Page 76 of Must Love Flowers
“So it sounds like she gave you an ultimatum?”
“She said if I couldn’t agree to a wedding within a year, we were finished.”
“You didn’t believe her?”
“I…didn’t appreciate the pressure, and I felt she was being unfair about my goals.”
Joan could appreciate how stubborn her son could be when given an ultimatum. “What happened?”
“When I told her I wouldn’t be ready in a year, she gave me back the ring.” It seemed, even now, he had a hard time believing she would walk away.
The shock of it rang in his voice. Shock, disappointment, pain.
“I’m sorry, Steve.”
“Yeah, well, she’s apparently moved on. I saw a post on Facebook with her and some other guy.”
“I bet that stung.”
He snickered. “It sure didn’t take her long to find someone else.”
“Sounds to me like she made her point,” Joan murmured.
“The thing is, if she came back to me today and said she’d changed her mind, I’d laugh and tell her she’s too late.”
“Oh Steve, that’s both stubborn and foolish. We both know that’s your pride talking.”
“Yeah,” he reluctantly agreed. “I miss her. She made everything better. Zoe was the best friend I’ve ever had. I…feel empty without her. There wasn’t anything I couldn’t tell her. She’s smart, and savvy, beautiful, and wise. Nothing feels right without her.”
That sounded like love to Joan. “Then tell her how you feel.”
“I can’t; she won’t listen.”
“Don’t be so sure. You two were together a long time, son. She’s got to be missing you, too. You need to think about what your life will be like without her. Why does marriage terrify you?”
“I…don’t know,” he confessed, sadness leaking into his voice.
“Could it have anything to do with losing your dad?” Joan asked, hoping it wasn’t so.
“I don’t see how it could.”
“Give it some thought.”
“Thanks for pressing me about the issue with Zoe, Mom. I feel better having talked to you. I’ll think about what you said and let you know what I decide.”
“Good. I’m here for you anytime you want to talk, Steve.”
“I know.”
“Let’s connect again soon. Okay?”
“Sure thing.” They were about to end the conversation when the door opened and Maggie came inside, following her shift at Starbucks.
Joan and Steve said their good-byes, and Joan turned her attention to her boarder. “Hope you had a good day.”
“It was long. Our oven broke down and it’s going to be a week before we can get it repaired. Customers weren’t happy.”
Joan had to smile. The horror of having to do without egg bites was too much to bear.
