Nip it in the Bud (Bunch-A-Blooms 3)

“You’re rubbing the salt right in the wound, aren’t you?”

I walk over and hug him. “No. I’m done.”

“Are you sure?” he asks skeptically.

I nod.

“What do you want for dinner, sweetheart?”

I shove him playfully. “You couldn’t care less about me winning.”

“Like I mind you coming over my house for dinner. Maybe I threw the games on purpose.”

Just like that, he pokes holes in my victory.

“What? Did you?”

He smirks. “Did I?”

“Andrew.”

He wiggles his eyebrows. “How about that drink now?”

I trail behind him amused and impressed. He’s so much more than I ever imagined.

***

“Are you still seeing, Drew?” Petunia asks as we work on the centerpieces for the Cusack wedding.

“I am.”

“You’ve been quiet about it.”

“Well, we’ve all been like three ships passing in the night. Olive isn’t even settled in from her vacation. You’re adjusting to being three instead of two, and per usual, the work here is insane thanks to summer weddings.”

“I know, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have time for you.”

“I never thought that, Petunia. I just wanted to see where things were headed before I started talking him up. Especially after the Ross fiasco.”

“How was that on you? Ross was sending mixed signals.”

“Or I was reading into what wasn’t there. Either way, I’m over it.”

“So, are the two of you getting serious?”

I nod my head. “Yeah, I’d say we are. He has children.”

“What?” She pauses in mid-snip.

“Yeah, I know. Twin girls who’re ten.”

“Wow. How old was he when they were born?”

“Twenty-one.”

“Jesus.”

“Yeah, he’s had a … colorful life.”