Page 17 of Melt His Heart

“No, it’s ok, I’m Liam, and this is my husband Kevin, we both own the place.” He chuckles.

How nice is that to own a flower shop with your husband in a small town. I wonder how they met and decided to do this together. I usually only ever see Liam making the arrangements though, so I guess his husband might be handling the business and raccoon side of things.

“Nice to meet ya, Julian,” Kevin says, shaking my hand.

“You as well.”

“Well, I should probably leave you guys to your raccoons.” I tease.

“Ah yeah, pretty common around here, watch out for them, they’re feisty.” Kevin grins.

“Don’t pay him any mind, he’s just silly.”

“I’m serious!” We both laugh.

“Stop in again sometime!” Liam says.

“I will and thank you again! They’re so beautiful.”

“Of course!” He says with a wave as I step out into the autumn air.

* * *

By the time I return home from exploring a bit, it’s quite late, and I think I’ve done enough to consider this a successful break, especially for me. I turn on the living room and kitchen lights before making my way further into my flat.

Besides the florist, I also visited some other small local shops and picked up a few knick-knacks like picture frames to put my family photos in.

It was a nice day.

I bring the floral arrangement over to the kitchen counter and place it in the vase, stepping back a little to see if it looks right. And wow, I love it so much. Flowers always bring life into a space, especially since most of my things are black, and it’s just nice to have something else alive in here with me. I laugh at the thought. I pull out my phone to take a photo of the flowers. I should text Liam and Carson to let them know I added their numbers.

Me: Hi Liam it’s me Julian.

Liam: Heyy Julian! Thanks for stopping by earlier!

Me: Of course, thank you again for the arrangement it’s beautiful.

Liam: Aaww glad ya like it!

Liam hearts the photo of the arrangement in my kitchen when I send it to him.

Opening Carson’s contact I shoot him a quick text too, saying I got his number and asking how he was doing. I want to tell him about my day, but I don’t want to seem too clingy. I don’t really chat with anyone besides my parents and my coaches, so I feel a bit nervous but excited texting him. It feels good, honestly, having other people to talk to lately.

I start on cooking some dinner after washing up and getting into my night clothes. The light from the TV flickers across the walls of my flat. My bowl of soup is hot in my hands as I eat with my legs folded on the couch.

I want to pay attention to the drama, but I can’t stop thinking about going back to training tomorrow. A break was nice, and I know it’s good to have one here and there, usually it’s weekly for most skaters, but I really can’t focus if I’m not constantly skating.

It’s like I think I’ll forget how to do it or something, which is absurd. But that’s why I keep my breaks to a limit. I’m usually at least doing light run-throughs even on my off days.

I place the bowl down on the coffee table. The skin on my cheeks burning a bit as I reread the note Carson left this morning.

I guess I figured I’d try this whole ‘taking a break’ thing out.

Chapter 7

My focus has been shit. I haven’t heard from Carson all week, and I haven’t seen any of his team at the rink either. I’m sure this is the reason for my many mistakes today, like the one I just made as I glide across the ice, propelling myself into a jump, I end up failing for what feels like the thousandth time. My fists ball in frustration when I pull my body back up from the ground. Dust from the ice covers my black pants.

“Hey Julian, how about a break? I think your body could use one, don’t push too hard.” My coach says.