Sign Me Up by Dulcie Dameron
Jamie
be developing feelings for Parker.” Silence greets me as both Daria and Briar stare me down in the middle of our Cider and Stems flower arrangement workshop. “Well? What should I do?”
Daria sets her long-stem glass full of cider on the wooden art table in front of us, a sly smirk blooming on her face. “All I have to say is congratulations.”
“Congratulations?”
“Mmhmm,” Daria hums. “It’s about time you saw what the rest of us see.”
“I don’t follow…” I say, quirking an eyebrow.
“It’s about time you see that he’s in love with you,” she continues. “That he thinks of you as more than a friend.” My eyes fly to Briar, who sends me a placating smile like she might a fussy toddler.
“Do you guys seriously believe that?” I ask.
Briar sighs, picking up the green stem of what we were just told was a peach dahlia and starts poking it into her arrangement. “Honestly…” She shrugs one slender shoulder, avoiding my burning stare. “It does sort of seem like he’s into you. I mean, I’ve only met him a handful of times, but whenever you guys are together, his focus is almost solely on you. It’s super sweet, though, because he seems like an awesome guy.”
Inwardly, I’m reeling, while outwardly, I’m scoffing. “That’s probably just because of the little bit of Sign Language I know. I’m sure he just looks to me because I’m able to bridge the gap between us when we’re with others who don’t know it.”
“I didn’t say he looks to you,” Briar says, finally meeting my eyes. “I said he looks at you. In a way a guy would if he was trying to envision what it would be like to kiss you.”
My cheeks instantly burn hot as the memory of when my eyes dropped to his lips in the office a couple weeks ago surfaces. And then when I was almost certain his did the same in his old bedroom at his parents’ house.
“I think you guys are just reading into our relationship.” I lower my gaze to the cut stems of assorted florals in front of me, wishing I’d never brought up the subject of Parker.
“I don’t think we are,” Daria croons, bumping my shoulder with hers. “You just said yourself that you might be catching feelings. It seems like you both are coming to a startling realization.”
I whip my head toward her. “Which is?”
A smile that could rival the Cheshire cat’s spreads across her face. “That you guys are meant to be and would make the cutest babies ever.” I roll my eyes and push against Daria’s shoulder as she laughs. “Hey, don’t hate me just because you know I’m right.”
Before I can sink any further into my regret, the florist teaching our Cider and Stems class claps. Though the woman at the front of the room is tiny, with silver spiral curls and thick, black-framed glasses, she has no problem commanding the attention of everyone in attendance.
“Okay, everyone. Once you’ve selected the blooms you wish to use and your foam is placed, we’ll begin assembling the arrangement.”
“Oops,” Briar whispers with a wince. “I already started.”
“As you can see here,” says Prue, our instructor and owner of the Enchanting Florist in the small town of River Hollow, “I’ve got a mixture of dahlias, thistle, hypericums, cosmos, Italian ruscus, and daisies. I’ll use the larger flowers to frame some of the smaller ones, like so.” With professional precision, Prue begins to guide us on how we can replicate one of her beautiful fall flower arrangements.
When Briar had the idea to get together tonight for this little activity, I was hesitant. I mean, piecing together floral arrangements isn’t exactly among my skill set. But after mulling over my conflicting feelings concerning Parker when he helped nurse me back to health, I needed to get out, to get my mind focused on something else.
Ever since he came to my rescue with treats and gifts I in no way deserved, I’ve been replaying our every interaction from the past few weeks. My heart seems to want to believe that something has shifted between us, but each time I entertain that idea, my mind swoops in to bat the thought away.
What happened between Tyson and me was excruciating. And maybe it was partially our immaturity that made us hate one another, but I’ll never really know if it was that or the fact that we never should’ve crossed the line of friendship to begin with.
Prue’s voice has me pushing my worries aside and focusing back on our task. Once she finishes explaining exactly what we’re supposed to do, we begin to follow her instructions. I grab a white daisy from our work space and poke it through the foam, followed by another.
“I don’t understand why you’re having such a hard time believing that Parker likes you, Jamie,” Daria says, eyes focused on the arrangement in front of her. “I mean, you’re single now. If he’s had feelings for you all this time, it would make sense that he would be trying to win you over now.”
My brows pull together. “Does it though? This isn’t the first time I’ve been single since we’ve known each other. I was single when we met too.” I pick up another flower, I think this one is called a thistle, and stick it in the foam beside the daisy.
“That’s true,” Briar pipes up. “But maybe he didn’t want to ask you out at first because you worked together. Or maybe he was shy. I can certainly relate to that.” A faint pink blush rises on Briar’s cheeks as she ducks her head and goes back to her flowers.
“I don’t know why you’d be shy around guys, Bri,” Daria says with a laugh. “You’re basically the real-life version of a fitness model.”
“Looks aren’t everything,” Briar mutters, seeming to ignore our blatant stares as she toys with the arrangement in front of her.
“Anyway,” Daria continues, “She’s right. He might’ve been shy or concerned about the company policy when it comes to dating.” She pauses. “What is the company policy when it comes to dating?”
I lift both shoulders. “I honestly have no idea, but I can’t see Stefan signing off on something like that.” I clear my throat. “Not that I’d want him to. I mean, I’m just speaking hypothetically.” I roll my bottom lip between my teeth as images of what it might be like to date my best friend scroll through my head like a movie reel.
In each one, we’re laughing and playing around, just like always. Except there’s more flirting. And touching. And longing looks at each other’s lips.
“Okay, but wouldn’t it be weird?!” Both of my friends’ heads swivel in my direction at my outburst.
Briar cocks her head. “Wouldn’t what be weird?” It’s at that moment I realize both my friends have most of their arrangements done while mine sits almost untouched. How long was I daydreaming about dating Parker?
They blink at me, still waiting for a response. I clear my throat. “Dating Parker, my friend. Wouldn’t that be weird?”
“Well, that depends,” Daria says before taking a sip of her cider. “Are you attracted to him?”
I pick up another daisy and twirl it between my fingers. “I do think he’s attractive. Like, I can understand why Jordy practically fawns over him. He’s nice to look at.”
“So then…what’s the problem?” Daria’s raised eyebrows tell me she thinks I must be loose a few screws.
“I guess I’ve just never allowed myself to think of him in a romantic sense before. Like, for instance,” I say, shifting to face them. “He’s always tickling me or touching me to get my attention, and until recently, I’ve never thought a thing about it. Any electricity I felt was always brushed off and not acknowledged, ya know?”
“Yeah, but you’re not really a physically affectionate person,” Daria says. “Not like Briar, anyway.” She bumps my friend in the shoulder while Briar tosses up her hands.
“I can’t help it, okay? I’m just naturally a hugger!”
“Okay, but do we really need to be greeted that way at the beginning of everysingle yoga class?” Briar rolls her eyes at Daria’s question, then focuses back on me.
“Anyway, back to your issues…You really don’t think you’re attracted to him?”
“I didn’t say I wasn’t. But it’s hard to tell. Daria’s right. I’ve never really been physically affectionate, especially with guys, and I never kiss a guy until after we’ve dated for at least a month or so. It’s always been more important to me to connect on an emotional level first.”
“That makes total sense,” Briar says. “But think about it this way…you already know that you and Parker connect emotionally. You even know you guys have a great time together. He gets you, you understand him and his weird obsession with Star Wars.” I laugh. “So, why not give the physical stuff a try just to see if you’re attracted?”
“I kind of hate how everything you’re saying makes total sense.” Daria and Briar both share a laugh at my expense. “Okay, but what about what happened with Tyson?”
Daria groans. “Oh please don’t go into that again.” With a shake of her head, she pins me with a look. “Girl, that was a high school relationship. And I didn’t know Tyson, but I can almost guarantee he’s nothing like Parker.” Before I have a chance to respond, Prue claps her hands to get everyone’s attention.
“Okay, everyone!” she chimes. “It’s time to finish up those arrangements!” Each of us goes back to our work, determined to go home with the best one. “Now, for your homework,” Prue says as she passes us each a piece of paper.” I want you to look over this sheet with the care instructions for your flowers. They’ll last longer if you follow the instructions listed.”
Daria leans closer and whispers in my ear. “And your homework, Jamie, is to put the moves on Parker and see if there’s any of that sizzling attraction we’ve been talking about.”
I gulp so loud she must’ve heard it because she’s giggling as she leans back in her seat. Can I do what she’s asking? Can I make a move on my best friend? I guess we’ll just have to see.
When I walk into work the next day and find Parker’s cubicle empty, my stomach sinks. I look around the break room, the rest of the main room filled with cubicles, and even the hallway. He’s nowhere to be found. Setting my stuff down at my desk, I reach into my purse and pull out my phone.
Jamie: Hey, where are you?
There’s no response for several minutes, so I boot up my computer and settle in at my desk. Maybe he’s just running late. Just as I start to open my emails, my phone buzzes.
Parker: I’m not saying you got me sick, but…I seem to be experiencing the same symptoms you were a few days ago.
I slap a hand on my forehead and wince.
Jamie: Parker, I am SO SORRY!!! What can I do?
Parker: Please don’t be sorry, it’s not your fault. My mom literally came and shooed me out of my apartment so I’d come and stay in my old room while she has the ability to nurse me back to health. eye roll emoji. So really, I’m good.
I lean back in my chair, my shoulders sagging in relief. At least he’s got his mom to take care of him. I smile, thinking of how his determined mom must’ve done exactly as he described and forced him to go home with her.
A small ache forms in my chest when I think of how Nonie used to do those things for me too. I will the feeling away before the tears start and focus on my work. I may not be able to leave work early since I missed two whole days, but I can at least stop over and see Parker after work before I have to go and watch the girls’ volleyball game I’m tasked with covering.
A knock on my cubicle wall has me spinning and facing Gladys. She’s not smiling, but she’s not scowling either so I hope that means she’s not the bringer of bad news.
“Hey, Gladys. What’s up?”
She raises an eyebrow and leans back, peering into Parker’s cubicle. “Where’s tall, dark, and handsome at today?”
Normally, I’d smile at her way of describing Parker, but I can’t while knowing he’s ill. “He’s sick, unfortunately. I think I’m going to stop over and see him after work.”
She gives me a slow nod, then takes a step forward. “Well, I wanted to stop in and talk to you about helping me plan this Halloween party next week.”
“You’re in charge of planning?” I do my best not to sound surprised, but I have to admit, I kind of am.
“Of course I’m planning it. You think I’d leave planning a party of this much importance to some inexperienced young thing like Jordy? She’d probably order pizza and cake and call it a day.” Gladys shakes her head and crosses her arms over her burgundy velour tracksuit. “No. This is Halloween we’re talking about. It needs to be done right.”
My brow scrunches as the mental image of Gladys knocking out Dracula pops in my head. “I thought you didn’t like Halloween after what happened at the corn maze?”
“Hah,” she laughs. “Of course I like Halloween; it’s gimmicky attractions I despise. And also work field trips.”
I smile. “Yeah, same. Okay, so what do you need help with?”
She clasps her hands in front of her, peering at me over her glasses. “Well, I was hoping you could do the decorations and I’ll take care of the food. When people walk into the break room, I want it to feel like they’ve stepped into a haunted house. But you know…without the scares.”
I nod. “I think I get what you’re saying. Has Stefan signed off on this idea?” I hate to ask because I probably sound like a suck up, but I really don’t want to do anything to upset our boss, not with this interview on the line. And not with how gracious he was about me missing a couple days of work.
“He did. Since this is to be our last activity, he told me to go all out.” She leans in and lowers her voice. “Between you and me, I think he’s feeling a little wounded after the past few…mishaps…with his little employee camaraderie thing.”
“Yeah, I could see that.”
“So.” She claps. “You’ll help?”
I smile, thinking of how much I’ve come to tolerate my surly co-workers these past few weeks, maybe even come to like some of them. “Absolutely.”