Tulips and Roses

Chapter 2, a balcony

Lisa's apartment was the top floor of some high rise building. Usually it was large and quiet, minimalistic and grey. However, today it was crowded with people, much to Jisoo's dismay. A steady beat of music continued to play, a constant stream of utter annoyance.

The only comfort Jisoo could take was the view spanning the outline of the city from Lisa's balcony. From here, in the cold heavens of the city, Jisoo could at least find peace and quiet. Well, quieter than indoors at the least.

With nothing else to do, Jisoo found herself playing with Rosie's business card, again. There was nothing special about it, Jisoo had been given hundreds throughout her life, but she kept looking at it. Though she had no good reason, she wanted to call the number.

"Looking for an excuse?"

Slipping the card back into her pocket, Jisoo looked over to see her friend, Lisa. The young girl had her blonde hair up in a high ponytail, typical. With the accompanying grin on her face, she practically looked like a teenager again.

Smiling, Jisoo looked back out over the city, "Did you think I'd jump?"

"No, you haven't even written your will yet," Slowly, Lisa walked over to stand by Jisoo, "What's bothering you?"

Suddenly, the cold seemed to bother Jisoo, "Nothing."

Lisa sighed, "If it's the people, you can leave. I know that this isn't really your thing-"

"It's not that," Jisoo interrupts, "There's nothing wrong with your party. Go back and have some fun."

Lisa did not move, "Everyone likes the flowers. They keep asking me where you got them from."

Jisoo thought about the sort of people at the party, how they could manipulate everyone around them to get what they want. She did not want them anywhere near Rosie. It wouldn't be them, Jisoo thought, it would be there assistants. A wave of guilt floods Jisoo as she realises that that she wanted to do that as well.

"You don't want to tell them," Lisa chuckled, "You can't be that attached."

Jisoo turned her head to face Lisa, "You made me go in person for a reason."

Lisa frowned, "For me," With a smile, she added, "Your assistant would have just flirted with her."

Jisoo eyebrows furrowed, "Jennie is very professional-"

"Right up until she isn't," Lisa smirked.

Jisoo rolled her eyes, "She's my mother's friend's daughter. You know that she's like family."

"That wasn't my point," Lisa glanced back indoors, "You might enjoy yourself. There's some people here from McDonalds, you could build some connections."

"It's not the party."

Lisa made her way back over to the party, "Can you make a call for me? I need to make an appointment for 9am."

"Why not? It is your birthday... whats the number?" Jisoo looked over to Lisa.

She smirked, "It's in your pocket."

After Lisa left. Jisoo took out the card. How did she catch me... she was watching me. With a smile, Jisoo shook her head. Lisa had always been astounding.

Jisoo stood there, staring at the card, reading the number over and over. She took out her phone, carefully copying each digit. All she had to do was dial. Jisoo looked back out at the city, for an answer, for anything. She saw nothing in particular. Looking back at the phone screen, she hit dial.

As the phone rang, three things ran through Jisoo's mind; 1, it is currently three in the morning, 2, Jisoo has been drinking, 3, Jisoo has never had to book an appointment before.

"Hello," A groggy voice answered.

Jisoo paused, Rosie had clearly been sleeping, "Yes," Jisoo crept, "I bought flowers earlier from your shop today."

"Okay? Why are you calling?"

Jisoo gulped, "You said if I need flowers I should go to you."

There was a pause. Jisoo looked back into the party, she could not she Lisa. Rosie responded, "You own the chains, don't you?"

Jisoo sighed with relief, "Yes."

"In that case, how may I help you?"

"My friend-"

"Lisa?"

"Yes, Lisa, she wants to arrange an appointment today at nine in the morning," Jisoo explained.

"Appointment? Sorry, I don't really do appointments. She can either come into the shop or call."

Jisoo had not considered that. She cleared her throat, "Why can't you make an appointment?"

"I'm a florist, not an executive."

The business woman was taken aback, maybe she deserved that, she did wake Rosie up at three, "Very well, I'll let her know."

"Okay... what's your name?"

"Excuse me?"

"You woke me up, humour me."

The business woman glanced down at the card, "My name is Jisoo Kim."

"Okay, Jisoo. It's nice to meet you, it would be even nicer at nine."

"Okay."

"I'll see you there then."

She hung up. Jisoo was frozen, what did she mean, 'see you there'? Rosie was expecting Jisoo now. The woman looked out at the skyline once again, it would appear that she has to move her own appointment.