He wishes he could hate Jorge.
Ian even tried to intimidate him by squinting and curling his lips when Jorge entered the next day, but the other guy was in too good a mood for anyone to ruin it.
"Good morning! I wanted something different for Selene today. Would you be able to recommend anything?"
That cactus that looks like a raised middle finger? He thought, but didn't say.
Jorge continued to tell him about their perfect date. "She's such an intelligent person. She was telling me about this recent discovery on Juno, that's one of Jupiter's asteroids..."
Ian rolled his eyes, he knew. He and Selene already talked about it. Ian looked around for flowers Jorge requested and settled on "The stargazers. She'd love the stargazers."
Ian recalls that in the few times Selene would wander into the shelves of flowers, she would often be drawn to the stargazers.
"They mean bold, beautiful and dramatic," Ian told her. "I'm not sure about the dramatic part but the bold and beautiful definitely suit you."
Selene beamed up at him. "I like the white ones best. I like white flowers."
So, of course, Ian didn't arrange a white one for Jorge to give her.
Petty, but whatever. He was making a stand... for something. He just didn't know what yet.
Still, when Jorge asked him to make a note, "Please? I really don't know what to say! She's meeting me here soon!"
Ian gave in and wrote, "We barely know each other but I hope you know that I always want to see you happy."
He looked up to see Selene, so he signed the card tucked it in and gave Jorge the bouquet.
They both greeted Selene when she approached. "Stargazers! Thank you, Jorge."
Ian held his tongue and let it go. "Should I arrange you your usual, Selene?"
"Yes, please," she said.
Jorge added, "Yes, that's two cappuccinos for us."
Selene averted her eyes, not wanting to contradict Jorge but Ian caught her cringing.
To save Jorge from his minor faux pas and make Selene happy, Ian gave her the usual.
As they moved, she mouthed, "Thank you!" while balancing the bouquet and her coffee.
Ian smiled.
He saw her abruptly pause before she went out. She looked back at him, gave him a puzzled look... then she finally headed out with Jorge.
*
Selene hadn't been to the shop in days and Ian was getting antsy.
He knew of her social media account but they weren't connected and it would be strange to suddenly add her up.
Besides, wasn't he supposed to be avoiding her now out of respect to Jorge? But, why should he? Were they already together?
Before his thoughts could progress further, Selene walks in, a little pale but she gave him a bright smile nonetheless.
"Hey! It's nice to see you. I thought you guys might have decided to go to another cafe," Ian blurted out.
"No, no. I've been down with the flu for a few days. I'm still not over the colds yet but I needed to get out of my flat. Could I possibly get a tea for today?"
"Of course! Have a seat. Do you want to eat anything? I can fix you a salad?"
Selene looked at the menu and frowned. "But you don't have it listed?"
"I live at the back. I can make you one."
"Hey, no. But maybe a croissant?"
He agreed but prepared her a quick salad anyway. "You lost weight. Eat."
"Thank you."
When she was done, Ian offered to bring her home and found that it was just a five minute walk from his place. "Thanks again, Ian."
"You're very welcome. See you around."
As he headed back, his phone beeped. When he got to the shop, he saw that it was an order from Jorge, placed online this time, for another bouquet. Under additional instructions: I'm out of town for a month. Would you mind handing the bouquet to Selene when she drops by?
Ugh. Why must this be so difficult?
