Waiting For You

Bouncy Couches

Annabella's POV

It felt like nothing. I have to tell myself it never mattered, because it truly didn't. He helped me and I helped him. What else's is there?

He almost kissed me.

No! He couldn't possibly! He just wanted to move a strand of hair from my face!

"You okay?" Lincoln asked from behind the counter as I propped up an orchid on a green stick.

"What?" I asked and he chuckled making me turn to him.

His eyes tell me he's suspicious.

How do I hide it from this one? He knows me too well!

"What's going on with you today?" He smiles but it turns into more of a frown, eyes concerned as he came from behind the counter and approached me.

I act like nothing happened and look around to make sure all the flowers look presentable.

Steve must be with Ruth right now.

I'll be expecting him within the next week or so to buy her flowers. If anything, he probably finds himself totally besotted by the beauty Ruth is.

I shouldn't feel sad. I should be happy for both of them. They would look good together too.

"Mom..."

I mean, can you imagine how perfect their little family would be? They would have gorgeous children.

"Mom!" I look up at Lincoln who is now giving me a furrowed brow of concern and his hands squeeze my shoulders. "Seriously, are you okay? You've been a little out of it today." He looks me over and I smile shaking my head.

I hope he buys it.

"I didn't get much sleep last night and I have an oncoming headache." I put a hand to my forehead and he dimples a cheek turns his head to the side as if deciding weather or not to believe me.

"Okay." He says finally dropping his hands. "Do you want me to get you some advil or something?" He offers with concern all over his face now.

"I just drank some in the back and it hasn't kicked in yet." I lie and he nods heading to the back of the flower shop to the tiny office that has his tv and gaming counsel.

"Oh!" He turns back quickly with a fresh smile that makes me happy. "Dad is bringing a date tonight!" He grins as if he was telling me huge news.

"What?" I furrow my bro but I can't help but smile.

My brother is finally dating after all these years! This is so amazing! I can't believe it!

"Do you know who it is?"

"Ruth Myers!" He laughs loudly throwing his head back.

"What?" I swear he said something else!

After he stops laughing he looks at me with a huge smile.

My brother is dating Ruth Myers?

"What?"

"You heard me!" He hugs me tight but my arms are limp at my sides. "My dad is finally dating again!" He laughed pulling back.

"What do you mean?"

"My dad is bringing Ruth Myers to dinner tonight after graduation." He explains and I nod and blink like an idiot. "What's so hard to believe?" He smirks now.

"I just never thought-"

"I know!" He exclaims with an excited smile.

I smile back and help the snort that leaves my lips.