Jason’s eyes flicked to Maya’s lips, a mischievous glint in his gaze. “I guess filling Howard’s house with jonquils might be a bit... awkward, huh?”
Maya felt a flutter in her chest as she reached for the counter, trying to steady herself. The way Jason was looking at her was making her heart race. “Yeah, it could get... a bit weird if he knows what the flowers mean.”
Jason’s eyes were locked on hers as he edged closer. The moment felt charged, like something was about to happen. Maya’s breath hitched, and she couldn’t help but hope he might lean in for a kiss.
Just then, Jason’s phone blared to life, slicing through the tension like a knife. He let out a frustrated growl before stepping back, his face turning red as he answered. “What is it now?” His voice was tight with irritation as he paced around the counter. “No, I’m not being testy. What do you want?” He glanced at Maya, then turned his back, his voice rising. “Conner, seriously? I’m in the middle of something. It’s none of your business who I’m with!”
Maya watched, bewildered, as Jason’s frustration grew. She wondered if she should give him space or if she should even stay in the shop. The scene was so out of left field it left her unsure of what to do.
“What?” Jason’s face paled. “Are you sure?” He glanced at Maya once more before heading toward the door, still talking on the phone. “How do you know this?”
As Jason hurried out of the shop, Maya sighed and let the pretense of working slip away. She felt a pang of disappointment, aggravated by the interruption.
The shop’s door swung open again, and Maya looked up hopefully, only to see Steve stomping in.
“Okay, I’m in the doghouse and broke, so I need you to find something for Beverly that says, ‘Yes, I remembered your birthday—I just wanted to be the last one to give you a gift.’ But don’t spend too much,” Steve said, slamming his hand down on the counter with exasperation. “I’m saving up for a Harley.”
Maya raised an eyebrow. “You forgot Beverly’s birthday is tomorrow?”
Steve’s eyes widened in horror. “You knew?”
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“She throws one of the biggest birthday bashes in town,” Maya said, shaking her head in disbelief. “How could you forget?”
Steve’s pout deepened. “Look, I’m already feeling awful about it.”
Maya sighed, nodding toward the flowers. “I might have something that could help, but you’ll need to head to Metropolis immediately for a gift. Beverly won’t be happy with just flowers. Also, pick them up tomorrow so they don’t wilt overnight.”
Outside, Jason leaned against a lamppost, staring through the shop’s glass windows. He watched as Maya chatted with Steve, the flowers between them seeming almost mundane against the backdrop of their conversation.
Conner’s voice crackled in Jason’s ear. “I was trying to figure out where I’d seen that guy. After some digging, I found out he’s a witch—though Eliane Meade might not realize it.”
Jason shook his head, trying to shake off the unease. “And they’re heading this way. It could be a coincidence.”
“Or maybe Austen James wasn’t working alone,” Conner replied. “If Howard’s hunch is right and the Firstborn is in Harvest Grove, it makes sense that Austen’s people would try to join up with the children now that he’s gone.”
Jason frowned. “If that’s true, why isn’t Casandra Blake on her way here?”
Conner’s tone was even, almost dismissive. “It sounds like you’re doubting Howard’s lead, even though you’ve been kissed by her.”
Jason’s gaze followed Maya as she laughed and patted Steve on the shoulder. “I just don’t see why they’d be coming here. Clarissa Jackson took off with her niece, probably because she realized our presence means trouble. Now Mandy’s tracking them down. I think—” His voice trailed off as a pang of unease hit him. He didn’t like how close Maya seemed to be getting with Steve. “Don’t read too much into it.”
Conner sighed on the other end. “Who pissed in your Wheaties?”
Jason shifted, growing more irritable. “Is there anything else?”
“What about the Burns girl?” Conner asked. “Howard mentioned she was wearing a wig at Thomasville. Could she be the Firstborn? I mean, Casandra Blake is blonde too. Maybe it’s genetic. What else do you know about her? Eye color, body type, height? I could use that to narrow things down.”
Jason’s frustration bubbled over. “I can handle this myself.” He didn’t mean to snap, but the idea of Conner getting involved with this girl grated on him. “Just focus on your James issues. I’ve got this.”
“Dude, not my James,” Conner grumbled. “And remember, we’re just keeping an eye on these others because they’re James. It’s a precaution.”
Jason sighed, feeling the weight of the situation. “Yeah, got it.”
Back inside, Maya was glad for the distraction Steve provided. She pulled out a bouquet of vibrant lilies and began arranging them thoughtfully. The shop was a small haven of color and warmth amidst the growing tension of the day. With each flower she placed, she hoped it would help Steve get back on track and somehow make up for the lapse in his memory. The evening was just beginning, and she had a feeling that more surprises—both good and bad—were still to come.