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

“And yet you smile.” I kiss her temple, and we return out attention back to the musician. I’m in for an adventure with this woman, and I’m ready to enjoy every moment of it.

Olive

“So, how are things?”

I look up from the book boxes Rachel and I are closing and tying with bows for the guests at the party. Each one is made to look like a popular fairytale, and we’re placing the guest's name on it. It’s tedious work, but the time is flying thanks to my iPod and her company.

“Something you want to ask, Rach?” I tease.

“Yes, I can’t pluck my brother for any info. He’s far too private.”

I laugh. “And I’m an open book?”

She bats her lashes. “As the person who pushed you both together, I expect some sort of inside information.”

“Inside information. We’re not a company.”

She sighs. “I love it when you say we.”

I snicker. “You’re the one getting married in a month and a half.”

“I know. It’s just been so long since any of us saw the old Luk. It’s the best present I could’ve received on our birthday.”

I think of the man I first met, and the one who’s called me daily since he left for the United Kingdom are truly night and day. He laughs, teases and tempts me with his smooth accented voice. It’s my favorite thing to hear before I turn in for the night.

“You know we’re just testing the waters right?”

She glances over at the vase of pink roses on my coffee table, and kitchen counter. “Are you lying to me or yourself?”

I glance down at the Beauty and the Beast box and shrug. “This is new for both of us. Everything is always great at the beginning. It takes time to know if something is going to stick and stay good.” I frown as I remember the dark period when I held on longer than I should have. I’ve always wanted to think the best of people, even when they’re showing me exactly who they truly are. It’s a habit I was cured off.

“I don’t disagree. But that takes nothing away from the fact that what you two have is special. You’ve both lit up since he left a week ago.”

“Hard not to glow when he sends gifts constantly. I’ve never had anyone do things like that.”

“My brother doesn’t care for many people. He cut his circle in half after the accident. People showed their true colors, and he traded in quantity for quality. So when he lets you in, he dotes on you. This is his way of making you happy, and showing you how much you mean to him.”

Her words soothe the agitated part of my psyche that questioned his motives. I wasn’t something to be bought, and I found it hard to believe he was simply showering me with gifts. Men don’t do that anymore. Well, maybe some do. Rach doesn’t find his actions odd, and she knows him far better than me. It’s on my list of things to talk about when he calls next.

“I’ll keep that in mind. This is a new experience for me, Rach. Your brother isn’t like anyone I’ve ever known before.”

“And that’s a good thing, I promise you. Even when he makes you want to tear your hair out, and believe me, he will eventually. He only wants what’s best for you.”

“Is that why you let him get away with steam rolling you?” I ask.

She sighs. “Our relationship is a little wacky. He’s my brother, but in a way, he’s also my mother and father. This is him playing all three roles. I understand and appreciate that. He’s rearranged his schedule and taken off work to be there for me during this crazy period. I’m not going to thank him for that by being a bitch. I’m getting what I want, and he’s getting to feel like he’s doing a good job. He can be overbearing, but I have no problem standing my ground or sticking up for myself when I feel it’s necessary. Please don’t think his micromanaging of the wedding is reflective of our actual relationship. Spend more time with us first.”

“I can do that. I’m not a judgmental person. But I look for signs of controlling behavior. I like a strong, opinionated men. My personality is big, and I’d run over anyone who didn’t have certain personality traits, but I learned from experience there can be a thin line. I can’t go back to that place with anyone.”

Rachel places a hand over mine. “I understand.”

“Enough about me. You’re the one getting married. How are you feeling?”

“Excited? I’m so ready to join our lives together. Joseph is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. He saw me. He looked beyond the family name, money, and looks, and he fell in love with my spirit. We like the same cheesy Science Fiction flicks, read the same literature, and love to travel. Every day is fun because I have my best friend at my side. Of course, we have our bickering and disagreements, but it's par for the course, and always blows over swiftly.”

“How long have you been together?”

“Three years. I wanted to be sure, because I’m only doing this once, and