Booktree.ngIt-Starts-with-Us-Colleen-Hoover

“You don’t look exhausted.”
I laugh. “Good lighting.”
“When does Emerson turn one?”
“On the eleventh. I’m going to cry; this first year went so fast.”
“I can’t get over how much she looks like you.”
“You think so?”
He nods, and then says, “But the flower shop is good? You’re happy
there?”
I move my head from side to side and make a face. “It’s okay.”
“Why just okay?”
“I don’t know. I think I’m tired of it. Or tired in general. It’s a lot, and
it’s tedious work for not very much financial return. I mean, I’m proud that
it’s been successful and that I did it, but sometimes I daydream about
working in a factory assembly line.”
“I can relate,” he says. “The idea of being able to go home and not think
about your job is tempting.”
“Do you ever get bored of being a chef?”
“Every now and then. It’s why I opened Corrigan’s, honestly. I decided
to take more of an ownership role and less of a chef role. I still cook several
nights a week, but a lot of my time goes to keeping them both running on
the business side.”
“Do you work crazy hours?”
“I do. But nothing I can’t work a date night around.”
That makes me smile. I fidget with my comforter, avoiding eye contact
because I know I’m blushing. “Are you asking me out?”
“I am. Are you saying yes?”
“I can free up a night.”
We’re both smiling now. But then Atlas clears his throat, like he’s
preparing for a caveat. “Can I ask you a difficult question?”
“Okay.” I try to hide my nerves over what he’s about to ask.
“Earlier today you mentioned your life was complicated. If this… us…
becomes something, is it really going to be an issue for Ryle?”
I don’t even hesitate. “Yes.”
“Why?”
“He doesn’t like you.”
“Me specifically or any guy you might potentially date?”
I scrunch up my nose. “You. Specifically you.”