Page 58 of The Seashell of ’Ohana

I searched for a box from UPS or FedEx. If it were an envelope, she would have handed it to me. I half-turned to ask her where it was, but then I saw a glass vase filled with flowers—birds of paradise, gerbera daisies, chamomile, orchids, and lilies—the most elegant, beautiful arrangement I had ever seen.

“Who sent it?” I asked, stunned. “Are you sure it’s for me?”

“Go take a look. It has your name on the card. But I will gladly read it for you.”

I hiked up my eyebrows. “How do I know you didn’t already read it?”

“Because it’s sealed.” She gave me those innocent puppy eyes.

I shook my head and smiled. “You’re lucky I love you so much.” I inhaled the sweet flowery scent and picked up the note with a shaky hand.

“You mean you need me too much.” She cracked up. “Without me, you have no idea what to do with the invoices, the website, and now how to pay Liam.”

I shot her a pointed look and rolled my eyes playfully, then I opened the note. As I read it, I felt the weight of Stella’s stare and fought hard to suppress the smile creeping on my lips.

Dearest Abby,

A reminder that I’m proud of you for being brave. Not everyone has the courage to do something they fear. This Saturday is my turn. You might have to hold my hand.

Best,

Ian

I reread the note. A swarm of butterflies fluttered pleasantly in my stomach. Then something rested on my shoulder. I realized it was Stella’s chin when she said, “Awww. That is the cutest love letter I’ve ever seen.”

I jerked. “Stella. When did you …”

Stella took a step back, her lips pinched together, her eyes dancing as she feigned innocence.

“It’s not a love letter.” I shoved the note inside my back pocket. “Ian is a friend, that’s all. I can have male friends, right?” I didn’t mean to sound rude.

Stella raised both hands and walked backward to her desk. “Of course, you can.”

This friendliness between Stella and me was my fault. I had come to treat her more like a sister, over the years, than an employee. The close bond was inevitable, especially because Stella was kind and loving, even when she was cracking jokes.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean—”

She sat on her chair and faced the computer screen. “No, no, no. It’s my fault. I just want the best for you.”

The backroom door banged open, and Kate came rushing out.

“What happened?” She glanced between Stella and me, and her eyes popped open wide when they found the bouquet of flowers. “From?”

“Ian.” I gave my sister a don’t-you-dare-read-more-into-this look. “He’s trying to apologize for making me go zip-lining.” Sort of the truth. Even though he hadn’t written those words, that was the intention.

“Oh.” Kate’s voice squeaked.

“If you two don’t mind, I’m going to leave the flowers on the table. It brightens up the space.”

“Sure,” Kate said.

“Your flowers. Your gallery. You do whatever you want.” Stella gave me a tight-lipped smile and turned away.

Stella could be prickly, but she forgave easily. When the room went eerily quiet and the tension thickened, I had to lighten the mood.

“How was your weekend, Stella?”

Stella slowly peered up and smirked. “It was perfect.” Her face beamed sunshine and rainbows. “He took me to an upscale restaurant, then we went for a drink, and then we made out. But we stopped there, you know, because that’s my first date rule.”