Perfect Risk (Mason Creek #1) - C.A. Harms Page 0,7

following two to three hours listening to all the ways you could have done better."

The idea of rehashing my life made me cringe. "Okay, I'll go but if you need anything, you better call me."

"I will," she insisted, yet I knew it was simply a way to get me moving out the door. I came from a long line of independent, stubborn as hell women.

During the ride back to town I couldn't help my mind from wandering back to the interaction I had with Wyatt. Saying I hated him would be a little harsh, but the annoyance from many years ago was still there. We were young, I would give him that, but it was what happened after he stood me up that lingered in my mind.

I was humiliated, and not just once.

All my friends immediately wanted to know how the date with the hot football player went. They were so giddy and curious and then it all blew up. Wyatt pulled up in his lifted truck and out climbed a blonde, wearing a short skirt, and tight shirt. I said nothing as all my friends watched with eyes wide and their mouths hanging open in shock. When Wyatt grabbed the girl around the waist and pulled her to his front she lifted up and kissed him for everyone to see, I shrunk back and became even more invisible.

He was just like all the other guys, self-absorbed and arrogant.

From that point on, I kept my head down and counted down the days to when I could leave behind all the small-minded men of Mason Creek.

* * *

I was back home and being forced to remember all of those embarrassing times I’d hoped I’d never have to revisit.

I wondered how happy he and his little cheerleader were now. Were they married, living in a happy home, did they have kids?

I shook the thoughts from my mind, I didn't want to care. I couldn't.

I pulled into the empty parking space behind the flower shop, thankful for my tiny car, but already knowing it would be pointless once the snow comes. Grabbing my bag, I climbed out and walked toward the back entrance.

The lights inside were already on and I could hear the faint sound of soft music playing.

As I emerged from the back, I stepped out into the main lobby and felt instant joy. My mother was amazing, she'd always had a knack for taking something plain and making it beautiful. The designs, by using an assortment of flowers, placed in the perfect vase were mesmerizing. Throw on some glitter and ribbon and you've got a masterpiece.

"Hello," I jumped at the sound of a soft-spoken voice, just before a petite girl stepped out from behind the countertop. She looked like she was twelve, so tiny and sweet looking. Her long golden blond hair was in a side braid, laying over her left shoulder. "You must be Sadie, I'm Miley,” she looked a little timid. "I've heard so much about you. I've been so worried about your mom, but she is stubborn, she won't take help from anyone."

I placed my purse on the counter and reached out to offer her hand a gentle shake.

"You've got that right. But since she refuses to allow us to help her physically, we are left with the only other way we can offer assistance." I looked around the room and a warm remembrance of my childhood washed over me. No cares, no worries, just happiness and the smell of fresh flowers.

I spotted the winding staircase that led upstairs to a small nook and balcony overlooking the showroom below. That was the place I would spend hours, just reading and listening to music while enjoying the scent of all the fresh flowers. I’d watch as men would walk in ordering arrangements to be delivered to the woman they loved, or a blushing bride that would work with my mother and express the vision she’d had for her perfect day.

“I’m a bit rusty,” I admitted, still looking over the space. “But I think with your help,” and turned my attention back to Miley, “you and I can keep this place going. Maybe not as perfect as my mom does, but enough that when she returns, she doesn't want to strangle us."

"I've only been here a month," Miley looked a little worried while she twisted her hands together in front of her. "I've paid attention but—"

"Don't worry,” I said, reaching out and placing my hand on her shoulder to offer

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