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

Mason chuckled. She got amorous when the alcohol got to flowing, and she passed the buzzed stage.

“Remember what I said?” he whispered into her ear.

She nodded. “Good.” He kissed her shoulder. He’d ordered her two new fridges for the flower shop back a few weeks ago, writing them off as a Christmas present, and they’d taken to having nights in more than being out. It had worked wonders for both of them. After years of a hectic schedule, he found the calm she offered appealing. There was no need to be out seeking when he had everything he wanted within in his reach.

He liked their tour guides. Mark and Ashley were funny and knowledgeable as they pointed out facts about Cincinnati and landmarks they passed. They played off one another well.

“Dude, where was this job when we were in college?” Bryce asked.

“Right? We would’ve made a killing,” Mason agreed.

Petunia laughed. “Oh my God. You guys would’ve been a riot.”

“I don’t know, they might’ve imbibed. They weren’t the masters of self-control,” Olive remarked.

“It’s true. But that’s what college is for … to practice your decision-making skills in a parent-free environment,” Bryce replied.

“And let’s not forget that little thing called a degree,” Willow said sarcastically.

Mason smirked. He’d always liked Petunia’s girls. They were loyal, funny, and serious when they needed to be. As the tour continued, he watched Petunia come back to life in a way he hadn’t seen in far too long. He hadn’t realized how much everyday life was taking out of her. Guilt welled up inside of him. Some best friend I was. She leaned against him, and he smirked. The drinks were starting to hit her. The samplings were plentiful but small, and he was actually impressed with a lot of the new to him brews.

He leaned down and whispered into her ear, “You having fun?”

“So much.” She peered up at him and giggled.

Bryce pointed to her. “Did you just giggle?”

“No?” Petunia answered, batting her lashes.

“Oh you so did,” Willow said.

The group laughed, and Mason hugged her to him. There was nowhere else on this planet he’d rather be right now.

With her head against his shoulder, she kissed his cheek. “Love you, Mas.”

It wasn’t an odd thing for her to say. But this time his reaction was new. His heart skipped a beat, and a funny feeling settled into his tummy.

“Love you, too, little flower,” he murmured, kissing her forehead.

Their friends simultaneously said “Awww,” and he rolled his eyes. They had no clue they meant it platonically. Do I really, though?

“This is probably our last get together before the New Year officially rings in,” Olive said.

“I know the thirty-first is coming up fast. What are your plans?” Willow asked Petunia.

“I hosted Christmas this year, so I’m free to celebrate in the comfort of my own home. I wanted to take some pressure off Mom, you know?”

“I do. But I still say you should’ve made Lois and Melinda do it. I mean they live together, so they’d be splitting the hosting duties right down the middle,” Willow mimed a parting motion with her hands.

“Are you kidding me? I don’t know if I’d trust their food enough to enjoy the meal,” Mason scoffed.

“Hey, they’ve gotten a lot better.”

“Yeah, now I wouldn’t die, but I might wish I had,” Mason mumbled.

Petunia jabbed his ribs with her pointy elbow.

“Ouch. I am. I said I might not die.”