My Childhood Friend is a Werewolf

Chapter Seven

The weeks passed in a blur. Wedding season was in full swing and taking all of her time and attention, her entire days consisting only of flowers and sleep. If she wasn't preparing for a wedding, she was in meetings with brides to start preparing for weddings.

Emma rolled her shoulder, wincing at how stiff it was and then yawning as her lack of sleep began catching up to her. But there was no rest for the wicked, unfortunately, and just as soon as she did one full turn of her arm, her phone started ringing at the same time the back door of her shop opened to reveal one of her team members.

"Emma, the shipment for the Rivera's came in."

Emma's head whipped back and forth between her phone and her employee. "I'll be right there," she said, deciding to pick up her phone first in case it was a client. The back door closed softly as she hit the answer button, bringing it up to her ear.

"This is Flowers by Emma, how can I help you?"

The voice that came out of her phone was not one she expected to hear.

"Hi Emma, it's Cyrus."

"Oh! Hi Cyrus, it's nice to hear from you," she replied, a little curious why he was calling her out-of-the-blue.

"You as well. I hope you're not too busy with wedding season and all that," he said, "because I'd love to grab you for a project."

Emma's eyes brightened. She had a feeling she knew where this was going when she took a peek at her calendar.

"It wouldn't have anything to do with Yoko's birthday coming up, would it?" she asked, a teasing lilt to her voice that made Cyrus burst out laughing. He was a jovial person for sure, complementing Yoko's often shyer demeanour.

"You caught me," he chuckled. "Any chance you have time to fit her into your busy schedule?"

Emma beamed. "I always have time for my friends."

"Perfect." Cyrus' voice was undeniably pleased and grateful. "Can we grab dinner in a few days to discuss the details? I can send you the restaurant address later."

"I'll be there!" Emma chirped before they said their goodbyes and hung up.

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Emma was expecting Cyrus to text her the address of a fancy restaurant, but instead was pleasantly surprised to see that he had chosen a local favourite hole-in-the-wall diner of hers. It was a little out of the way but these meetings were usually paid for by the clients, so she was planning on taking advantage of the free meal.

The bus was crowded, but that was to be expected on a Friday night, and she reached the diner soon enough to not care. The diner had the classic 1950's aesthetic, every stool and booth re-upholstered to look brand new. It had been owned by the same family for several generations and its current owner was a father and daughter duo.

"Good to see ya little lady," the father greeted, his smile wide and infectious. He wore the classic diner uniform and hat and greeted her from inside the kitchen. Emma smiled back at him and searched the diner for his daughter Iris. She was bustling around the establishment taking orders and serving food, but found a brief moment to pause and wave to Emma.

Because of the diner's open concept design, Emma easily found Cyrus amidst the many booths that lined the windows. She started walking towards him, but her pace stuttered when she realised there was someone sitting next to him. The dark, messy hair and broad shoulders looked worryingly familiar.

The fates couldn't possibly be so cruel... right?

"Emma!" Cyrus called when he caught sight of her, waving his hand. Emma grit her teeth; now that she was seen, she couldn't avoid him. Her classic customer-service smile quickly plastered itself on her face as she approached their table and cursed the fates.