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

“Good. I drew a few basic sketches. She told me she wanted to get as far away from traditional bridesmaid flowers as possible. I did a bit of research, and I’ve come up with some really fun alternatives I think will go splendidly with her theme and their bridesmaid dresses.”

“Is she still set on those frilly monstrosities?” He shudders.

“No, she’s locked in on the pastel colored fitted dresses with the wispy bottoms.” I mime a flowing, fuller skirt with my hands.

He nods his head. “Much more appropriate. Pale blues, pinks, and peaches?”

“Yes, those are the colors.”

“Shall we?” Petunia asks drawing our attention back to her.

“Of course,” Luka says with a smile.

I want to kick him in his shin. Don’t play nice now. Show her your true colors, Captain Grumpypants. We follow her into the office, and I admire the new set up. The computer has two monitors where she can display her ideas with state of the art software on the large Maple wood desks. The black office chairs must’ve cost a pretty penny. Comfortable, and embroidered with the flower logo, they make the uncomfortable gray ones we had a burning party for a horrid distant memory.

We sit on either side of her as she pulls up the files she’s saved for Rachel. “She was torn, so I know your opinions will be really helpful. She’s got a lot of variety since she’s marrying in late June. I know she likes the teacup roses and peonies. Big full flowers in shades of white or pale pink are a common theme in all the arrangement choices, but some are more colorful than others.” She clicks through the first arrangement.

“This is classic.”

“And boring and safe, and not in theme with her wedding. Fairytales need color,” I say.

“I like the classic look, it’s polished and well put together,” Luka says.

“Exactly. You like it, which means it’s the opposite of what she really wants.”

“Why? Because you think she needs every color of the rainbow,” he asks, pointedly staring at my dress.

“No, because Rachel is a vibrant ray of sunshine, her wedding needs to reflect that.”

He opens his mouth and closes it.

“I do have the same concept with a bit…more pizazz,” Petunia says as she clicks the mouse. Bright purple and mock orange posies, light purple thistle, orange ranunculus, and tall purple blooms I don’t recognize.

“This is it,” I whisper imagining Rachel’s face when she sees the colorful blooms.

“It’s a lot.”

“It’s a pop of color. You can go with whites and pinks for everything else for the ceremony. This is the statement she wants to make. I think she should be allowed to do that. You only get married once. It’s the one day women can completely own. I know you want to make sure this thing doesn’t go off the rails, but you have to give too. For her.” The words are out before I can take them back. Crap.

His eye twitches and I wait for the explosion or the firing. He purses his lips. The air becomes charged. His quick nod of agreement stuns me.

“Alright, if we did this could we take the white and pink larger flowers and use them for everything else for the wedding?” he asks.

“We could. I’d put in some subtle green fillers and other smaller dusky rose colored flowers to break things up, but we’d keep it very simple,” she assures him.

“Then I think we can go with that for the floral. I know Rachel will be pleasantly surprised to see I’ve yielded to her wishes.” He crosses his arms, and I can’t help but notice how nice his crisp white button down fits. He’s thin, but muscular and always well-dressed. Suit porn is a real thing, and this man is no stranger to a tailor. His garments fit him like they were made to, because they were.

“And you.”

He turns to look at me, and I blink. “Hmm?”

“What do you have planned for them?” he says slowly.

“Oh.” I set my purse on the counter and pull out the sketches. “We can start with the smaller things first, actual flower rings, arm wraps, and then purses.”

“Flower purses?” he asks skeptically.

“Yes. With a moss base.”