Page 12 of Unbalanced

“You have a question for me? Did you plan this little run-in?” I tease.

Emily’s eyes go wide.

“Oh…no, nothing like that. It just sort of feels like fate giving me a push because I was working up the courage to call you.”

I grab my cups and nod toward one of the standing tables. Walking over, I place them down, and Emily follows my lead with her tray. I trace her movements as she runs a hand through her wavy hair, pushing it away from her face.

If I’d met her first, then maybe something could be different, but there are two things in this world that I can’t stand: a cheater and an abuser. So, it’s not in the cards.

“What do you want to talk to me about?”

“I’m so nervous. I’m sorry, maybe I shouldn’t do this. Rob will be so mad if he finds out I spoke to you.”

“Why would my brother be angry?”

I immediately check for any sign that he’s hurt her. She lifts her shoulder and lets it drop, but there is a slight tightening in her features that I catch.

“He just gets strange sometimes when your name comes up. I don’t think he wants to be seen as needing help from his older brother. I don’t know why, and I don’t want to get in between the two of you. Please forget I said anything.”

Emily reaches for the tray, but I place my hand on her wrist, stopping her. I can feel her tremble slightly under my fingers.

“Emily, tell me what’s wrong?” I keep my voice low, but her eyes dart around like she’s scared someone may overhear.

My senses are going crazy when she looks away. Is she hiding something big about her and Rob?

“Did my brother hurt you?”

Her eyes snap to mine.

“No,” Emily answers a little too fast, and I clench my teeth. “Please, Alden. I’m begging you. Just forget I said anything. Have a great day.”

I rub my thumb over her soft skin. She looks down, but I don’t let go.

“You can talk to me.”

We stare at one another for a long time before she finally sighs.

“I wanted to ask you for a favor. It’s about my business.”

That’s not what I expected. I’m not sure it is the whole truth either, but at least she’s talking.

“The flower shop?”

“Yes, Studio Bloom. I um…oh wow, this is so awkward. My business has taken a major hit. The landlord doubled the lease for the storefront and the rent for my apartment upstairs. No. Nevermind. This is really embarrassing.” Her eyes drop down to the floor. “I’m not the type to ask for anything.”

“How can I help? Do you need money?”

Her head snaps back up, eyes wide.

“No. No handouts. I work for everything I have.”

“Okay…then what do you need?”

“I was hoping to put in a contract bid for the floral arrangements in your building the next time it is open. I know it’s a lot to ask, and I swear that I don’t expect favoritism because of Rob. I’ll use only the best flowers, and I’ll beat your current rates,” Emily says.

She’s talking fast as she stares up at me with a very anxious expression. As if I’m holding her life in my hands.

“You don’t need a bid for that.”