13. Zoe
THIRTEEN
Zoe
T he bell roars as I push the door open, familiar scent of fresh blooms wafting over me like a warm hug. Morning light spills into Florist Shop, illuminating the delicate petals of my colorful offerings, each a promise of brightening someone’s day.
Starting with mine.
I set Ralphie’s carrier down on the brick-colored tile floors, his impatient, “Meow!” cutting through the tranquil morning air.
"Alright, Ralphie," I coo, crouching down to unclip the latch. "Time to explore your kingdom." He bolts out, an energetic ball of white fur, darting between pots, his tail high and proud. My heart swells watching him, a simple joy that makes a morning without coffee — I ran out — feel worthwhile.
It doesn’t take me long to prep today’s orders as there weren’t many to fill. I put all of my heart into their designs, humming to clear my head. I didn’t sleep well last night. Too much on my mind. While I appreciated the ice cream celebration, and it did feel good to let my news out, there was a hollowness in the air.
As I’m cleaning up the mess, the bell wails and in walks Tom. He’s wearing his usual delivery clothes — khakis and a polo shirt — and there’s something about the way he moves that makes my heart race. His brown hair is tousled, as if he just rolled out of bed, and I can’t help but imagine what it would be like to run my fingers through it.
“Morning, Zoe,” he greets me, voice a little tense. He glances down at my cat who has begun investigating a potted fern. “Is Ralphie working today? Quality control?”
“He just asked for a raise.” I reply, trying to keep my tone light, even as my stomach tightens. There’s something behind Tom’s glance that feels…angry. “Just be careful. He’s got a mind of his own lately.”
Tom chuckles, eyes sparkling with light as he bends to give Ralphie a pet. “How ya doin’ buddy?” Tom straightens. “I’ve never seen him cause any trouble. You ready with today’s orders?”
“Trust me, he’s been acting weird!” I roll my eyes as I walk toward the refrigerated room where I just stored today’s deliveries. “We have a few. Let me just grab them. Should’ve left them out here for you. I didn’t have my coffee.”
“Why not?”
I shrug, “Ran out.”
“Why didn’t you pick some up on the way?”
“I’ve been careful about saving money.”
He shifts his weight, grabs one of the gift cards absentmindedly from their stand. “Won’t have to do that much longer.”
I freeze, tilting my head. “What do you mean?”
“You’re marrying a rich guy. You’ll be able to get all the coffee you want from wherever you want.”
A frown pierces my forehead. “Oh,” I whisper, so taken aback that I don’t say another word as I disappear to get the orders. Heat is in my cheeks, enough that makes me pause and let the cold air cool them. And slow my heart rate.
When I return with the bouquets, I can feel Tom watching me. It’s a familiar sensation — he always watches me while he waits for orders. But usually he looks warm and kind. Right now, his expression is guarded. That wall I felt last night remains.
“Um…” I whisper, overwhelmed.
Heading away from him for the last batch, I steal a glance back at Tom, and our eyes lock for a moment. His look is intense, almost searching, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s angry with me. It feels like he is.
I pause halfway. “Are you okay, Tom?”
“Why wouldn’t I be okay?”
“I don’t know. You seem…furious.”
Tom’s eyes clear and he straightens his spine. “Not at you, Zoe.”
I take a step closer, concerned. “Who are you mad at? Elena?”
“No,” he exhales, gaze dropping to the marble counter. “Not her. She’s…great. I’m glad she’s here now.”
“Now? Oh no,” I take another step closer. “Did something happen? Something terrible?”
Tom holds my gaze for a few silent moments that feel much longer. “Yes, something terrible happened.”
“What?”
But before Tom can answer me, the door swings open again.
Caleb strides in, sunlight catching the sharp lines of his impeccable suit. “Wow! Now that’s a bell! You want to alert all of Atlanta somebody walked in?”
He’s successful, polished, and undeniably handsome. In my head I can almost hear Lexi whistle as she would if she were here to see him. But my heart sinks a little. I wanted to hear about Tom’s troubles, but I have a feeling they’re private — not for everyone’s ears — so I smile with a glance that says, We’ll talk about this later. I won’t forget.
“Zoe! This is great. I thought I’d swing by to discuss my father’s event,” he announces, voice booming with confidence and seeming to overpower my little shop. He glances around, taking in the space with a critical eye. “You really need to reconsider the planters, having only white instead. So many colors…it doesn’t feel high end.”
I place my hands on my hips. “I like them this way. It’s cozy. I don’t want it to all be the same.”
“Cozy or chaotic?” Caleb counters, a smirk playing on perfect lips. He steps further inside, his presence dominating the room. I can feel Tom’s gaze shift from Caleb to me, confusion etched across his face.
“Tom, this is Caleb Astor III…my fiancé.” I motion between them. “Caleb, this is Tom Bennet, my…friend.”
“Friend?” Caleb frowns. “A close… friend ?”
“Not that kind of friend,” I blush. “He, um, works for me.”
Caleb stares at Tom, slides his hands into pockets. “What do you do for Zoe?”
“Deliveries. I like… flowers,” Tom says, then winces. “Zoe’s done really well with her business. People love what she does here.”
Caleb agrees, “She has a great eye for floral design,” gazing at the bouquets that line my counter. My heart beams with gratitude at his obvious admiration. “I saw that at my hotel.”
Tom darts a glance to me, then to Caleb. “You own Four Seasons?”
Caleb laughs, “No! I’m staying there.”
“Ah,” Tom nods, relaxing slightly.
“But I could own it.” Caleb adds, “Kidding.”
Tom dryly asks, “Are you?”
The smile leaves my fiancé. “How long have you been working for Zoe?”
“Hey, Caleb,” Tom says, his tone cool. “Just picking up the orders for the day.”
“Good,” Caleb replies, dismissively. He turns back to me, ignoring Tom completely. “We should discuss the wedding plans.”
I blink. “You said you came here to talk about your father’s event.”
“That can wait. I have some ideas for our wedding that will really impress our families.”
For our wedding. The words hang in the air like a cloud of weirdness. I’m getting married?! This is so crazy!
I glance at Tom, who is now carefully placing the bouquets in his sturdy box, brow furrowed in concentration.
“Sure,” I say, feeling a bit overwhelmed. “Just let us finish up here, and you and I can talk when we’re alone.”
Caleb nods, satisfied, and starts to walk around the shop. “Hey Ralphie! Enjoying the sun, eh?”
I catch Tom’s eye again, and this time, he raises an eyebrow, silently asking if I’m okay. I want to scream that I’m not, that I feel I’m trapped between two worlds, but instead, I just weakly smile, “Let me get you the addresses,” my heart a jumble of confusion.
“Then I’ll get out of your way,” Tom says.
I wish I could tell him how much I appreciate his presence, how he’s not just a delivery guy to me. How he makes the chaos of owning my own business feel not only manageable, but fun. “You’re not in the way.”
Caleb overhears and offers, “I don’t think he wants to listen to us planning our wedding.”
“No, I really don’t,” Tom mutters, lifting the box.
Grabbing the clipboard I jot addresses down, and call out to him, “Hold on!” as he heads for the door. “The addresses!”
“I’ll be right back.”
The bell wails.
Silence.
Caleb looks from the door to me. “That is one hell of a bell.”
“I need it.”
“To scare evil spirits away?” he smiles, confident strides bringing him closer to me. “You look beautiful today.”
I glance to my denim jumpsuit. “Thank you.”
“I like this look.”
“It’s kind of like dresses. Just one piece of clothing and you’re done.”
His voice deepens, gaze grazing my hair. “And I’m a big fan of your messy bun.”
A smile tugs at my lips. “Are you teasing?”
“No,” he murmurs, eyes smoldering. “Makes me wonder what your hair looks like when it’s down. Will you wear it that way for the wedding?”
My small smile spreads to a grin. “I’d love that.”
The bell goes nuts and we both glance to Tom who’s walking in with a paper coffee cup. “Here, Zoe. Cappuccino.”
I gasp with happiness, “Where did you get that?!”
“Cafe two doors down.” He hands me the cup, and takes the offered clipboard.
As Tom strolls away and reaches for the door, Caleb cocks an eyebrow. “If I’d have known you wanted coffee, I’d have picked you up some on the way here.”
“But you didn’t know,” Tom smirks, and sends the bell roaring.