Bonus Epilogue
February
There it is. The niggling sensation that I should say something. Anything.
All it would take is a quick text message to let him know I’m in the area, but I can’t bring myself to type it, let alone send it. If Connor Porter had wanted to say anything to me, he would have done so when he was at my house for our winter trivia night.
But no, he just stood there staring at me as I danced to “Jingle Bell Rock.” When I attempted to talk to him, he only mumbled some lame excuse about going to the restroom before scurrying away. Then he avoided me for the rest of the night.
But now I’m in Washington, only an hour and a half from where Mallory told me he lived, at the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival.
The seminars have been great. I’ve learned helpful tips about growing cut flowers, making sustainable centerpieces, and integrating underused blooms into bouquets.
And while I love flowers just as much as life itself, I’ve found it hard to focus, knowing that my best friend’s older brother is nearby.
Not to mention, the romantic feelings for Connor I’ve kept secret for years. Things I’ve never told a soul. Not even my best friends. I’m not sure they’d even believe me if I did.
My phone screen lights up with a new text, and my heart skips a beat, even though I know there’s not a chance it’s from him.
I unlock my phone and see it’s a new message in the “Long Live Girlies” group text thread with my besties.
ALYSSA
How’s the flower festival, Shay? *cherry blossom emoji*
We miss you!
KELSEY
Yesss, only one more day until we get to see our sunshine girl again *woman dancing emoji*
MALLORY
We can’t wait to hear all about it!
I can’t help but smile. These girls have been by my side for years.
They’re my kindred spirits. My soulmates.
Since we’ve all been roommates for the last few years, I’ve had the joy of seeing them every day.
This week away has been difficult, but I’m doing everything I can in preparation to take over Shirley’s Florist once she retires in just under two weeks.
My dream of owning a flower shop will finally be a reality.
Everything I’ve been working toward for six years is finally within reach.
So close, I can almost grasp it. But there’s a lingering sadness there that I won’t have someone by my side to share it with.
Of course, my parents and my friends will make me feel celebrated.
But for someone who has always dreamed of finding my true love when I was young—to run my shop with them—it’s bittersweet.
I type out a quick response to my friends before tucking my phone back in my flower-shaped purse.
ME
It’s been amazing! I’ve met so many wonderful people and learned so much. Can’t wait to see y’all tomorrow though *face blowing a kiss emoji* *yellow heart emoji*
I shake my head as negative thoughts begin to spill in. No stewing in sadness when there’s so much to be grateful for in this life. No more thinking about my very single status. No more regret over things I have no control over.
And absolutely no more thinking about Connor Porter.
You won’t want to miss Shayna's book, I'm Only Me When I'm With Him—a best friend's brother, grumpy/sunshine romcom.