Reaching for the folded card with the number one on it that’s resting against the vase, I nod my head even though I know she can’t see me as I say, “Yeah, and they’re numbered.”
“You know roses have different meanings depending on what color they are.”
“What do blue roses mean?” I flip the card over to find nothing written on the back.
“Let me look.” I can hear her fingers flying across her keyboard as she types. “Okay,” she finally says. “Blue roses symbolize mystery. Who sent them to you?”
“I have no idea. There’s nothing on the card but a number.”
“You said you had lots of flowers. Are they all blue?”
“No. They’re all different colors.”
“Do they all have cards with numbers on them?”
Walking around the room, I confirm her suspicions. “What color are the roses with the number two on the card?” she asks.
“Light purple.”
“Lavender roses mean fascination.”
This continues until we’ve gone through all five colors in order.
1. Blue means mystery
2. Lavender means fascination
3. Yellow means friendship
4. Pink means admiration
5. Orange means passion
“I think you know who sent you the roses, Presley. They tell a story. Your story. The story of your relationship. One dozen roses for each week you two have known each other.”
She’s right. I came to the same conclusion after the yellow roses.
It’s the story of us.
A clear message from Jace.
All that’s missing are red roses. The one color that symbolizes love. It makes me wonder why he didn’t send those as well. Does he not love me like he said he did?
“Stop,” Naomi yells into the phone. “Stop overthinking this. Stop analyzing everything. Get out of your head and focus.”
“I am focused,” I grumble.
“No, you’re not. You’re wondering the same thing I am. Why not red?”
“Well...”
“He’s not Wren. He’s proved that. You know he loves you, Presley. And you love him. Stop doubting everything, get through this last week, and then you two can be together. Because you want to. Without the world watching.”
Naomi’s words are the kick in the ass I need. I’m only doubting Jace because I’ve been hurt before. Because I’m scared to be hurt again. Because Jace already broke through the walls I built around my heart and he has the power to destroy it.
Once and for all.