The time was almost up. Adrian still hadn't arrived.
I stood, ready to leave.
Just then, the door burst open. Adrian rushed in, breathless, sweat dampening his hair.
"Ivy," he said quickly, "I could only find flowers. All the bakeries are closed. I got this from a convenience store. Will it do?"
I looked at the wilted sunflower in his hand, let it drop to the floor, and stepped on it.
"Mr. Vale," I said calmly, "do you really think it's appropriate to give someone flowers that are already dying?"
He stared at me, stunned, then his expression darkened. "Do you have any idea how many places I went to for this?" he asked. "Are you doing this on purpose? Trying to embarrass me?"
I lit a cigarette. "Embarrass you?" I said quietly. "Mr. Vale, I remember you once saying my face made you lo
