Page 52 of They Love Me Knot (Starsfalls Omegaverse #2)

Daphne

I wake the morning after buying all my very necessary and important research materials with one of my sketches stuck to my face.

That trip to the bookstore was just what I needed, and I eagerly delve into festival prep over the next few weeks. I finalize my fair designs and order the flowers I’ll need, planning it out so everything will arrive on time and stay fresh.

My personal life is going swimmingly too.

I’ve gone on more rides with Feliks, and I’m finally getting used to being on a motorcycle.

The first time I was so excited (horny) that I didn’t think much about it.

Afterwards, I was a bit nervous about doing it again, because as much as I love my pink kitten helmet, I know it’s not enough to protect me in a major crash.

But Feliks has proven to be an amazing and careful driver, so now I’m able to enjoy the feeling of flying when we ride.

Sterling brings me fresh cookies and cakes on every date, and I frequently visit Flourist on my lunch breaks to see him and get another little treat. We’ve mostly restrained ourselves from getting frisky then, sticking to cute lunch dates, and Kieran sometimes joining us.

Kieran also brings me gifts, paintings of flowers and other things that made him think of me, like Sterling’s desserts. He figured me out pretty quickly, because I love staring at flowers and food. His work is so good that I’ve even found myself drooling over the cake paintings (more than once).

No one has used the word courting, but with the way they treat me and all the gift giving, my omega feels like they’re serious about packing up with us. And honestly, I feel the same way.

The only thing causing the wrong kind of friction in my life is Ciro.

I still haven’t heard from him.

Alister reported Ciro is (still) sorry and wants to take some time to himself to make sure he’s under control. Alister said it might be a bit, but if I’m still interested, I could go on a proper date with Ciro at some point.

I’ve very bravely held myself back from freaking out about it.

Alister has been taking me out, giving me gifts, been thoughtful and caring, and generally acting like we have pack potential just like the others. He would know his packmate better than I do, so if Alister thinks Ciro can work past this, then I’ll do my best to listen to him.

When I follow Alister’s suggestions on other matters (in the bedroom), everything goes very well, so I might as well wait and see how this plays out.

Speaking of his good ideas, he’s having a new outfit delivered to me for our date tonight.

I can’t wait to see it, he always picks the best clothes.

Not surprisingly, many of them had ruffles or lace.

Seeing the look on Alister’s face when I wear them is a huge confidence boost. He looks at me the same way when I’m naked, but it’s nice that my efforts to get dressed up pay off.

Since there’s still four long hours until I get off work, I try not to fantasize too much about Alister.

I give the arrangement I’m styling one last fluff before stepping back to admire it.

It’s on a smaller scale than the one I’ll make for the fair, but I wanted to see how the flowers look together. I think it works despite the unusual mix, the scents and meanings are complementary.

The only thing I’m missing is the vanilla orchids. They’re rarely sold as flowers since vanilla beans are more valuable, and I’ve never seen any at Flourist. I asked Anicka if she could order a few for the festival, and she’s been asking around to see if anyone has them.

Normally I wouldn’t have Anicka go to this much trouble, but it’s necessary for the theme I’m going for, and it’s an extra special occasion. The Flowerfalls Festival seems like the perfect time to use a rare flower to show off what we can do.

Anicka joins me in the shop's front while I’m taking pictures of my miniature masterpiece. It sounds like she’s on the phone with someone who might be able to get us the orchids.

I perk up, listening intently.

“Is that for the vanilla orchid specifically, or any orchid? I have Narcissus Nice Blooms and Golden Afternoon on my list to check with next. Oh, you did? Thanks for looking into that, I’ll ask elsewhere then. I appreciate it, I know this was short notice,” Anicka says.

I slowly deflate as her conversation goes on, slumping against a table when she hangs up.

I guess it’s not really that big of a deal if we don’t have them. Vanilla flowers are small and probably won’t stand out to the casual observer anyway. In my mind they’re the perfect balance to the other florals and scents, but I could just use one of the common orchids.

Anicka walks over, and I try to wipe the disappointed look off my face.

“The Ornamental Eggplant is out. They checked around with the other farms and greenhouses they know too, and none of them are growing vanilla orchids. I can ask the farms that sell vanilla beans. It’s possible they might be able to sell us a few flowers without it affecting their crop.”

“Don’t worry about it, I don’t want to cause so much trouble,” I say.

“No, it’s a good idea. Besides, this will be helpful to know if we get requests for vanilla orchids in the future,” Anicka says.

“If you’re sure…” I do really want the flowers, but I don’t want to be a nuisance.

“I’ll keep searching until I’ve exhausted all my leads. I hope we’ll find some in time for the fair, but if not, I’m still going to look for a source. So don’t worry about creating more work for me, I’m determined to find these orchids.”

I accept Anicka’s tenacity and thank her for the support.

I hope it works out, but I’m not going to count on it.

It’s less disappointing that way.