Planting Our Love - love triangle (ej, nini, ricky) hsmtmts

Chapter 1

2 months later...

I smiled at my ring as I got into my Lexus and took off for my job. I own a plant shop and it is literally my life...besides my fiancé of course. Today is my 29th birthday, and I'm so excited. I cannot wait to see what the day brings.

After a few hours of working, I decided to close up my shop early for my birthday. I was checking some last minute email orders while I heard the bell from the door. Someone is trying to sneak a last minute order.

He was ranting to someone on the phone. "I told you, it's spelled deLIBERATEly, not deBLITRELLY. How many times do I have to tell you? Weren't you in the spelling bee?" He leaned over to me and whispered, "Two bouquets of tulips, please - for my anniversary." He then started to rant again to the phone.

I didn't get a good glance at him yet, but I got right to work in gathering the flowers. He didn't seem like the patient-type. Probably some CEO or something.

"Right away," I gathered some tulips, I rubber banded them, and wrapped them in plastic covering to protect them. I was about to hand him the flowers when I got a good look at the man standing in front of me. I dropped the flowers. Petals scattered everywhere.

Hold on. There's no way.

I squinted to confirm my suspicions. "Ricky Bowen?"

He told the person on the other end of the phone, "Uhhh... I'll call you back, Bob." He hung up the phone. "Um, I'm sorry, do I know you, miss?"

"Yeah..." I said awkwardly. I would hope he knew me...

Flashback *9 years ago*

We were twenty. Way too young in my opinion, but Ricky and his stubborn-self decided it was time.

"Wha..." he faltered. "What do you mean you don't w-want to marry me?"

I saw the tears forming in his eyes, "Ricky..."

"Did the last five years mean nothing to you???" He stuttered out.

"We were in high school for 3 of those years, Ricky. We were still children! And I told you I wasn't ready to get married yet-"

"But I am, Nini. What don't you-"

"Marriage is about two people, Ricky! And-and well...If my opinion doesn't matter to you, then maybe..." my voice cracked as tears started streaming down my face.

He read my mind with a sad look. "Seriously? Is this what you want?" He cried.

"I've been thinking about it for a while..."

He scoffed in exasperation. He was silent for a few moments. He got up from his kneeling position, gave me a quick hug, and left. Rain started coming down, as I cried and called an Uber - Ricky was my ride.

End of flashback

That was the last time we talked to each other. He took a closer look at my face and I saw his mind processing this.

I then saw his face change its expression. Does he know me now?

"N...Nini?"

"Y...yeah." I laughed nervously. "Uh...it's been a while."

"Yeah..." he cleared his throat.

"Here, let me get those tulips for you." I said, getting back to work. "So, uh, this is for your anniversary? With your uh..." I faltered a little and then cleared my throat, "wife?"

Laughing awkwardly, he scratched the back of his neck. "Oh, no, we aren't married. She's just my girlfriend."

"Oh." I said. For some reason I felt relieved.

I could tell he noticed my ring. His eyes subtly darted from it to the tulips. He widened his eyes, "Are you... married?"

I laughed, gently, "Um...no - just recently engaged."

"Oh," he raised his eyebrows. "Congratulations!"

"Thanks." I said, "uh...here are your tulips. I didn't drop them this time!" I laughed awkwardly.

He chuckled as he took them from my hands. His soft skin lightly brushed mine. "Thank you, Nini."

"Of course." I smiled gently.

He made his way to the door, but he turned around before opening it.

"Oh, and by the way..." He gave me a warm, genuine smile. "Happy birthday, Nini."

I felt my heart explode, as I blushed lightly. After 9 years - he remembers my birthday.