my tongue when Jenny asked me what was the occasion. Pretty sure “fucking” would have landed me on her crazy list. Instead, I mentioned something about a first date, and she ran with it.
Tate sends a text in the early afternoon.
In all the discussions about tonight, you never once mentioned what the fundraiser is for nor how I should dress
It’s at the Orchard View Tavern so more casual than formal, but dressy casual. Half the proceeds will be donated to the sports program at a neighboring high school
What are you wearing?
I evaluate my ragged T-shirt and jeans but get the sense she wants to know more about what I’m wearing tonight not now.
Khaki pants, a button-down shirt, dress shoes
Thanks. See you later
I’ll need to shower at your house. Maybe today’s the day we can do it together *tongue out emoji*
Okay
Hmm. Kinda thought I’d get more of a reaction, but oh well.
I pull into the lot of Whispering Petals at 2:45, hopping out of the car as soon as it’s parked. The bell above the door jingles as I walk in, the floral scents overloading my senses. I never thought I’d be the guy who marveled at the sight of a bouquet sitting on the counter, but here I am.
Thank you, Tate Winchester.
“Hey there, Walsh,” Jenny greets with a smile. “What do you think?” She points to the bouquet sitting pretty in a square glass vase. I went big this time. It’s a special occasion.
My eyes scan the different types—the white ones similar to the color of fresh snow, the pink roses standing tall, and the light pink ones adding a muted pop of color. A bunch of green sprigs fill in the gaps.
“Beautiful, Jenny. She’s going to love them.”
Jenny’s hands clap together and she goes all florist, pointing and naming them. Trying my best to remember hydrangeas, Gerbera daisies, Tiger lilies, Bells of Ireland, orchids, and the other words, proves to be difficult. Thank goodness for the roses. Those I recognize and can name.
“How did the wildflowers go over?” she asks, ringing me out.
“She loved them. She seems to love all of them.” I rest my elbows on the counter. “How do I get her to divulge her favorites? Just ask her?”
Every time I come into the shop, I let Jenny suggest what’s best. They all blend together for me after staring for so long, and I’m more drawn to the colors than the shape or type of flower.
“That would be the most direct way.” She laughs at my expense.
“Ask her. I can do that.” I have little confidence in doing it correctly. And while it seems like such a simple task, there’s a high possibility I’ll screw it up.
“Enjoy your first date. Where are you taking her?”
“To a hockey fundraiser at Orchard View Tavern.” Jenny’s expression falters before she catches herself. “It wouldn’t be my first choice, but it’s the first day we could make work, and I had already committed to attending with the team. I’m already screwing this up, aren’t I?” My head droops down.
“All I know about this girl is what you’ve told me. But if she agreed to attend it with you, then you’re already batting over five hundred.”
