Chapter Two #2
“Nothing. We’re just going to look amazing, and despite what we’re doing, I hope it’s a good night for you,” She rambles excitedly.
“I don’t want to talk about any of that tonight.
I just want to go get this over with. Let’s go pay for these.
” I hate it when she handles me with kid mitts.
Yes, at one point, I was a broken little girl.
I’m still broken in some places, but I now have my purpose.
Taking care of the sins that were placed on me—even if it means being the dutiful daughter and biting my tongue. Mom will get her revenge.
As we come up to the front desk, Brittney looks up as we come into view. “Was everything satisfactory?”
“Yes, they fit like a glove.” I wink at Lila. “Can you put these on the Hawthorne account, please?”
“Both?” Brittney asks, shocked that I am placing two gowns, each worth a couple of thousand, on my dad’s account.
If I have to play the good daughter, he can pay for it.
I just nod as she hands me the form to sign for the corporate account.
Thanking her for her time, we head out the door.
Once our dresses are carefully placed in the back seat, we load up and head to the florist. Most people would hire a well-known company for these types of events, but something in me prefers supporting small businesses.
Corporate businesses don’t need the extra business; they’ll be fine, but these mom-and-pop shops depend on it.
This one just happens to mean more to me than any other one.
Pulling up to the building, cottage-cozy wrapped around urban grit, I throw it into park and cut the ignition.
Hastily, I get out of the car and jog to the front door.
Lila stays in the car. Throwing open the door, I look around for the one person I know will be here.
He’s always here. Seeing him tidying up in the corner, he looks up as I beeline to him. “Mr. Whitley!”
Mr. Whitley has a warm smile and sweeps me into a hug. “Hi, little one. What are you doing here?”
“I came to check on the arrangements for tonight.” He gives me a knowing look.
“Okay, I really just wanted to see you before the chaos that will be tonight.
" While Mrs. Whitley is our housekeeper, her husband, Mr. Whitley, runs the flower shop they own.
Mom used to bring me here all the time when I was a kid.
They always keep her favorite flowers in stock.
The Whitleys have always been family to us, acting as grandparents for ones I have never known.
“Oh, sweet girl, why do you continue to do this for Wade if you don’t like it?” He gives me a sad smile.
“I’m just waiting it out. It won’t be much longer before I move on. Can I see what you have done?” I give him my best puppy dog eyes.
“Well, of course. Like I would ever tell you no!” He leads me to the back, where he’s storing the arrangements. Moving to the side, beautiful arrangements of Mom’s favorite flowers come into view— Peonies. Dad is going to love this.
Smiling as my eyes start to blur, I give Mr. Whitley another hug. “They’re beautiful. I can never thank you enough for making these for me.”
“Oh, little one. We miss her too. She would be so proud of you and what you’re doing. She loved you so much.” He squeezes me extra tight as warm drops roll down my cheeks. “Don’t you ever forget that. You were her sunshine.”
I give him a somber smile and wipe my eyes. Good thing I put on waterproof mascara. “Thank you, I needed that. I have to head to the center, but come see me when you bring the arrangements?”
“Of course. I’ll see you later. I promise.” He gives me another quick hug before I head toward the door. Just like Lila, they know very little about what’s happening. My heart would shatter if I took anyone down with me.
Sliding back into the car where Lila is waiting, scrolling her phone, I start the car and sigh.
Lila looks up from her phone. “They’re beautiful, and Dad’s going to hate them.
” Lila gives me a sad but evil smile. It’s honestly creepy how vindictive she can be while looking like the sweetest person.
“Let’s rock and roll. The show must go on.
” Lila laughs as I pull out of the lot and head toward the event center.
Once parked, we rush inside to hurry up and get ready.
There are still a million things to do and only so much time.
Walking around the ballroom, I check that everything is in place and ready to go.
I sent Lila to check on the DJ, lighting tech, and the photographer.
The caterers have arrived and are getting set up.
The baby-pink lighting catches the crystal chandeliers, casting the room in different shades of pink.
The fairy lights around the room make it look like a mystical place.
I’m in the middle of checking the place cards when Dad walks up to me.
His dark hair has grays weaving through.
His face has a few wrinkles from the years of stress.
His dark brown eyes are dull. “Kiera, you did a lovely job as usual.”
“Thanks, Dad. Did you see everything?” I ask, waiting for him to take notice of the floral arrangements.
“The flowers? Yes, why did you choose these? They look like flowers out of the field.” Dad takes another look around at the intricate arrangement of lavender and peonies, adding a few sprigs of baby's breath to liven it up.