Bloom - Page 7

It’s a line I rehearsed over and over before I opened the shop. I don’t have the best track record at appearing casual when I’m jumping up and down with joy internally.

Audrey gazes at my card before she slides it into one of the pockets of her suit jacket. “I’ll call you this week and we’ll set something up.”

I’ve scored two new potential clients tonight. It’s a big win I didn’t see coming when I set out to deliver the bouquet to Wren.

“I look forward to that.” I tap my fingers on her desk, knowing that I’ll call her in a week if see hasn’t reached out. “Thank you for taking care of the situation with Liam.”

“Athena? What are you doing here?”

The sound of Liam’s voice lures Audrey’s gaze to the left. Mine follows.

Liam is standing next to an older man. It’s obvious by the tissue in the man’s hand and the redness of his eyes that he’s been crying.

I look down not wanting to infringe on the man’s privacy.

“I’ll see you next week?” The man’s voice is gentle and soft. “Same time?”

“Absolutely,” Liam answers. “If you need to talk before then, call anytime.”

Audrey lowers herself back into her chair as the man passes us both on his way out of the office and toward the elevators.

I’d follow his lead, but I doubt he’d appreciate the company on the ride down to the lobby.

“What’s all this?” Liam’s hand hovers over the flowers and his credit card. “You said you’d take care of the delivery tonight, Athena.”

“She tried,” Audrey interjects before I can say anything.

Liam’s gaze finds mine. His brows pinch together. “Was there a problem?”

I motion toward the envelope near Audrey’s hand. “Wren wrote you a note and asked me to get it to you along with the flowers. You forgot your credit card at my shop, so I thought I’d stop by here and drop everything off.”

“That was my idea,” Audrey pipes up. “I told Athena to come by when she called asking to speak with you. I knew you’d want to deal with this tonight.”

I have no problem letting her take credit for this hot mess.

After sliding the credit card into his pocket, Liam scoops up the envelope. Ripping it open, he flips the paper over twice before he scans what’s written in red ink.

“What the hell?” he bites out under his breath.

Audrey cranes her neck to try and read anything that’s in her view.

I drop my gaze because looking at the floor seems like the safest bet at the moment. That note is personal. I’m already too involved in this.

My timing may be off, but I need to get the hell out of here. I consider my next move. Do I offer my condolences? Is it better to leave without a word?

I don’t know the protocol for walking out on a customer who just got dumped.

Audrey unwittingly jumps into the role of my savior. “I assume you’d like some time alone, so Athena and I will leave you be. You’ll lock up?”

I toss her a look of gratefulness, but her gaze is pinned on Liam’s face.

“Yes,” he says curtly. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Audrey.”

I’m not offered anything but a quick glance from him.

I’ll take it.

Anything is better than having to answer questions about Wren’s demeanor or what she said before she sent me packing.

Tags: Deborah Bladon Romance
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