Page 52 of Sexting His Son's Ex
“It’s what I keep telling her. I have to get back on my route soon before I get fired,” Jared chimes in.
“Okay. Okay. I’m doing it.” I stare at the thin, rectangular white envelope. “It should be thicker, right? If I got accepted, it would be a big envelope.”
“This isn’t a college acceptance letter, Jovie. It’s a yes or no to an event. It doesn’t need an envelope. If you don’t open it within the next ten seconds, I’m going to burn it, and then we will never know.”
I tear into the letter because I know Marlowe is serious. She carries a lighter in her pocket all the time. She doesn’t smoke but others do and, in her words, ‘You never know when someone will need a light.’
I toss the shredded paper over my shoulder and unfold the letter.
“Dear Ms. Jovie Morgan,” I begin to read, my hands shaking so much, the paper trembles. “We are happy to inform—” My voice becomes louder with excitement. “That you have been accepted into the Floral Show of 2026!” I slap the letter down on the counter and cry, unable to hide my relief. “I got in! I got in!” I scream, jumping up and down.
Jared and Marlowe join in on the celebration. They encompass me in a hug, spinning me in a circle as we continue to jump.
“Oh my God, I can’t believe it.” I wipe under my eyes, rereading the letter again to make sure the words haven’t changed. “I’m going to my first ever Floral Show.”
“Keep reading! What else does it say?” Marlowe asks, looping her arm through Jared’s.
My eyes skim the page until I find what I’m looking for. “The theme is an enchanted night.”
“Oh my God, you’re going to win this thing! Enchanted night is you!” Marlowe says, snagging the letter from me. “You’ve got this in the bag. This money is practically yours.”
“There are going to be a hundred other people there. I’m going to be going up against the best in the world. I’m honored to even be invited. Imagine, though? I can expand the business or expand this one, buy the building beside me because it’s for sale, hire a few people to finally help me, I mean, this would change everything. I’m so exhausted doing this all by myself.”
“I’m so proud of you, kiddo.” Jared gives me a big hug, squeezing me tight. “I have to go, but I’m so proud of you. I knew you could do it.”
“Thank you. Give Missy my love. Here.” I give him a beautiful red rose to give to his wife. “Tell her it’s from you.”
He grins, showing off those plump cheeks again. “Saving marriages one flower at a time should be your slogan. Thanks, kiddo. I’ll see you tomorrow. And I’m very proud of you. Marlowe, I want my coffee.”
“I’ll meet you over there, old man.”
“Old,” he scoffs, hobbling away. “I’ll show you old.”
Jared heads to Marlowe’s café, leaving me alone with my best friend.
Her long tipped, black-painted nails curl around my hand. “I’m proud of you too. I knew you could do it. You do everything you set your mind to, Jovie. You are amazing and this is proof. You better frame it. Let’s celebrate. Let’s go out this weekend.”
“Yeah, okay. That sounds like a lot of fun. I can’t wait.”
“Good. I’ll be back. Let me go make Santa his coffee. He’s so demanding,” she rolls her eyes, but I know how much she adores him.
It takes awhile to nudge your way into Marlowe’s heart, but once she opens it, you’re there to stay.
The door rings as she exits, leaving me all by myself with my letter. I still can’t believe it. I press my hand against my heated cheek, rereading the page. It’s simple. It doesn’t look special at all, but to me, it’s everything.
The door jingles again and I look up to ask Marlowe what she forgot when the smile on my face falls so fast, it’s as if the happiness never happened.
“Santino,” I whisper in pure fear. His name is shaken as it leaves my lips.
I fold the letter and slide it into my pocket as he stands in front of the door.
Even though he’s terrifying, I can’t seem to take my eyes off his stunning form. His dark hair is a bit messy and a sheen of sweat shines on his face. His clothing is impeccable, the blue suit tailored to fit his every muscle, stretched over his broad shoulders. The blazer is trimmed, showing his lean waist.
I remember what’s under those fine, expensive suits.
A beautiful hard body that I dream of. He’s always on my mind, night, and day. He’s consumed all of my desire and fear. He’s standing there, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else. His chest his heaving and there is so much anger in his eyes. The usual green irises are as dark as storms.
He locks the door and flips the sign to closed.
