Page 15 of Picture Perfect Love

Joshua

It’s amazing what you can find out online with a little help from a team of tech-savvy pros. I was able to track down one of Abby’s friends on social media and strike up a conversation to find out what her favorite kinds of flowers were. A little more digging, and I was able to track down when and where her next waitressing gig would be.

Lame doctor boyfriend from the dating website? Gone, and check. A gift to win her over? Check. A place to see her and perform winning over? Check.

I put on one of my sharpest outfits and stopped by a florist to pick up a lush bouquet of peonies in their most gorgeous shade of blush pink. Then it was off to the country club where I knew she would be working all evening.

The guy at the front desk looked shocked as I walked in, scanning the room for Abby.

“Mr. Meadows, it’s so nice to see you here,” he stammered. “We’d normally be happy to welcome you as a guest at the club any time, but… I’m, uh… I’m afraid this happens to be a private event, and the veranda is reserved for guests only at this time.”

I spotted Abby by the bar just as he finished his spiel. Her eyes locked on mine in shock before she blushed and tried to continue working.

“Not a problem. I just came to see one person, and it should only take a moment.” I kept walking before he could object any further. I marched right over to Abby, my eyes on the prize.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, looking around bashfully.

“I came to see you,” I smiled. “And to bring you these.”

“Pink peonies!” she gasped, drawing the bouquet to her nose. “How did you know these were my favorite?”

“A little birdy told me,” I winked.

“And how did you know I would be here?”

“Same bird,” I shrugged. “Hey, listen… I was wondering if I could see you again.”

“You’re seeing me right now,” she teased.

“I was hoping I could see you when you’re not working. Unless you’re in the mood to play hooky again.”

“No, no way. I can’t do that again. That was a one-time thing. And anyway, we’re really busy here tonight. Two girls called out sick.”

“I bet they lied so they could go out and have fun with some charming guys… though I doubt they were as good-looking as me.” I leaned against the bar, looking cocky just to make her smile.

“You’re awfully sure of yourself,” she laughed, smelling her flowers again.

“So, what do you say? How about I get your number this time?”

“Oh, you mean you don’t have my number too?” Her brows raised. “You were able to track down my favorite flowers and where I work, but you couldn’t find my phone number.”

“Even I have my limits. But… I notice you’re not saying no. Just stalling.”

“I’m not stalling,” she insisted, playfully smacking my arm. “But you’re right, I didn’t say no either. I’m thinking.”

“Abby! What the hell? Get back to work,” one of the other servers grumbled to her through their teeth as they passed us. “If Henry sees you standing around running your mouth like this, he’ll write you up.”

She darkened her eyes over me. “See? You’re going to get me into trouble.”

“Let me have a chat with your boss,” I offered. “I’ll give him a year free on Heartstring if he lets you off the hook.”

“Or you could just save us all the trouble and leave.” Her brows rose.

She grabbed a tray from the serving line and pranced off to serve it. I leaned back with a smile and watched her work, but I didn’t budge. I was having way too much fun and couldn’t leave without an answer from her.

Ten minutes or so went by before she finally approached me again, hissing, “Still stalking me?”

“I’m going to keep stalking you until you tell me when I can take you out on an official date.”

---