2X The Heat (2X The Pleasure 1)

She nodded. “The flowers will be here soon.”

I nodded. I checked the ad I had put out on Facebook. It got a lot of likes, so I felt a lot of people would show. But there was competition. Everyone in the room was just as good, if not better.

A few minutes later, a service trolley rolled in with a beautiful array of buttercups and baby’s breath. I smiled, my favorite. Then it headed right towards us.

“Are you Emilia Michelle?” The sweet old delivery man stopped in front of our table.

“Yes, but I ordered a tulip and rose arrangement.” It was my best arrangement, it always sold people on my work. But I didn’t order this.

“Well, I have your order here.” His graying brows rose as he handed me the tablet. Sure, enough the order was there with my name.

Ivy looked over my shoulder. “I made the order myself.” She said.

“It has this message with it.” The man leaned into one of the pots and handed me a card.

I opened the card.

Your mother would want you to be brave. You already have been, but now you need to take a chance. With me. Please call me. If you love me, you’ll call.

-Tristan.

My tears flowed hot and heavy. He was right. Mom would want me to go after love, and I did love him. I was barely aware of Ivy signing for the flowers and the delivery man leaving. I wiped my tears quickly so I could look more presentable.

“Let me see.” I gave the card to her.

She read it and smiled.

“See? The man loves you to death Emilia. Stop hurting him.” Ivy said sternly.” She was right. I shouldn’t hurt him anymore.

But I couldn’t leave the event.

“I’ll call him after. I swear.” She narrowed her eyes at me, but left me be.

The event went smoothly. I talked to so many people, and left with eleven new bookings, all spread out for the next four months. It was amazing. Ivy and I decided to do these events every four months.

“That was awesome.” She said as we packed up.

“You go call him! I’ll clean up.” I protested, but she held up her hand effectively stopped me.

I sighed, but stepped off to a quiet corner to call him. It only rang twice.

“Emilia?” I gasped at the sound of his voice. Deep and husky, but sad. It was all because of me.

“Hi, Tristan.” My voice croaked. I heard him inhale sharply on the other line. He was surprised. He thought I didn’t love him.

“You love me?” He breathed. I laughed through my hot tears.

“Yes. So much. Tristan, I am so sorry. For everything I said, I never meant to hurt you. And I did. I shouldn’t have blamed you.” I rambled.

I wished he were here to hold me. To wipe my tears away. But for now, I would settle for his voice falling over me. I had missed it so much. It wasn’t the same over voicemail.

“It’s okay baby doll, it’s in the past. I was never mad at you. I just wanted a chance.” He replied.

“I should have given you one. I was stupid. I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t apologize, I’m not mad. I’m just glad you called.”

“You still love me?” I asked him. He chuckled softly.