Thorn in My Side (Bunch-A-Blooms 2)

“Much,” I say wiggling my fingers to return circulation.

“Come and eat with me,” Petunia says holding out a flute filled to the brim with the ambrosia called Mimosa. I take a long draw and sigh as the cool liquid hits my dry throat. I moan my approval and lower my cup. “You always make the best Mimosas.”

“I try to keep up with your drink making skills, Ms. Mixology. Your cocktail parties put all of us to shame.”

I shake my head. “You know I love a good theme party. That’s how I ended up learning how to make everything. Each theme required a different set of cocktails. Hell, I bet I could bartend on the side at this point if I needed to. Funny. I’m a jack of all trades, but I only want to be the master of one.” I sigh. Some days the dream seems further away than others.

Petunia frowns. “You okay, O?”

“I’m having one of those days where I wonder if my career is ever going to take off. If I’ll ever get over that hump and go from struggling artist to an established one. Don’t get me wrong. I love what I do. I understand I’m one of the few who gets to live their dream, and I’m so very grateful for that. Still, this is not easy. It’s a constant battle with self-doubt, continuous work, and the fight to stay on top of bills while trying to have a life outside of work is real. I’m reaching that burn out stage.”

“It’s okay to take a break every now and then. Get out of the house, breathe fresh air, have some me time doing anything not work related.”

“I can see your husband has been working hard at you, Ms. Work-a-holic. Look at you giving me advice about taking a break,” I say with a smile.

“He made me see just how much I didn’t have to do. I know what it’s like to run your own business. Unlike the regular nine to five, you can’t just leave it at quitting time, and you’re fully aware of the fact that no one will hustle for you the way you will for yourself.”

“Oh my God, that’s it exactly.”

“I get it. Before Mason and I got together, I couldn’t see the important difference between existing and living. You have to balance it, babe, or you’re going to go insane. I know you have this massive job, but plan in time to relax too. Is your boss still riding your ass?”

“Like I’m a horse, and he’s the jockey trying to win the derby.”

She giggled. “Maybe what you’re sensing is a little sexual frustration. He’s hot, right? I’ve seen the Davenports, they’re as gorgeous as they are rich, and you my friend have not been laid in some time.”

“First of all, I don’t mix business with pleasure. Especially not with a job this important. Second of all his hotness does not make up for his assholeness.”

“Assholeness?”

“Shut up. You know what I mean.” I grab a Rangoon and bite into the crisp crust. The sweet cream cheese explodes in my mouth, and I groan. “Enough about me. How’s married life treating you, newlywed?”

“It’s been almost a six months. I don’t think we fit that category anymore.”

“You still getting it on at least once a day?”

“Maybe,” Petunia says bashfully.

“Hah. If the shoe fits, wear it.”

“I think I’m due after the drought I had.”

“I agree.” I take another sip of Mimosa.

“I think your drought will be ending soon.”

“Did your marriage turn you psychic?” I ask as I start to make a plate for myself from the red cartons she set out, buffet style along the counter.

“Let’s call it woman’s intuition,” Petunia says.

I chuckle. “Don’t hold out on me now. When will my mystery man arrive?”

“He’s already here. You always thought there was more between me and Mason, even after the friends with benefits thing ended.”

“Yeah, but that was obvious. You guys couldn’t see it, but your attitude toward one another was different. He doted on you long before you were engaged.”

“You think so?”

I snicker and take a bite of my coconut shrimp as I nod and chew. “Oh yeah. It was clear he thought the world of you. He always has. I don’t have anything remotely close to that going on.”