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Emma’s eyes widen. “Wait, what? Are you sure? Have you been paid in full?”

I nod, brushing a piece of hair behind my ear. “Yes, I’m sure. And yes, the money cleared even before I went to L.A. with him.”

She exhales loudly and slumps against the counter. “Wow. So it’s really done.”

“Yeah.”

She glances at me, head tilted. “Okay… so what happened between you two? Because I know you like him. Don’t even try to deny it.”

I sigh and look away, picking at the edge of the ribbon I’d been tying earlier. “I do like him. A lot. But that’s the problem.”

Emma frowns. “What do you mean?”

“I’m not the kind of girl Jack ends up with. I’ve seen the women he dates, Em. Tall, glamorous, always camera-ready. I’m… I own a flower shop in a town with two stoplights. I’m not built for his world. I don’t want that world.”

Emma’s quiet for a second. Then softly, “But you don’t know what world he wants now.”

“I know enough,” I say, forcing a smile. “He’s Jack Calloway, Emma. L.A. is where he belongs. And I’m not leaving Bardstown. This is my home.”

She studies me for a long time. “Did you even ask him what he wants? Have you talked to him about any of this?”

“There’s no point,” I mutter, my voice dropping. “I know the truth. I saw it in his eyes. He was… confused. It wasn’t love. It was just… the moment. The intensity. He doesn’t feel what I feel.”

Emma doesn’t argue. Not yet. She just reaches over and squeezes my hand gently.

And I wish more than anything that she would tell me I’m wrong. As if reading my mind, she says, “You’re wrong and very soon, you’ll find out.”

Before I can ask what she means, the bell at the doorway chimes, and I turn to see two ladies walk in, chatting softly between themselves.

“Hi there. How can I help you?” I ask with a smile.

One of them steps forward. “We’d love two bouquets of calla lilies, please.”

I blink, then laugh, a genuine one that surprises even me. “Okay, what is going on today? That’s the fourth order of calla lilies. It’s like there’s a secret calla lily convention I wasn’t invited to.”

The women exchange a look, stifling a laugh. “Just… felt like the right flower today,” one of them says with a shrug.

I shake my head, amused, and start gathering the flowers. “Well, I’m not complaining. They’re my favorite, too. Not many people go for them though—everyone’s always all about roses.”

The women smile politely and wait while I wrap up their bouquets. They thank me and head out, still whispering to each other, giggling like they’re in on some joke.

I narrow my eyes at the door as it shuts behind them, then glance at Emma.

“What is going on today?” I mutter.

Emma just leans against the counter, grinning. “You sure it’s not a sign?”

“I know! Like… I’m intrigued.” The curiosity gnaws at me, but I ignore it and turn to Emma. “So what were you saying about me being wrong?”

Emma shrugs. “I’ve just seen how Jack looks at you, and I know there’s something there.” She lifts a brow. “So… have you spoken to Ryan since you got back?”

I let out a dry laugh and roll my eyes. “Nothing can happen between Ryan and me, Emma. Nothing.”

She sighs, folding her arms like she’s preparing for a debate. “He came back to Bardstown because of you.”

I lean across the counter, my voice low. “Well, he better find another reason to stay, or he’s welcome to leave.”

She sighs softly. "Mia, I know you said he strung you along for months, but what really happened? You've been so vague about the details."