Chapter 49
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
EIGHT MONTHS
“Damn, baby, you look so hot carrying all those flowers.” Tristan whistles like I’m the sexiest thing he’s ever seen as I transport a heavy flat of flowers from my SUV to the back door of my floral shop, three doors down from Dark Delicacies.
We’re turning our little slice of the world into a woman-owned block.
Who doesn’t need a few flowers, chocolate, and wine?
Now, if someone were to open a sex shop next door, we’d be set.
Tristan takes the flat from me and sets it up in the back of the shop to piece out for customers, as I put on my apron from the hook before the shop opens.
This is my life now.
Friendship and flowers.
Iris after Dark.
That’s the name of my shop.
Because this is after him.
His love.
His support.
Once I turn on the cash register, I flip the wooden sign in the front window to open, with a heavy heart but a happy smile.
“Hey, babe, we’re still going for a drink and dancing after work tonight, right?” Tristan calls from the back.
“Yes,” I reply as my first customer of the day walks in.
“Good morning, Iris,” Cell greets, carrying a tray of sweets and coffees for us to share.
“Good morning.” I grab the travel mug of coffee and sip it.
Ah. Nectar of the gods. Sweeter and richer than I’m used to, but I’m learning to expand my tastes.
Vanilla and cocoa with a hint of something extra.
“Did Sugar add toffee?” I ask, leaning my hip against the counter as Cell blinks the sleep from her eyes and joins me for an early morning sip.
Her pleased sigh mimics my sentiment.
Yum.
“I think so.” She shrugs. “Are you two coming to the bar tonight?” Cell inclines her head toward the hallway.
While drinking my coffee, I nod.
Tonight, I’ll dance and maybe have a drink.
Not that I’m much of a drinker. Who knows what’ll come?
With this new life, I never know what tomorrow will bring.
Yesterday, it was ants marching in single file through the back door, followed by Tristian saving the day.
Today, I will be putting together live centerpieces for a huge wedding.
It’s my biggest order yet. Irises, freesias, and purple asters in crystal vases.
Ekkk! I’m so excited.