Page 61 of In the Frame

And there’s Florian. He looks seriously at me and steps in front to watch me. He’s still looking as fresh as this morning in his suit. I don’t even have time to process this, never mind talk. “Whatever it is, hold that thought,” I say curtly. “You know what happens when I don’t focus.”

A smile flashes across Florian’s lips, and the amusement lingers across his face. I register that much when I go back to work with only a minor break in my flow.

“Don’t worry,” Kat tells him, grinning, “Matty’s on break after this order.”

“Am I?” I ask archly, reaching for mango slices to go along with the mango vodka and a selection of spices.

“You’re late, actually,” Kat says, trying to hide her interest. Obviously, she recognized Florian.

Heat rises in my face as I make a pair of wine spritzers. Thank God these are straightforward enough and I can do it without thinking, between Florian standing there, not missing any of my moves, and Kat lapping this moment up. When I nod that my order’s up, Alexander manifests to take the tray of drinks away like he scented it on the wind.

“I’ve got you,” Kat murmurs more quietly. “Go take your break.”

I hesitate, and she pats my arm. Florian’s still watching me, rapt. But he’s not leaning over the bar staring, thank God, and I sidestep behind Kat and make my way around.

Florian comes to meet me. He gazes at me and offers something wrapped in brown paper. “For you.”

It takes a moment to register. Flowers. Specifically, white peonies. They’re absolutely gorgeous. I gawp, and I can tell Kat and Jenny are pretending not to notice, and we’ve got to get away before Alexander’s wrath is unleashed. I can’t make words work out of my mouth right now. There must be at least thirty stems in the arrangement.

Luckily, Florian comes to my rescue. “They’re in a vase with water at the bottom of the bag, so they will last until you get home later.”

“Florian… I don’t know what to say. I don’t deserve this.”

We walk outside to the street and away from Ivan’s.

“Nonsense. I saw them and thought of you. Thank you so much for your thoughtful gift. I was very surprised when I arrived home earlier.”

I at last meet his gaze. We’re face-to-face on the side of the pavement, the evening Mayfair crowd flowing past. “I wanted to thank you for everything. And… I’m sorry for how I acted earlier. My timing was terrible, and I feel so bad for unloading on you in the car.”

“It wasn’t undeserved.” Florian’s subdued. I gaze from him to the peonies in the bag, then up at him once more. “I’m sorry about not talking to you earlier about the purchase plan. I can see how it was a shock.”

I just nod, swallowing hard. “I… I don’t know where the line is between us, Florian. This is all supposed to be fake,” I whisper. “But everything’s starting to feel too real. And it scares me.”

His expression softens as he looks at me with concern. “I want you to feel good. Not upset.”

“It’s… I know we have a deal. And the gala. But… I have to know if you’re actually thinking about buying the Rose to redevelop it. It’s such a key part of Brighton’s arts scene, for the community there. For my friends.”

Florian’s quiet, and he looks more serious now. A small sigh escapes him. “I don’t know if we should talk about this now.”

I frown. “When, Florian? I can’t…” I gesture broadly with my free arm, trying to capture everything I feel about him. “—do whatever we’re doing if you’re planning to ruin my art community.” It hurts to say it, but it’s true.

“Matty…” He lowers his voice, searching my eyes, looking vulnerable. “I care about you very much. More than I expected. I know we have an agreement. But you matter to me.”

I gulp and stare him down. “If I matter to you, don’t buy it. You haven’t said once you’re not going to do it. Tell me.”

Florian sighs. “The sale was already in motion before we met. I won’t lie to you, Matty. Believe me.”

My jaw tightens. I refuse to cry. “You can’t.”

“If it’s up for sale… whether it’s me or someone else, they are searching for a new owner. And I do specialize in property redevelopments.”

I feel sick to my stomach, and I don’t know what to say. So, I just look at him.

“The last thing I want to do is hurt you.”

“Then leave it.”

Florian sighs. “It’s not only up to me. My business partners also have a say too. They’re also aware of the opportunity. There are a lot of factors to consider.”