The final week before the launch party is a haze of activity and emotions. There’s still work to be done in the store itself, namely setting up window displays and filling the place with flowers, all while fulfilling my orders for the week. But it’s quite a rush to head to the store each morning, working on arrangements from the long counter in the center of the shop, making the space really feel like my own. It’s going to be quite some time before the seeds currently baking in the greenhouse in BaBs will be producing actual blooms, so for now I’m sourcing everything from as many local farms as possible. I also spend a fair amount of time during the week scavenging for vessels that can be repurposed. There will be no short square clear vases in my house. Unless I happen to find one discarded on the street; then I’m totally taking it.

Lucy works with me throughout the week, learning how to arrange, but also figuring out the ordering system and working on the logistics of deliveries. I’m still not quite comfortable taking on large events, but we go ahead and schedule some consultations for smaller parties, and hopefully those will give me enough experience to grow my confidence. I find a super-cute old bistro table at a flea market, and I set it up in the back corner of the shop specifically for client design meetings.

Gemma has checked in approximately eight million times over the week, clearing menu items with me, asking if I’m totally sure I trust her, and sending me photos of her test runs. Which really is just mean, because I don’t get to actually eat any of those said test runs. I know she’s going to be great, and I hope the night gives her the boost she needs.

And Jack. Really, what more can I say about Jack? Have I mentioned how he’s the absolute perfect boyfriend? Honestly, if I had a thought to spare, I’d probably be freaking the fuck out, because there’s no way a man this good will want to stick around for the likes of me. But luckily, I don’t have time for those kinds of thoughts. I just allow him to take care of me in a way no one has ever truly taken care of me before. And I’m too distracted to let myself sabotage this thing between us.

The Friday night before the party, I make myself head home early, knowing I’m going to need a full eight hours of sleep or else I’ll be a monster on launch day. Who am I kidding? I’m going to be a monster no matter how much sleep I get, just to varying degrees based on restfulness and coffee consumption.