“Hm? What? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I stand up, and let Tulips run around trying to chase Jerry Lee who’s up on his cage again.
“No? Where did they come from?”
“The flower daddy,” I deadpan.
“Is that a new nickname for someone?”
“Yeah, the hot florist at the shop down the street.” I’m doing everything I can to divert the conversation from going to where I know it’s going to go anyway. Because she’s my mom and she knows me better than anyone.
“He gave you flowers, or you went and got them yourself? Or…option three?”
“What’s option three? Maybe they’re from dad. Happy birthday!”
“My birthday is in March, and I like Lilies.” She winks.
I slouch as Tulips takes a tumble after trying to jump onto Jerry Lee’s cage.
“Want to tell me where they really came from?” she asks gently.
“Technically I told you,” I murmur. She raises an eyebrow at me and I groan before mumbling. “Parker gave them to me.”
“Oh, did he?” She smiles, and I roll my eyes.
“It’s not a thing, don’t act like it is.” I wave her off.
“Right, okay. They’re pretty.”
“Yup, sure. Anyway, I’m going to try and get some sleep before my shift tonight.”
“Who will be on Tulips duty?”
“You all can fight over her.” I pick up my puppy and she immediately starts covering my face with her kisses.
When I climb into bed, I plug my phone in to charge and it lights up with a text.
Parker: Heard you got a dog. What’s its name?
Lily: Her name is none of your business.
Parker: Aw come on, Lil. Can’t we have a truce?
Lily: I’ll think about it.
Lily: …thank you for the flowers.
I put my phone face down on my nightstand and cover my face with my hands. He’s getting to me, just like I know he wants to. And it’s working.
Tulips snuggles up against my side, and I relax. Maybe Parker and I can be friends again. Our history doesn’t have to matter. I’ll carefully protect my heart, so it doesn’t get broken by him again. But friends is something I could do.
When I close my eyes with the familiar weight of a small animal in my bed I’m drifting off into a memory as I fall asleep.
There’s a hand on my shoulder, the warmth and weight I’m extremely familiar with. Even before I knew what it felt like on my skin, I’ve always sensed Parker. It’s like my body has always known when he’s around.
I try to turn over to see him, but Miss Waddles lets out a soft snort in her sleep, and I know I can’t disturb her. It doesn’t matter because the familiar person is climbing into my bed behind me. He wraps an arm around my middle to pull me back against his chest.
“You replacing me, Lil?” Parker asks softly against my hair.
I turn to look over my shoulder at him. “Never.”