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she looked at the name displayed on her iPhone, her heart thundered. “It’s Phil.”
    In a flash, Katie was at her side. “Don’t answer. The best way to deal with him is to ignore him.”
    Ariana wished it were that simple. But she knew not answering wouldn’t make Phil go away. She needed to do something more drastic, but right now she had no idea what that might be.

Chapter Five
     
     
    Zoe picked up the last remnants of trash from yesterday’s party and tossed them in the garbage. She looked over at Katie and Ariana seated at the work bench. They were putting together an arrangement and looked as tired as she felt. They'd stayed up nearly all night discussing Phil and trying to convince Ariana that everything was going to be all right. It didn’t help, though, that Phil had called three times. Obviously, Katie's suggestion to ignore him wasn't working. But what else was there to do? Talking to him wouldn't solve anything, and it might make matters worse.
    The bell over the Rosebud’s front door tinkled, and Zoe went to see who'd come in. A heavy-set woman with long dark hair stood at the counter. “Welcome to the Rosebud. How may I help you?”
    “I’d like a dozen pink roses. It’s my daughter’s birthday.”
    Zoe walked over to the cooler and picked out twelve beauties. “Would you like baby’s breath and greens with it? There’s no additional charge.”
    The woman smiled. “Yes, please. That would be great.”
    Zoe ripped some floral paper off the roll to wrap the bouquet then handed it to her. “How’s that?”
    “Beautiful. Thank you.” The woman’s gaze scanned the shop. “You have such a lovely place.”
    Zoe beamed. “Thanks. I’m glad you think so. Do you mind if I ask how you heard about us?”
    “Dan Stevens over at Kelly Realty recommended you.”
    “How nice of him.” She really was going to have to think of a way to thank him for all the business he was sending their way.
    “Thanks again for coming in,” Zoe said as the woman walked out the door.
    The rest of the day went by quickly. They had a steady stream of customers ordering arrangements for birthdays, anniversaries, and whatnot. Their grand opening party had definitely put them on the map.
    “I don’t know about you guys,” Zoe said while locking the shop’s front door, “but I can’t wait to climb into bed. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been this exhausted.”
    “I can’t even think about cooking dinner. I think I’ll get some Chinese takeout on the way home and then collapse.” Katie looked over at Ariana. “Think you’ll be able to sleep tonight?”
    She offered up a slight smile and turned over her wrist to check her watch for the time. “Yeah, I should be okay. Phil hasn’t called in over three hours.”
    Katie took her by the shoulders. “And if he does, do not answer. Better yet, turn off your phone. There’s nothing that can’t wait until tomorrow.”
    Ariana kissed them both on the cheek, then the three of them headed across the parking lot to their cars
    Before driving home, Zoe checked her phone for messages. Ariana’s comment that she hadn’t heard from Phil in hours reminded her that she hadn’t talked to Dan since he left the party last night. She wasn’t surprised, having been at the overnight with the girls and then at work all day, but she missed hearing his voice. Zoe started to dial his number but hung up when a better idea popped into her head. She reached into her handbag and pulled out his apartment key. She’d wanted to thank him for sending customers to the Rosebud. What better way than to surprise him by using the key he gave her? The key that she’d said she would never use.
    After hearing about Ariana’s terrible relationship with Phil, she realized just how lucky she was to have Dan in her life. She’d been way too harsh on him at the party and sure didn’t want to lose him. No doubt there were plenty of women ready and waiting to snatch him away from