and nod my head. How can I ever say no to him? I’m trying, but it’s just so hard.
It is only when he leaves that I let my breath go. I’m about to walk back to the living room when the doorbell buzzes. I’m thinking it must be Jake, but instead, I find the guy from the flower store again.
“Hi, Ana. I feel like I know you now considering I’ve been here with flowers every day. Someone obviously loves you very much.” He beams at me as I take the clipboard to sign. “He seems to have an eclectic taste in flowers. Today we have Stars of Bethlehem,” he smiles, pointing towards the beautiful petals. I smile back and say my thanks. “No problems, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Wait, what?
I stop in my tracks. “What do you mean, see me tomorrow?”
He turns around, smirk still in place. “We have an order for flowers for you every day. This guy is determined to win your heart. He’s given us an order for this week and said that he will call the next week with another order.”
I can’t believe this. He isn’t going to stop.
“Okay, thank you.”
He tips his hat before heading down the hall towards the lift. I’ve never seen these types of flowers before. They’re rich in orange and look absolutely beautiful. I quickly move towards Jessie in the living room, and her eyes bulge when she sees them.
“I definitely think we need to go vase shopping.”
The laughter easily leaves me, momentarily making me forget what a little shit she is. I then notice two envelopes, so I proceed to open the first of the two.
My beautiful Ana,
These are Stars of Bethlehem. They represent hope. I have hope for us still. Please say you’ll be mine again, and I’ll make you happy for the rest of your life.
Forever yours,
Jake
The tears spring again. “Oh, I hate you, Jake Bennett!” I shout.
Jessie reads the note and smiles. “He’s trying so hard for you.”
It’s then I remember what she did. “Yeah, Miss Team Jake, I know exactly what you’re thinking. Why did you do that to me just then?”
She looks a little embarrassed, and she should be. “I thought maybe I could give you a gentle nudge in the right direction.”
I huff. “Nudge! You practically threw me in the room with him.”
She glances down, a cheeky smirk on her face. “Sorry. I was just trying to help. What happened anyway? You weren’t in there long enough for … you know.”
I shake my head. “No, I just completely made a fool of myself. I was practically heaving at the door, and all he was doing was trying to get to the doorknob. It was highly embarrassing.” Come to think of it, why didn’t he want to kiss me or make any kind of move?
“Uh-oh, I know that look. You’re wondering why he didn’t make his play, aren’t you?”
I timidly look at her, biting my lip, and it makes her laugh. “You’re so easy to read at times. So come on, show me what the other envelope has inside it.”
I open it up to reveal a pair of diamond, star studded earrings. As I take one out, I twist it in between my finger and thumb, marveling at how twinkly it is under the light.
“What is it with Jake and stars?” I smile my best cheeky grin, and she says, “Ah, does he make you see stars when you come?”
Eyes wide, I gasp at her intuitiveness. I can’t believe how clever this girl is. She never fails to amaze me at times.
“Jessie, how could you possibly—?”
“Know?” she interrupts. “It’s a gift, I think.”
Shaking my head, I try to find another vase, but all I can find is a jug, so I have no alternative but to put them in there. I take them in my room then sit down, looking at the car seats. I can still smell Jake everywhere, and it’s making my head spin.
I give a thought for Matthew and how he’s getting on, and it sends a little pang to my stomach. I miss him. I pick up the phone, deciding to send him a text.
Hey, Matthew, how are you? Fancy a meal Saturday night with Cindy?
I’m not sure if he’ll answer straight away as he’s going out with Jake, but he does.
Sure thing. Looking forward to it. Pick you up at 7. xx
I text back, “Great”, before heading back to Jessie, excited at the thought I will get to see him soon.