Chapter 12
12
BEN
I ’m still figuring out my new girlfriend’s communication style. In person, we chat about everything. It’s perfect. Physically, we communicate very well too – there’s a fire ignited every time we flash each other a certain look and begin touching.
Texting, however, seems a bit…spotty. When we were organizing my company makeover – or should I say, when Iris was – she would text all the time to confirm every detail with me.
But now that we’re discussing what to do this weekend, she seems distant.
I’ve never been a multitasker. I complete one section of a project, then move on to the next. Usually, my only interruptions are for water, coffee, or grabbing more materials.
These days I’ve been checking my phone frequently, eager to respond to any text I receive. On my way back from a job site, I pause at a stop sign to glance at my phone. There’s a text from Toby, saying that his project will be finished within the hour, and another from Ashley, letting me know her team is on schedule to wrap up next week.
My foot almost presses on the gas to continue, then I freeze. Maybe that’s what Iris needs. Confirmation that we’re real. She’s just spent a ton of time and energy on my life and business. Could she be wondering if this is a temporary thing?
She’s also quite sensitive. New to being part of a couple. Knowing her, I can pretty much guarantee that she’s all up in her head about it, analyzing every detail, looking for flaws.
I’ve never come out and actually told her how I feel about her, that I want to plan a real future together. She is definitely a worrier, so she’s likely…well, worrying.
My wheels spin to the right, cutting through a parking lot to turn toward Palmer’s Potted Plants. Thankfully, there’s a parking spot directly in front, and as soon as I walk in, it’s obvious who is behind the counter.
“Mrs. Palmer?”
“Dahlia, please.” She beams, her deep blue eyes so like her daughter’s. “How can I help you?”
I reach out to shake her hand. “Ben Abbott. I’m not sure if Iris has mentioned me yet…”
Her eyes twinkle as she leans forward, lowering her voice. “The girls don’t think I can hear them in the back room, but I can. So – you’re the new boyfriend?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
There’s a soft gasp from the back doorway, as Iris peeks out in surprise. I want to rush to her, but I need to take care of business first. “I was wondering if I could get a handful of your business cards?”
“Of course.” Dahlia reaches under the counter and pulls out a box. “Is ten enough?”
“More like fifty, if you could spare them.”
She hands over a thick stack, and I slip them into my front shirt pocket.
“Thank you. Iris has helped me so much this week with my business. Since I work with people who are renovating their homes, I like to pass on trusted contacts for designers and decorators. It would be nice to be able to recommend a plant shop, too.”
She leans back, nodding. “That would be lovely, thank you.”
“Also, when every job is done, it’s always been my habit to send a bottle of wine for their house re-warming, or the new kitchen party. But some people are very particular about what they drink, and many people don’t drink at all these days. I was thinking I could send an interesting house plant instead, something selected to go with their new decor.” I smile, winking. “Obviously I would include one of your business cards, which means you would automatically be their go-to plant shop.”
She smiles. “Thank you, Ben. I truly appreciate it. Iris is in the back, if you’d like to go on through.”
“Thank you.”
The second I’m around the corner and out of sight of her mother, Iris is gripping my hand. “What are you doing here?”
“I think you just heard. Getting business cards, so I can help your shop.”
“That’s very sweet. Thank you.” Iris bites her lip for a moment. “Are you sure you didn’t come here because I hadn’t confirmed tonight’s dinner yet? I just… We’ve been seeing each other every night. I don’t want you to think I expect anything.”
“Angel, it’s completely fine to tell me that you would rather spend an evening alone. If Friday nights are your time to curl up with a book, or paint your toes, or do whatever other girly thing I would never understand, that is perfectly understandable.” I grin, slipping my arm around her waist. “Although I have a very steady hand for painting, if you ever need help with your tootsies.” She laughs, and I see something soften in her eyes.
“We are a team now, gorgeous. A partnership. Sometimes that means we help each other by being together, and sometimes it means we give one another space.”
Iris nods. “Thank you. I guess I’m just flustered. This is all so new.”
“Yes, very new. It’s also very right .” My lips brush across her forehead. My phone is buzzing in my pocket but I ignore it. “I also know that you probably want confirmation that this is real.” My fingers tip up her chin. “This is not just dating. I’m sorry if this is going too fast for you, with so much happening at once. We’ll find our own pace.”
Gripping her hips, I spin her slightly from side to side. “We’re both smart people, especially you. So… I just need to know what you need, and then we will make it happen, yes?”
She breathes out a happy sigh. “Yes. Thank you for making this easier.”
“I know you’re sensitive. I know you can tend to overthink things. And I’m positive that you don’t realize just how crazy I am about you.” My lips brush hers for an instant before I murmur, “I’m already in love with you, angel.”
I feel her gasp, then her entire body shivers for a moment.
My phone rings again, this time with a different tone. I yank it from my pocket to see a text from Toby. “Dammit,” I mutter. “There might be a structural problem with a project. I’m so sorry, angel – I have to run.”
Her mouth is still frozen in a surprised O, so I kiss her forehead before dashing out through the shop.
It’s a terrible time to be interrupted, but I know that she will understand. At least, I hope she will.
And I hope that Iris thinks seriously about what I just said.