Page 138 of Timelessly Ours

He’s been paying me weekly regardless of my walking out on the job. I texted him to stop but he’s ignored it.

Well, that one.

We do still text once or twice a day. Usually, it’s a picture of Rory or the dog. And I’ll text him a picture of my tea, muffin, and blueberries in the morning since he’s worried about my diet.

I realized the baby doesn’t like coffee. It’s why it tasted so off to me when I made it that Monday I went to see Sylvie.

Nick and Cora drop by at least once a day but I’m refusing my anxiety meds until I check with my doctor. Something else I’ve been avoiding since I found out.

Dropping my shopping bags, I remove my hat, scarf, and coat and wonder if Rory is staying warm enough with the weather growing brutally cold.

I turn on the oven and dig out the recipe book for the winter bisque I’m making tonight. When my doorbell rings, I glance at the clock.

Yep. Right on time.

I pull the door open, finding a beautiful flower arrangement. “Oh, what are these?” I ask the young man, stepping back to let him in.

“Gardenia’s,” he says as he sets them on my counter. Then looks at all the other flower arrangements I have spread around my living room. “Are…you getting married or something?”

I laugh. “No. Why?”

“Usually when we send different flower arrangements on a daily basis, it’s when bride-to-be’s are trying to decide the perfect flower for their wedding.”

“Something like that. Someone is just trying to help me figure out what my favorite flower scent is.”

He nods awkwardly but doesn’t question it.

I offer a quick thanks and tip him. It’s his fifth time delivering flowers to me and he’s already told me the delivery includes a generous tip, but I refuse to let him leave without one from me.

I’m so tempted to read this note tucked inside. What he’ll tell me this time, how these flowers compare to me, but my stomach is growling so…I opt for delayed gratification and start my soup instead.

Nicky,

What about these? The gardenia has a sweet, heady scent. It’s stimulating with a somewhat tangy aroma. It’s an intoxicating flower… I think we have a winner.

Love always,

Royce

I inhale the aromatic flower arrangement. They really are lovely and smell amazing. But still not quite drawn to it.

I find a spot for them and stand in the center of my living room, which is looking more like the Botanical Gardens every day.

Sitting on my couch, I reach for the box of chocolates he sent along with my first delivery and let one melt in my mouth.

I shouldn’t read them all again. It doesn’t help me think straight. It only makes me fall more in love with him.

But I’m my own boss now and I say, fuck it.

In no particular order, I pluck at one of the notes.

Nicky,

Red roses. A classic. I’m not a fan because of it’s popularity. It’s cliché and to be quite honest, not the most exotic smell. Which means, it’s probably not meant for you. Why did I send them then? It’s considered a timeless flower, with a soft and smooth texture. So yeah, it reminds me of you. But you’re too unique for this to be your favorite scent.

Let’s keep looking.

Love always,