Free All Good Things by Alannah Carbonneau Page B

idea what you're talking about." I avoided eye contact as I sipped my coffee, warming my chilled bones.
    "You know what I'm talking about." She stated. "What's got you up at this ungodly hour?"
    I shrugged. "I decided to enjoy the sunrise."
    "It wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that you came home late last night?" Trisha asked bluntly.
    "No." I said, too quickly, and her eyes widened.
    "Did you go out with Trey?" Her smile was so wide I feared it would split her face. "Tell me everything."
    I shook my head. I really didn't want to tell her about Jace. She made her opinion of him more than clear. "I didn't go out with Trey."
    She frowned. "Oh, he told me he was going to ask you out."
    My mouth dropped and I set my cup on the counter just a little too hard. "You didn't think you should tell me?" I demanded. "I gave him the stupidest excuse. If you had told me, I could have prepared myself."
    Trisha shrugged. "I promised Trey I wouldn't tell you."
    "Uh, your allegiance should be to me...remember," I pointed to my chest. "Your best friend."
    Trisha rolled her eyes. "Believe me honey, my allegiance is entirely yours. It's in your best interest to date and I happen to know Trey would treat you right."
    "What's that supposed to mean?" I shrieked.
    "You need to take a chance and you need someone patient and kind. Trey is both of those things. The fact that he is smoking hot is only an added bonus that should already have you jumping his bones!"
    I shook my head incredulously at her, as she stared wickedly at me from the opposite side of the island. If I could reach her, I might have pulled her hair. "Whose bones I decide to jump is so not your business."
    "That's where you're wrong, honey." She said as she brought her mug to her lips.
    I was about to go on a rant about the fact that, it was in fact, none of her business, but our condo buzzer rang, interrupting my blazing train of thought. I pointed my finger at her. "This is not over."
    "Of course it isn't." She smiled sweetly. I shook my head as I padded to the intercom.
    "Hello?"
    "Miss. LeRoux?" A male voice replied in question.
    "Yes."
    "There is a delivery here for you."
    I frowned. What could possibly be delivered for me? "Send it up please."
    I waited anxiously by the door as Trisha cocked her head at me. She wore a confused frown on her lips as she waited to see what had been delivered. When there was a knock on the door, I opened it, and a man, who looked to be in his early forties stood in the hall holding a single flower and an envelope. My heart jumped into my throat.
    "Hello, I'm Olivia LeRoux."
    The man smiled. He assessed me before handing me a single purple flower. It was gorgeous. I had never seen a flower like this before and it had, possibly, become my very favorite.
    I eyed the man. "Do you know what kind of flower this is?"
    He nodded politely. "It's called a purple hyacinth. It's a unique flower commonly regarded as a symbol of regret."
    My blood chilled as I stared at the beautiful flower. Why on earth would this flower be sent to me?
    I nodded at the gentleman. "Thank you." I said as I closed the door and leaned my back against the wood. I stared at the envelope. My name was written in handwriting I did not recognize. It looked more like ancient script. It was beautiful.
    I wouldn't have opened the envelope if I hadn't been plagued by curiosity. The moment I unfolded the letter, my heart stopped in my chest and I stared breathlessly at the words.
    Dear Olivia,
    Please forgive me. I am weak.
    -Jace Rush-
    "What is it?" Trisha asked as she stared at me through narrowed eyes. "Let me see."
    I shook my head, quickly folding the letter. "It's nothing." I forced a smile, hoping to ease her suspicion.
    She held out her hand, palm up. "Let me see it."
    "Trisha," I sighed. I never was a good liar. "It's from Jace."
    She twitched as though I'd slapped her. "Why would he send you a flower and a letter? Jeez, the man has more money than the devil and he sends you