I wanted to learn everything, wanted to experience it all. I couldn’t imagine living a life like Tess, in the same job—her only job—for ten years. Monotony sounded like death, a life that would slowly chip away at my soul until there was nothing left but a husk punching a clock every day.

I couldn’t understand how anyone would choose that life.

Marcus said I was undisciplined, a flake. Hedonistic and selfish. But then again, Marcus had eaten a peanut butter sandwich with a banana every single day through high school without ever questioning how weird that was. As such, his argument was invalid.

I passed through the double doors that led to the greenhouse, the humid air thick and sticky. It smelled like earth, like damp leaves and living things, and I took an instinctive breath to fill my lungs with its rich perfume.

Dad hefted himself to stand—a motion that seemed to take more effort than I remembered him requiring. He hooked a small spade in his belt and dusted off his hands.

“I see you’ve been summoned,” he said with a smirk and a nod at the box in my hands.

A laugh burst out of Kash, and he leaned on the handle of his hoe. “Judy sure didn’t waste any time.”

“Don’t act like you weren’t the one who called her and told her I was back,” I said, adjusting my grip on the box.

“Who, me?” he asked innocently. “Never.”

I snorted.

“Pretty sure Laney’s planning to put out an ad announcing your return,” Kash said. “She’s got a couple pictures picked out for the spread. There’s a good one of you hauling potted palms with no shirt on that’s in the running. But I voted for the one of you at four, bare-assed in a planter box.”

Dad nodded his appreciation. “I think I’ve got one of you shoveling the garden with nothing but Laney’s pink rain boots on.”

I gave them both a look. “You act like I’m not the first to suggest objectifying myself. Feel free to post all the nudes you want, if it’ll help sell flowers. I’m still waiting on word about the naked sandwich board. Just let me know a couple of days in advance so I can cut back on my salt intake.”

Kash rolled his eyes. “There he is. Good old Luke.” As I headed for the back door, he added, “Don’t let Judy scratch you up. We need you camera ready!”

If I’d had a free hand, I would have flipped him off. As it was, I opened the door with my elbow and stepped into the alley.

A small driveway led to the greenhouse, and in it sat the delivery van, painted with a bouquet and the words Longbourne Flower Shop on the side. I don’t think Mom had filled the van up in years for a delivery beyond the occasional wedding.

As I turned the key and left for Judy’s, I felt a spark of determination to see that change. Even if I really did have to get out on the sidewalk in a sandwich board.