Chapter 26
CHAPTER 26
DALLAS
I make my way to the bar to get a drink while Rose and the other bridesmaids take pictures. I’ve pretty much told her how I feel without using words, which has me on edge.
Whiskey in his hand, Richard eases up beside me. “I wanted to apologize in person for what’s about to happen.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Rose. It’s a well-known fact that Rose wants to run the new location that’s about to open. And her parents decided to let her do that on one condition.”
I inhale, steeling my expression so that I don’t react when I hear the condition. Because the yuck in my gut says I’m not going to like it. “She’ll do a great job running the store.”
“And she’ll get to as long as she breaks it off with you. That’s the condition. And as much as Rose loves the family business, it’s not hard to figure out what she’ll choose. So take solace in the fact that you didn’t lose to me. Just to flowers, her one true love.”
“Is that all you wanted to tell me?” I chug the rest of my water.
“Yep. Figured you should know. They’re having the big talk with her tomorrow. And if she doesn’t break it off, she won’t just lose the new location. She’ll lose her job. Her parents might even cut her off. That would be awful.”
Richard is a snake, but what he’s saying matches what I’ve seen of Mr. and Mrs. Potts.
“I appreciate the heads up.” I wander back to my seat, trying to figure out how to wrap up our deal at the end of the night.
Rose loves the flower shop, and I won’t make her choose. I can’t put myself in that predicament again. Besides, as my mom always said, family is important. And I’d hate to be the reason the family was torn apart.
I stew, struggling to keep a smile on my face as the evening continues. When Rose pitched the deal, her goal was to be able to run the new store. I helped her accomplish that. Walking away is just one more way I’m helping her. If I keep telling myself that, maybe it will make my heart hurt less.
I’d risk my life for that woman. What’s a little heartache?
But sacrifice isn’t the driving force behind my decision. That’s the pretty bow, making it look like a gift. But I’m protecting me. I cannot be the one not chosen. If I make it clear that the deal is over before she talks to her parents, she won’t have to choose. I won’t lose.
Even that’s a lie. Without Rose, I lose. But in this scenario, there’s no way to win. If I talk to Rose about what she wants, it puts her in a hard spot. I know what she wants. She told me a week ago that leaving the family business would hurt because it’s so much a part of her. The last thing I want to do is hurt Rose.
Cara leads the bridesmaids out to the middle of the dance floor, then has the deejay call for all the single ladies to join them. Beaming, Rose waves at me.
I wave back, faking enthusiasm. Our deal extends through the end of the evening, and I will play the doting boyfriend until we’re alone and back at her place.
I’m not looking forward to that conversation.
Cheers erupt, and Rose holds the bouquet in the air. And now, all eyes are on me.
Sage walks over and pats my shoulder. “Get out there. I’m about to throw the garter. And lots of people are betting on you to catch it.”
Standing in the cluster of guys, I feign excitement, but somehow, I end up with that stupid blue garter in my hand.
Rose is jumping up and down. But Mrs. Potts looks like she just sucked on a lemon, which makes catching the garter totally worth it.
At the end of the night, by the time we make it to the truck, my ability to fake it is waning. And admittedly, I’m too quiet on the drive home.
But that can’t be helped.
I cannot gush to Rose, telling her how much I enjoyed dancing with her. How the sparkle in her eyes makes my heart melt. And how I see her pretty face even when I close my eyes at night. But I also can’t end things during the drive.
No matter what I say, ending things will catch her off guard. And I’m sorry about that. But she’ll get what she wanted.
And eventually, I’ll be okay too. I hope.