He Loves Me Not (Bunch-A-Blooms 1)

“It’s so adorable. Two best friends out for dinner,” Ann exclaimed.

“Actually, Ann, Petunia and I are dating now.”

“Oh,” Owen muttered. His shoulders slumped, and he stopped gazing at Petunia’s rack.

Slimy worm.

“Wait. You said you were just friends. That there was nothing going on between you two,” Ann said.

Shut up, Ann.

He shrugged. “There wasn’t then. But sometimes you miss what’s right in front of you.”

“And this all happened when?”

“After we broke up,” he replied.

“Well, that’s just wonderful, isn’t it? And imagine us at the table beside you. It’s like the Universe wanted us to catch up,” Ann purred. The kitten’s claws were out, and he wanted nothing to do with it. She had a bratty streak a mile long. Her mean girl impersonation was a thing he couldn’t get over. It was a huge part of why they broke up. He shot a panicked look at Petunia. A playful grin appeared, and his stomach sank. What are you up to?

“I think that would be a lovely idea. We were just talking about you two the other day,” Petunia stated.

“You were?” Anne asked.

“Oh yes. We were saying it’s funny how things work out. That date showed us everything that wasn’t working and why. It was like our eyes opened.”

Ann’s nostrils flared, and he shoved the strawberry in his mouth to keep from letting loose a gut busting laugh. He definitely needed some popcorn, because this was about to be a show. She’d turned a blind eye to the blind date from hell, so this was only fair.

“Boo, can you push the tables closer together?” Petunia asked as she smiled.

“Of course, little flower.”

He stood and pushed the tables closer. She winked at him, and he nodded, to let her know he got her game. He reached across the table to hold her hand as they slowly finished off their dessert.

“So tell me, what have you two been up to? It’s so nice to see siblings keeping in touch and going out to dinner,” Petunia said.

Ann narrowed her gaze. “We’ve been great. Right, Owen?”

The younger blond glanced fro

m his sister to Petunia with wide eyes. Looks like he’s smartened up some.

“Yep, really great,” he replied, nodding

“That’s wonderful. Isn’t it?” Petunia asked.

“Glad to hear you’re doing so well, Ann.”

“How’s that little flower shop of yours?” Ann asked haughtily.

“It’s doing great. I mean, it’s holiday season, so, naturally, things are insane, but that’s a good thing for business.”

“Isn’t that fantastic, Owen?” Ann’s voice was so brittle he expected it to crack like glass weakened to the breaking point.

“That’s great, Petunia.”

He popped the last piece of cheesecake into his mouth. “As nice as it was to catch up, we’re all done with our meal. We’ll see you guys around.” He grabbed the bill, and stood, ignoring the laser beams he felt on his back as they walked to the register.

“Are you sufficiently avenged now, little flower?” he asked as the cashier totaled their bill with tip and he handed over his credit card.