Playing the Player

VAL

Flowers? Flowers? He had to be kidding. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath after reading Nolan's name on the card.

I stared at the roses that had just been delivered. It used to be me who called to order them on his behalf. He knew exactly what he was doing and what my reaction would be.

Taking a deep breath, I mustered the courage to open the card. It was written in printed letters:

*"I'