Beautiful Chances (The Beautiful Series) by Alicia Rae Page B

class.” His voice sounded distant. “See you around, Lil.”
    “See you later, Luke.”
    As I took the bouquet in the house, I tried to brush off Luke’s awkwardness. The flowers were yellow and in a tall narrow vase.

    My heart skipped a beat at his thoughtfulness. They were the largest bouquet of flowers I had ever seen, and they were exquisite with vibrant colors. I decided to put the second display on my coffee table since the first bouquet was taking up half of my kitchen table.
    I pulled out my phone and quickly sent another thank-you text.
    Thank you again for yet another bouquet of flowers. You have exceptional taste.
    I opened up my laptop and began reviewing my notes to prepare for writing another chapter.
    You are most welcome. How is the writing coming along today?
    I smiled at the simple words he’d texted me. Jeez, that can’t be good.
    Just getting ready to start. Hopefully, I can concentrate and not stare at my flower arrangements. They’re distracting.
    Kyle quickly texted back.
    Anything I can do to make you think of me more ;) Plane is about to takeoff. I’ll call you tonight.
    The man traveled a lot. I wondered if he ever got tired of it. I was sure it was great to see so many places, but I would not be able to help but feel homesick.
    I quickly turned my attention over to my book. Steady fingers hammered the keyboard for hours as I let my mind flow. I never had control over the thoughts that poured out. Instead, each time, I gave it open reins.
    Since I was young, my family had always encouraged me to write. My mother had once told me that I was so excited to learn how to write, and my passion continued to spelling, cursive, and then to journalism. I remembered the thrill of making up my own stories.
    My parents had been elated when I pursed writing in college. I wished I could have seen their faces when my first book was published. Knowing my mom, she would have purchased a whole rack of copies to support me. I could picture myself finding them stashed in her closet or somewhere in the house. My father had always told me to follow my dreams. His face would show so much pride every time he’d looked at my sister or me. I knew he would have been proud of me, no matter what I did in life.
    I jumped when my phone rang, quickly pulling me from my thoughts.
    “Hello?”
    “Hello, Lily. How are you?” Brooke Bines, my editor, said cheerfully into the phone.
    She was always a glass-is-half-full kind of woman. I loved her spirit and shared her passion for books. It was amazing to have a friend who I could read stories and share my thoughts with. We kind of had our own book club. With her job, she read much more than I did, but as an editor, she also read so many different books that she saved me the time of reading the less captivating ones.
    While working together on my first novel, Brooke and I had become close. When I first started out, she had been my only source of encouragement and my very own personal cheerleader, hoping I succeeded in the business. She had talked me through my bad days, telling me to never give up, as she always offered her expertise and professional opinion.
    “Hi, Brooke! I’m doing great. How are things going with your new little one, Miss Ava?”
    Brooke and her husband, John Bines, just had their first baby.
    “Everything is great here, too. Ava is doing wonderfully. She is so snuggly, and she smiles all the time. Parenthood is truly a blessing, and Ava keeps me on my toes all the time.”
    I could practically hear her beaming through the phone.
    “How are you? Still enjoying Florida’s sun rays with your laptop in hand?” she asked.
    “Of course, you know me. I’m all about the atmosphere for writing. Speaking of writing, my book should be completed early. I’m thinking Octoberish.” I decided to get up and move around a bit. My legs and shoulders were stiff from hours of sitting.
    “That’s fabulous! I should be able to work you in whenever you finish. I am