Jack carefully puts down the bud, a look of terror growing in his eyes. “Yes?”

“Well, I’ve decided to open a business instead!” Taking my vessels over to the sink to fill them with water, I let the sound of the rushing liquid drown out whatever Jack’s response might be.

Jack’s mouth is still hanging open when I return to the peninsula. “You’re opening some kind of floral business?”

“Yeah, is that okay? I mean I know I don’t need permission from you to make a career change, as long as I can keep paying rent, which I promise I will. But I guess I maybe should’ve asked how you feel about flowers and stuff before really committing to this plan long-term since I’ll need to use the kitchen from time to time and this is technically communal space.” I slide my scissors through the brown paper around one of the bunches, releasing the flowers and starting to trim the stems. “I guess if you’re really opposed to it I could do most of my work outside, for the spring and summer months anyway, and then we could figure out something in the fall. Assuming you haven’t kicked me out by then.” I flash him what I hope is an endearing grin.

He grips the edge of the counter like he physically needs the support in order to remain standing. “I’m not going to kick you out, Sadie.”

“Oh, sweetie, it’s day one. You’re going to find so many reasons to kick me out between now and fall. It’s only April.” Once all the flowers are trimmed, the fun part begins. I look at the vessels, deciding which will get what flowers, and then I dive in. I attack it with gusto, willing to take risks, knowing that all floral arranging mistakes can be fixed. It’s one of the things I like most about flowers—the freedom to make mistakes. Freedom not found in many other areas of life.

“I guess as long as you keep everything clean, it shouldn’t be a big deal for you to use the kitchen when you need it.” Jack runs a hand through his unruly long hair, pushing it back from his face.

Which is when I notice it could be quite a nice face, if it weren’t so hidden by dark curls and glasses, which I’m still not sure are real.

“I promise you’ll never feel inconvenienced by the dynamic and major-money-making sustainable floral design studio now taking residence in your home.” I take a step back, eyeing the arrangements with a wrinkle in my nose before jumping back in and switching things up.

“Dynamic and major-money making?”

“I’m doing that whole ‘manifest your destiny’ bullshit.”