warnings- sexual content, men dni, minors dni, switch!azzi switch!paige, mommy kink, fingering (both receiving) oral (paige receiving), denied orgasm
description- azzi fudd has never been a fan of paige bueckers. as a volleyball player at uconn, she’s learned to stay in her own lane and avoid the basketball star whenever she can. but when azzi ends up at a party with paige, avoiding the hot blonde suddenly becomes a lot harder.
note- i hope you guys like this i’ve never wrote a fanfic before so this is terrible. please give feedback and tell me if yall like it! <3 have fun reading! also this wasn’t proofread and lowkey rushed so there’s probably a lot of errors so i apologize
—
Azzi Fudd wasn’t sure why she hated Paige Bueckers. Maybe it was her cocky personality, or maybe it was the way everyone on campus loathed over her. Azzi didn’t know. She didn’t even have a real reason to hate the blonde—considering the fact that they’ve hardly ever spoke to eachother. But despite that, Azzi can’t help but dislike her.
Now, It was absolutely no secret that Paige was disgustingly attractive. Even someone like Azzi could admit that. Her effortlessly perfect blonde hair and her blue eyes that were so easy to get lost in made her beautiful in every way. Azzi had always admired the blonde..though she would never admit that.
“Az, you have to come with me and Brynn to this party tonight,” Colleen says as her and Azzi help take down the nets after practice. “I can’t go with just Brynn, she’s gonna get drunk and leave me for some guy. You know how she is.” Azzi rolls her eyes. She really didn’t feel like partying tonight. She had plans of sitting in her pajamas, and eating takeout while watching Gilmore Girls after this. But Colleen wasn’t wrong.
While Azzi loved and adored her teammate Brynn, she is known for not being the best to party with. Azzi would simply be a bad friend to leave poor Colleen all alone with her. Azzi sighs, “Fine.” Colleen smiles widely, almost dropping the pole her and Azzi are carrying. “Thank you!, thank you!, thank you!” she beams. Azzi smiles despite herself.
The party was absolutely crowded. As soon as Azzi stepped into the crowd she instantly wanted to go home. It smelled faintly like sweat and vodka, and Azzi really wishes she would’ve made up a stupid excuse and told Colleen no. She takes a deep breath as Colleen and Brynn lead her to the drinks in the kitchen.
Azzi watches as Brynn and Colleen take shots. She didnt want to get drunk tonight. She had come strictly for Colleen’s sake. She had a private lesson with coach early in the morning tomorrow, and Azzi knew if she drank she would be too hungover to function—essentially leading to coach yelling at her and making her run.
“Azzi come on don’t be lameee! just take one shot.” Brynn mumbles, already stumbling over her words. She tries to push a shot glass towards Azzi, but Azzi simply pushes it back. “I’m not lame,” Azzi shoots back, glaring at Brynn. Brynn rolls her eyes and smiles “Sure you aren’t.” Azzi huffs out a breath, “I’m not! heaven forbid i don’t wanna get drunk for once.”
Brynn says something back but Azzi doesn’t hear it. Her focus is entirely on something else. Someone else. Paige Bueckers. Of fucking course she was here, Azzi thought. Paige had her hair slicked back into a tight bun, she was wearing a basic white shirt and jeans.
How can she make a simple outfit look so fucking hot? Azzi wonders. She hates the way her eyes linger onto Paige’s biceps. Get a grip, she tells herself. You don’t even like her. She closes her eyes and takes a breath. She must be ovulating or something because why on earth is she checking Paige fucking Bueckers out?
“Azzi? Hello? Are you even listening.” Colleen’s voice snaps Azzi out of her trance. She looks away from the blonde and puts her eyes onto her bestfriend. “Sorry..what were you guys saying?..” Azzi mumbles. Colleen smirks “What’s got you so distracted huh?” Azzi glares at her, “Nothing! i was just like zoned out.” Brynn and Colleen exchange a look. “Are you sure you weren’t looking at the 6’0 blonde with blue eyes who is currently staring at you?” Azzis breath hitches as she looks over— and sure enough, Paige was infact staring at her with an unreadable expression. Azzi quickly looks away—breaking the eye contact.
Her heart does a weird jump thing that’s so unfamiliar. Colleen and Brynn both begin to laugh, “I thought you hated her, no?” Colleen points out. “I do hate her!” Azzi groans. She knows what the two girls are implying, and she doesn’t like it. “Well it sure seems like…” Brynn stops talking and exchanges yet another look with Colleen before they both smile again. Azzi doesn’t know why they keep looking at eachother like that. But she does know that it’s starting to annoy her. “Nevermind that…me and Colleen will be right back!” Brynn finishes as her and Colleen run away stumbling. “Wha-” Azzi starts but she’s cut off when she suddenly feels someone tapping the back of her shoulder. She turns around, and to her surprise—Paige.
She sighs “What do you want.” Azzi grumbles. Paige smirks, “Don’t be so rude, princess. Just wanna talk to you.” Azzi wants to wipe that stupid smirk off of her pretty face. “Well i don’t wanna talk to you.” Paige doesn’t stop smirking. “Yeah? That right? Why not princess?” Azzi rolls her eyes as Paige takes a step closer. “Do you call every girl you flirt with princess? Or is it just me?” Azzi pressed instead of answering the question.
Paige sighs, taking note at how stubborn the girl is. “I don’t flirt with other girls mama, they flirt with me. And they definitely don’t get called princess.” Azzi stays silent for a beat. The way Paige is looking at her is too much for her. Why is Paige Bueckers looking at her like this? And why does she like it? The thoughts linger in Azzis mind. Paige brushes a curl out of Azzis face. “Your friends left you all alone ma, you should jus’ stay with me.” Paige mumbles. Azzi catches the way that Paige almost looks nervous. “I can find them. I’m sure they aren’t far.” Azzi replies as she looks away, the eye contact becoming too intense.
Paige puts her hand on Azzis chin, gently forcing her to look back at the blonde. Paige’s voice is barely above a whisper when she speaks, “Please jus’ stay with me tonight.” Azzis breath hitches slightly, “Why do you want to talk to me so bad?” she mumbles. Paige never let her hand drop from Azzis chin. “Just want you Azzi.” Azzi takes a breath, “Why? We’ve barely even spoke before. And I don’t even like you.” Paige drags her hand off of Azzis chin and brings both hands to her waist. “I can change that, princess.” Azzis breath hitches as the feeling of Paiges hands on her waist makes her heart flutter. Paige smirks at the sound of Azzis breath hitching and she pulls the brunette closer. “Let’s get out of here yeah? You wanna go back to mine?” And Azzi, despite herself. Despite her always claiming to hate Paige. She nods—hesitantly. “Thought so baby.”
The very second that the two get to Paige’s dorm, Paige shuts the door behind her and pulls Azzi in by the waist. Azzis hands go to Paige’s neck as Paige doesn’t hesitate to lean in and kiss the younger girl beneath her. Paige groans at the taste of Azzi as the kiss becomes frantic. Paige bites down on Azzis lip. Azzi lets out a broken whine and the noise hits Paige in her core. Desperate to hear those sounds again, Paige breaks the kiss and goes to Azzis neck. She sucks gently, leaving faint marks as Azzi whimpers.
Once they finally make it to the bedroom, Paige is guiding Azzi by her waist to the bed. “Sit f’me mama okay? Gonna make you feel so good princess.” Azzi obeys immediately, sitting down on the edge of the bed. Paige steps between her legs, she cups Azzis face as she looks down and stares at the girl in such an intimate way that it makes Azzis heart race.
Paige tugs at the hem of Azzis top, “Can i please take this off ma? Wanna see you so bad.” Azzi nods and Paige tugs her top off leaving Azzi in a black lacy bra. Paige’s breath hitches at the sight. “Fuck baby,” she breathes out. She doesn’t touch yet and It doesn’t take long before Paiges hands go to Azzis skirt, “These too? Please baby I need to see.” Azzi nods again noting at how eager Paige sounds, Paige quickly pulls the skirt down, revealing the matching lace underwear that Azzi has on that leaves little to the imagination.
“Shit” is all Paige can manage to get out. She admires the girl beneath her. Her eyes trailing all over her body. “You’re so fucking perfect it hurts.” Paige mumbles before she leans down hungrily and kisses Azzi. Azzi whimpers into the kiss as she grinds down against Paige—seeking any friction.
Paige holds her hips in place, stopping the girl from moving any more, “Uh uh baby. You’re gonna wait and take what I give you. Can you do that? Can you be a good girl f’me?” Azzi nods frantically, “Use your words Azzi.” Paige demands, “I’ll be good,” Azzi whines immediately. “Good girl. Already being so good for me, using your words like I told you too.”
Paiges hands go to the back of Azzis bra, she undoes the clasp quickly, and tosses the fabric somewhere on the floor. She wastes no time taking Azzis underwear off along with her bra, leaving Azzi completely bare. Paiges hands are everywhere, groping her boobs, touching her waist, feeling her abs, everywhere but where Azzi is throbbing.
Azzi lets out a high pitched whine that she even doesn’t recognize, “Please Paige I need it so bad. Please baby” she breathes out, “Aww I know princess. My poor baby is aching for me. You’re being such a good girl waiting for me mama.” Paige coos, she brings her hand down to Azzis cunt, dragging her fingers through her slick.
“Fuck baby you’re soaked. Who’s this for? You this wet for me baby?” Azzi chokes back a moan, her hips involuntarily rocking up, desperate for more friction. “Y-yes, fuck it’s all for you Paige.” She whimpers out, Paige smirks, “Oh but i thought you didn’t like me? Seems like you’ve been lying to yourself huh baby?” Paige starts to rub Azzis clit in maddening circles.
Azzi whines, the pressure giving her some sort of relief but not enough. “B-baby plea-” she’s cut off by Paige whispering into her ear, “I asked you a question didn’t I Azzi?” she takes her hand fully off of Azzis clit, Azzi cries out as the sensation is ripped away from her. “Answer my question, and i promise i’ll fuck you so fucking good princess. You been lying to yourself mama?”
Azzi whines, desperate and needy. “Yes! fuck please Paige I need you!” Azzi whimpers loudly as Paige finally pushes two fingers inside her. “There’s my good girl.” Paige groans out as she pumps her fingers into Azzi. The sounds coming out of the girl beneath her make Paige feral, encouraging her to go faster. She rubs Azzis clit with her thumb as she picks up the pace in her fingers.
Azzi cries out loudly, “Fuck Paige!”She moans, the sound of Azzi moaning out Paiges name makes Paige weak. “Yeah, just like that baby. Take me just like that, you’re doing so good princess. You can take it.” Paige goes impossibly faster, despite her fingers aching. “Paige! I’m gonna come fuck!” Azzi cries out, Paige can feel her clenching around her fingers, “Come for me baby, Make a mess all over my fingers ma,” And Azzi does. Her release comes quickly, gushing out fast all over Paiges fingers. Paige fucks her through it until she’s too sensitive.
She takes her hands out of Azzis cunt slowly, bringing her hands to Azzis mouth, “Open,” Paige demands softly, Azzi takes Paige’s fingers in her mouth, sucking and licking gently with eye contact as she tastes herself. Paige watches as Azzi sucks on her fingers untill they are clean. Paige takes her fingers out of Azzis mouth and kisses her. Paige can taste Azzis come on Azzis lips and groans at the taste. She pulls back, “You taste so good. You did so good for me baby.” she praises as she brings Azzis head to her chest, cradling her tightly.
She positions both of them so they are lying on the bed together. Paige kisses her forehead—ignoring the aching pain between her legs. She was throbbing but didn’t want to ask too much of Azzi, assuming she was rightfully tired. But after coming down from her high, Azzi sits up, she sits on Paiges lap so she’s straddling Paige’s thighs. She cups Paige’s face as she speaks, “Wanna make you feel good P,” Paige’s breath audibly hitches, Azzi smirks as she leans down to kiss the girl beneath her. Paige whimpers into the kiss, her hands roaming to Azzis ass to pull Azzi down to grind onto her.
Azzi smiles into the kiss as she grinds softly, the friction makes an involuntary whine pull out of Paige. It was high pitched and unfamiliar to the blonde. Azzi breaks the kiss and starts sucking on Paige’s neck, Paige whimpers and rocks her hips up. Azzi pulls back, “So needy for me huh?” she whispers with a smirk as she pulls Paiges shirt off, revealing a black nike sports bra, and abs that Azzi could spend all day looking at.
She traces her hands over the girls abs before bringing them lower to Paige’s jeans, she looks up at Paige for confirmation, Paige nods frantically and desperate. Not hesitating for a second. Azzi unbuttons her jeans and tugs them off of her, leaving Paige in her boxers. Azzis eyes latch onto the very visible wet spot on the girls boxers. She rubs her hands over the spot, watching as Paiges mouth opens at the feeling.
“So wet baby, look at you, all wet and worked up for me.” Paige whimpers loud as Azzi rubs a bit faster, “You like that Paige?” Azzi teases, the girl nods, her hips grinding up, looking for more. “Fuck baby feels so good! need more!” Paige cries out, “Aw my sweet girl, i’ll give you more just wait baby.” Azzi replies, watching as Paige’s breath gets heavier. Once Azzi feels like she’s teased her enough, she starts to take Paige’s boxers off, Paige’s breath hitches in excitement.
Once the boxers are off, Azzi starts rubbing Paige’s clit hard, not with enough force to hurt, but enough to jerk a sob out of the girl, “Fuck! Just like that Az!” Paige cries out, Azzi adds in two fingers, watching the way Paige sobs at the feeling. “A-Azzi! fuck! feels so good, can i..can i call you mommy please Az,” Azzi smirks at the blondes words, “Yeah baby. You can call me mommy.”
Azzi picks up her pace, watching as the blonde falls apart beneath her. Paige whimpers loud, probably loud enough that everyone in the dorm complex can hear. “Just like that Paige, you’re gonna let the whole campus know who you belong to if you keep being that loud baby.”
Paige responds with a broken high pitched whine, her back arching off the bed as she continues to whimper loudly. “Mommy! I’m so close! Please!” She babbles, so close to finishing, but Azzi takes her fingers out completely, and stops rubbing her clit. Paige sobs in frustration, her pleasure being ripped away from her, “W-Why! Mommy please i need it, I was so close!” She cries out
“Aww i know angel im sorry.” Azzi coos, “But I didn’t want you to come yet so i stopped. What are you gonna do about it?” She adds on, tears start to fall from Paiges eyes from frustration. “N-nothing, mommy.” Paige sobs out. “Exactly” Azzi breathes. She presses a tender kiss to Paige’s cheek, “I’m gonna eat you out now okay baby? and if your good you can come.” Paige nods excitedly, her hips rocking at the thought.
Azzi positions her head between the girls thighs, she licks a teasing stripe up Paiges cunt, making paige whine. She starts to suck on the girls clit, “M-Mommy Hmph,” Paige moans out, Azzi starts to fuck into Paige with her tounge, And it doesn’t take long before Paige is on the verge of release. “Mommy please! Please can i come i was so good Mommy!” Azzi doesn’t answer for a beat, “Hold it” she mumbles out, Paige sobs, “I-I can’t mommy please!” she whines, “Yes you can baby, Hold it.” Azzi replies, fucking into her faster.
The moan that comes out of Paige is loud and sinful. Paige starts shaking, focused on holding her release in. Her abs tighten as the coil in her stomach gets tighter. “Azzi I can’t! Please I can’t! I wanna be good mommy but I can’t hold it anymore!”
Azzi decides that it’s been long enough, “You can come baby, let go.” she mumbles against Paiges core, and before Azzi can even finish the sentence, Paige’s release comes fast. Gushing out of her violently, Paige lets out one final scream. She lays there boneless as Azzi licks her clean. Azzi gives one last kiss to her inner thigh before coming up to hold the girl. She brings Paige to her chest, whispering praise as she holds onto the girl comfortingly. “You did so good angel, my sweet girl.” She mumbles as she kisses Paiges forehead, Paige smiles sweetly as she nuzzles into Azzi. They lay there like that, and Azzi wonders how she could’ve ever hated Paige Bueckers.
A/N: One of you lovely people requested a one shot to “I Could Be A Florist” by Olivia Dean. Sending all the healing vibes to the Princess so she can kick ass on Wednesday 💕 I hope you love it!! xx Elle
💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐
Paige glanced at the clock above the register. 4:47 PM. Just over an hour until closing, and the Sunday afternoon lull had settled over the shop like a soft blanket. She'd already swept the floor twice, rearranged the display of potted succulents by the window, and trimmed the stems on the roses that had come in that morning. Now she was just killing time, reorganizing the ribbon spools by color when she didn't really need to.
Sundays were always slow. Most people bought their flowers earlier in the weekend, and by late afternoon, Stockbridge went quiet in that small-town way that Paige had grown up with. She didn't mind it. The stillness gave her time to think, to let her hands work while her mind wandered.
The bell above the door chimed.
Paige looked up, ready to offer her usual greeting, and the words died in her throat.
The woman who walked in was –
Beautiful didn't even cover it.
She was fresh-faced, glowing in the golden late-afternoon light that filtered through the shop windows. Loose overalls hung easy on her frame, one strap undone and dangling against a cropped pink tank top that showed just a sliver of warm brown skin at her waist. Brown sandals, simple and worn-in. Her hair was pulled up into a curly puff, with soft face-framing pieces that moved when she turned her head to take in the shop.
Paige's hands froze on the spool of lavender ribbon she'd been holding.
Oh.
Oh no.
The woman's eyes swept over the buckets of flowers lining the walls, the dahlias and snapdragons, the eucalyptus and baby's breath, and then landed on Paige. She smiled, and it was the kind of smile that made Paige forget she was supposed to be a functioning human being who ran a business.
"Hi," the woman said, her voice warm and a little tentative. "Are you still open? I know it's late."
Paige blinked. Nodded. Tried to remember how words worked. "Yeah. Yeah, we're open until six."
"Oh, good." The woman stepped further into the shop, her sandals soft against the wooden floor. "I wanted to browse for some flowers. For my coffee shop, actually. I just opened it a couple weeks ago, and I thought it'd be nice to have fresh flowers on the tables."
She owns a coffee shop. Paige filed that information away like it was vital. She's new in town. She wants flowers for her tables.
"That's a great idea," Paige said, finally finding her voice. She set the ribbon down and wiped her palms on her jeans, suddenly aware of the dirt under her nails, the way her hair was probably a mess from being in and out of the cooler all day. "Flowers make everything feel more alive."
The woman's smile widened. "Exactly. I want people to feel like they're somewhere special, you know? Not just grabbing coffee and leaving."
Paige nodded, maybe a little too enthusiastically. "Yeah. Yeah, I get that."
There was a beat of silence, and Paige realized she was just standing there, staring. She cleared her throat and gestured toward the rows of flowers. "So, uh, what kind of look are you going for? Something bright? Subtle? Seasonal?"
"I'm not totally sure yet," the woman admitted, moving toward a bucket of white roses. She reached out to touch one of the petals, gentle and careful. "I think I need to see what you have first. Get a feel for it."
"That works." Paige stepped out from behind the counter, her heartbeat doing something stupid and uneven in her chest. "Take your time. I can help you figure out what'll work best."
The woman glanced back at her, and there was something soft in her expression. Grateful, maybe. "Thanks. Oh, and – " She paused. "Would it be okay if I picked them up tomorrow? I didn't bring my car, and I don't want to carry a bunch of flowers all the way back."
"Yeah, of course," Paige said quickly. "I can have them ready for you in the morning. Or afternoon. Whenever works."
"Morning's perfect." The woman extended her hand. "I'm Azzi, by the way."
Paige took her hand, and the warmth of it sent a jolt straight through her. "Paige."
"Nice to meet you, Paige."
"Yeah," Paige said, a little breathless. "You too."
Azzi's smile lingered for a moment longer before she turned back to the flowers, and Paige stood there, rooted to the spot, trying to remember how to breathe.
Get it together, she told herself. She's just a customer.
But even as she thought it, she knew it wasn't true.
There was something about Azzi. Something in the way she moved through the shop, the way she looked at the flowers like they were the most important things in the world. There was something that made Paige feel like the world had just shifted slightly off its axis.
And she wasn't sure she wanted it to shift back.
"So," Paige started, clearing her throat. "Small bouquets for the tables. How many are we talking?"
Azzi tilted her head, thinking. "Maybe eight? Ten at most. I don't want them to be too big – just something simple that makes people feel like they're somewhere special."
Paige nodded, already running through options in her head. "Okay. And what kind of vibe are you going for? Bright and cheerful? Soft and romantic? Rustic?"
"Soft," Azzi said without hesitation. "But not too precious, you know? I want it to feel warm. Inviting." She paused, her fingers brushing over the petals of a cream-colored rose. "Like home."
Paige's chest did something stupid at that. "Like home," she repeated quietly.
Azzi glanced at her, and for a second, their eyes met. Paige forgot what she was supposed to be doing.
"Yeah," Azzi said, her voice softer now. "I want people to walk in and feel like they can stay awhile."
Paige swallowed and forced herself to look away, gesturing toward the buckets lining the wall. "Alright. Let's start with colors. What are you thinking?"
Azzi moved through the shop slowly, her sandals soft against the floor. She stopped in front of a bucket of pale pink ranunculus, her expression thoughtful. "I like these. They're delicate but not too sweet."
"Good choice," Paige said, stepping closer. "Ranunculus are great for small arrangements. They last a while, and they're not too heavy."
Azzi smiled at that. "You really know your stuff."
Paige shrugged, trying to play it cool even though her heart was doing something ridiculous. "I mean, I've been doing this my whole life. My dad used to own this place before he passed it down to me."
"Really?" Azzi turned to her, genuinely interested. "So you grew up here?"
"Pretty much," Paige said. "Stockbridge born and raised. I used to help my pops arrange bouquets when I was, like, eight. Thought I was so cool."
Azzi laughed, and the sound was warm and easy. "That's really sweet."
Paige felt her face heat. "What about you? What brought you to Stockbridge?"
Azzi's expression shifted, something quieter settling over her features. "I needed a change," she said after a beat. "I was living in Boston, working at this corporate coffee chain, and it just wasn't me, you know? I wanted to do something that felt like Azzi."
Paige nodded, watching the way the late-afternoon light caught Azzi's face, the way it made her skin glow. "So you opened your own place."
"Yeah." Azzi's smile returned, softer this time. "It's terrifying, honestly. But it's mine. And I want it to feel like a place people want to come back to."
"I think you're gonna do great," Paige said, and she meant it.
Azzi looked at her, and there was something in her eyes that made Paige's breath catch. "Thanks, Paige."
They stood there for a moment, the shop quiet around them except for the faint hum of the cooler in the back.
Paige cleared her throat and gestured toward another bucket. "What about these? White lisianthus. They're soft, kind of romantic. They'd pair really well with the ranunculus."
Azzi stepped closer, her shoulder brushing Paige's as she leaned in to look. Paige's pulse kicked up.
"I love them," Azzi said. "What else?"
Paige led her through the shop, pointing out eucalyptus for texture, a few sprigs of lavender for color, and some delicate baby's breath to fill things out. Azzi listened intently, asking questions, her hands moving gently over the flowers like she was already imagining them on her tables.
"You really care about this," Paige said, watching her.
Azzi glanced up, a little sheepish. "Is it that obvious?"
"In the best way," Paige said quickly. "It's nice. Seeing someone care that much about something."
Azzi's smile was small but genuine. "I could say the same about you."
Paige felt her face heat again, and she ducked her head, pretending to adjust a bucket of daisies. "So, uh, I think we've got a good selection here. I can put together a few sample arrangements tonight, and you can pick them up in the morning. See how they look in the space."
"That sounds perfect," Azzi said. She hesitated, then added, "Thank you, Paige. Really. You've been so helpful."
"It's no problem," Paige said, even though her heart was doing backflips. "I'm glad I could help."
Azzi lingered for a moment, like she didn't quite want to leave yet. Paige didn't want her to leave either.
"I should probably get going," Azzi said finally, glancing at the clock. "But I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Yeah," Paige said, her voice a little too eager. "Tomorrow."
Azzi smiled one more time before heading toward the door, and Paige watched her go, the shop feeling a little emptier without her in it.
When the door closed behind her, Paige let out a long breath and leaned against the counter.
Tomorrow, she thought, and for the first time in a long time, she couldn't wait.
💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐
Paige had stayed up too late.
She knew it was stupid. She had to open the shop at nine, and by the time she'd finished the last arrangement, it was well past midnight. But she couldn't help herself. She kept adjusting stems, switching out sprigs of eucalyptus, tilting blooms just so until the light caught them right.
She wanted them to be perfect.
For Azzi.
By the time she finally crawled into bed, her hands still smelled like eucalyptus and her mind was still replaying the way Azzi had looked at her in the golden afternoon light.
Now, standing behind the counter at 10:47 AM, Paige was paying for it. She'd downed two cups of coffee already, but her eyes still felt heavy, and she kept catching herself staring at the door like Azzi might walk through it any second.
She didn't even know what time Azzi was coming.
The bouquets sat lined up on the worktable in the back, wrapped in brown paper and tied with twine. Eight of them, small and soft and exactly what Azzi had asked for. Paige had checked them three times already this morning.
The bell above the door chimed.
Paige's head snapped up, and there she was.
Azzi stepped inside, and Paige forgot how to breathe.
She was wearing a loose linen button-up today, the sleeves rolled to her elbows, tucked into high-waisted jeans that fit her just right. Her hair was down this time, curls falling past her shoulders, and she had on the same brown sandals from yesterday. She looked effortless. She looked beautiful.
"Hey," Azzi said, her smile immediate and warm.
"Hey," Paige managed, her voice coming out a little rough. She cleared her throat. "You're here."
Azzi laughed softly. "I said I would be."
"Right. Yeah. Of course." Paige wiped her palms on her jeans and gestured toward the back. "I, uh – I finished them last night. Let me grab them."
She disappeared into the workroom, her heart pounding stupidly hard in her chest. Get it together, she told herself. They're just flowers.
But when she came back out, arms full of the wrapped bouquets, and saw the way Azzi's face lit up –
It wasn't just flowers.
"Paige," Azzi breathed, stepping closer. "These are gorgeous."
Paige set them down carefully on the counter, suddenly nervous. "Yeah? You think they'll work?"
Azzi reached out, her fingers brushing over the petals of the ranunculus, tracing the soft curve of the lisianthus. She was so careful with them, like they were something precious. "They're perfect," she said quietly. "Seriously. They're exactly what I wanted."
Paige watched her, unable to look away. The way Azzi's hands moved over the flowers, the way her expression softened, the way she smiled like she meant it – it all made Paige's chest feel too tight.
"Can I – " Azzi glanced up at her. "Can I hold one?"
"Yeah, of course." Paige picked up one of the bouquets and handed it to her, their fingers brushing for just a second.
Azzi cradled it in both hands, bringing it closer to her face. She closed her eyes and breathed in, and Paige felt something shift in her chest.
"God, they smell amazing," Azzi murmured. When she opened her eyes again, they were bright, happy. "You really know what you're doing."
Paige shrugged, trying to play it cool even though her face was definitely turning red. "I mean, I try."
Azzi laughed, and the sound was so easy, so genuine, that Paige wanted to bottle it up and keep it forever.
"I can't wait to put these out," Azzi said, still holding the bouquet like it was something special. "People are going to love them."
"I hope so," Paige said, and then, because she couldn't help herself, she added, "I'm glad you like them."
Azzi looked at her then, really looked at her, and for a moment, the shop went quiet. The air between them felt charged, like something unspoken was hovering just out of reach.
Paige's pulse kicked up. She didn't know what to say. She didn't know what to do with her hands.
"Thank you, Paige," Azzi said softly. "Really. This means a lot."
Paige swallowed. "Anytime."
Azzi smiled again, and then she carefully set the bouquet back down on the counter. "Okay. I should probably get these back to the shop before they wilt in the heat."
"Right. Yeah." Paige grabbed a box from under the counter and started packing the bouquets in carefully, making sure they wouldn't get crushed. Her hands were shaking a little, and she hoped Azzi didn't notice.
When she was done, she handed the box over, and their fingers brushed again. This time, neither of them pulled away right away.
"Thanks again," Azzi said, her voice a little quieter now.
"Yeah," Paige said. "No problem."
Azzi lingered for just a second longer, like she didn't quite want to leave. Then she smiled one more time and headed for the door.
Paige watched her go, the shop feeling emptier the moment she was gone.
She leaned against the counter and let out a long breath, her heart still doing something stupid in her chest.
Tomorrow, she thought. Maybe she'll come back tomorrow.
💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐
Azzi came back the next Sunday.
Paige had told herself not to expect it. Told herself that Azzi had gotten what she needed – flowers for her shop – and that was that. But when 4:30 rolled around and the bell above the door chimed, Paige's head snapped up so fast she nearly gave herself whiplash.
There she was.
Azzi stepped inside wearing a loose white linen dress that hit just above her knees, the fabric catching the late afternoon light. Her hair was pulled back in a low bun, a few curls escaping to frame her face. She had on those same brown sandals, and a canvas tote bag hung from her shoulder.
She looked softer than last week. Warmer. And Paige felt her chest tighten in that now-familiar way.
"Hey," Azzi said, her smile easy and genuine.
"Hey." Paige set down the watering can she'd been holding. "You're back."
"I am." Azzi walked toward the counter, her eyes sweeping over the new arrangements Paige had put out that morning. "The flowers lasted all week. Everyone kept asking where I got them."
Paige felt her face heat. "Yeah?"
"Yeah." Azzi's smile widened. "So I figured I'd come back. If that's okay."
"Of course it's okay," Paige said quickly. Too quickly. She cleared her throat. "I mean – yeah. What are you thinking this week?"
They fell into an easy rhythm. Azzi wandered through the shop, pointing out blooms she liked, asking questions about what would last longest, what colors would work together. Paige followed her, offering suggestions, her hands busy arranging stems while her mind stayed fixed on the way Azzi's voice sounded when she laughed.
When Azzi left that day, Paige found herself already counting down to the next Sunday.
💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐
The third Sunday, Azzi showed up in denim shorts and a sage green tank top, her hair pulled up in a curly ponytail, tendrils delicately framing her face. She had a pair of sunglasses perched on top of her head, and when she smiled at Paige, it felt like the sun had come out from behind a cloud.
"I'm starting to think you plan your outfits just to mess with me," Paige said before she could stop herself.
Azzi blinked, then laughed. "What?"
"Nothing." Paige ducked her head, pretending to adjust a bucket of daisies. "You just – you always look really nice."
"Oh." Azzi's voice went softer. "Thanks, Paige."
They spent longer talking that week. Azzi told her about how she got her first regular at the coffee shop who always ordered the same thing – a cortado with oat milk – and how she'd started having it ready before he even walked in. Paige told her about the time she accidentally ordered two hundred roses instead of twenty and had to scramble to sell them all before they wilted.
When Azzi left, she paused at the door. "See you next week?"
"Yeah," Paige said, her heart doing that stupid thing again. "Next week."
💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐
By the fourth Sunday, Paige had started preparing for Azzi's arrival like it was an event. She made sure the shop was spotless, that the best flowers were front and center, that she didn't look like a complete mess when 4:30 rolled around.
Azzi walked in wearing overalls again – this time both straps fastened – over a white ribbed tank. Her hair was in two French braids, and she had a smaller dimple that Paige hadn't noticed before.
She looked so pretty it hurt.
"You're staring," Azzi said, but she was smiling.
"Sorry." Paige looked away quickly, her face burning. "I was just – thinking."
"About?"
About how I look forward to Sundays now more than anything else. About how you're the prettiest person I've ever seen. About how I don't know what I'm supposed to do with all these feelings.
"About what flowers to suggest," Paige said instead.
Azzi laughed, and the sound settled warm in Paige's chest.
That week, they talked about Stockbridge. About how Azzi was still getting used to the quiet, the way everyone seemed to know everyone. About how Paige had grown up here, how she couldn't imagine living anywhere else.
"It feels like home already," Azzi said softly, running her fingers over the petals of a peony. "I didn't think it would happen this fast."
Paige watched her, something tender unfurling in her chest. "I'm glad you're here."
Azzi looked up, and their eyes met. For a moment, neither of them said anything.
Then Azzi smiled. "Me too."
But before Azzi left that day, she paused at the counter. "Oh, I almost forgot." She pulled a small cup from her tote bag, the lid still warm. "I made you something. A latte, but with a little vanilla and honey. I wasn't sure if you'd like it, so I brought it just in case."
Paige took the cup carefully, their fingers brushing. "You made this for me?"
"Yeah." Azzi's cheeks flushed slightly. "I've been thinking about what you might like. You mentioned you weren't really a coffee person, so I thought something a little sweeter might be better. But if you hate it, I can make you something else next week."
Paige looked down at the cup, then back at Azzi. There was something different in the way Azzi was looking at her – something more intentional, more personal. This wasn't just about flowers anymore.
"I'm sure I'll love it," Paige said softly.
Azzi's smile widened. "Good. I'll bring you something different next week. I want to figure out what you like."
After Azzi left, Paige stood in the shop holding the warm cup, her heart doing something she couldn't quite name. It wasn't just that Azzi had brought her coffee. It was that she'd thought about it. That she'd paid attention to what Paige had said weeks ago and remembered it. That she wanted to know what Paige liked.
Paige took a sip, and it was perfect – warm and sweet and tasting like something more than just coffee.
💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐
The fifth Sunday, Azzi came in wearing a light blue sundress that made her skin glow. Her hair was in a high ponytail, and she had on delicate silver jewelry that caught the light when she moved.
Paige forgot how to breathe for a solid ten seconds.
"You okay?" Azzi asked, tilting her head.
"Yeah," Paige managed. "You just – you look really pretty today."
Azzi's smile was soft, almost shy. "Thanks, P."
P. The nickname landed somewhere deep in Paige's chest and stayed there.
Before they moved through the shop, Azzi reached into her tote bag and pulled out another coffee cup, this one with a small pastry box tucked under her arm. "I brought you something," she said, her voice a little tentative. "I made a vanilla latte with a hint of cardamom this week. I thought it might be a little different from last week's, but still sweet enough that you'd like it."
Paige took the cup, their fingers brushing again. "You're really doing this? Bringing me coffee every week?"
"If you want me to," Azzi said, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I like thinking about what you might like. It's kind of become my favorite part of Sunday – figuring out what to make for you."
Paige's heart did something complicated in her chest. "I love it, Az. Thank you."
Azzi's smile widened. "Good. Because I have a whole list of ideas."
They didn't talk as much that week. Instead, they moved through the shop in comfortable silence, Azzi picking out flowers while Paige wrapped them carefully, their hands brushing more often than necessary. Between arrangements, Paige would take sips of the coffee, and each time she did, she'd catch Azzi watching her with that soft, intentional expression.
When Azzi left, she turned back at the door. "I'll see you next week, Paige."
"Yeah," Paige said, her voice quiet. "I'll be here."
💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐
By the sixth Sunday, it wasn't a question anymore. It was a ritual.
Azzi would walk in around 4:30, always dressed in that effortless way that made Paige's heart stutter. She'd arrive with a new coffee creation in hand – something she'd spent the week perfecting, a small gift wrapped in a paper cup and genuine care. A latte with vanilla and honey one week. A cold brew with lavender syrup the next. Each one thoughtfully crafted, each one a reminder that Azzi had been thinking about Paige all week long.
They'd talk while Paige put together her arrangements – about their weeks, about the town, about nothing and everything all at once. Paige would sip whatever Azzi had brought, and the coffee would taste like possibility.
And every week, Paige thought Azzi looked a little prettier than the last.
Every week, she looked forward to Sunday a little more – not just to see Azzi, but to discover what new flavor combination Azzi had dreamed up for her.
Every week, she fell a little harder.
She didn't know what to do about it. Didn't know if she should do anything at all.
But when Azzi smiled at her – really smiled, the kind that reached her eyes – and asked if Paige liked this week's creation, Paige thought maybe, just maybe, it didn't matter.
Because Sundays had become hers and Azzi's. Their ritual of flowers and coffee and the unspoken language they were learning to speak.
And that was enough.
For now.
💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐
The seventh Sunday, Azzi came in wearing a cream-colored sweater that hung off one shoulder and loose jeans that were cuffed at the ankles. Her hair was pulled back in a low ponytail, and she had on small silver hoops that caught the afternoon light.
She looked tired, Paige noticed. Not physically – just something in her eyes that hadn't been there before.
"Hey," Azzi said, her smile a little softer than usual.
Paige set down the shears she'd been using to trim hydrangeas and stepped out from behind the counter. "Hey. You okay?"
Azzi hesitated, reaching into her tote bag. "Yeah, just a long week. I brought you – " She pulled out a coffee cup, but as she extended it toward Paige, something in her expression shifted. Her shoulders sagged slightly, and Paige could see the exhaustion written all over her face now that she was looking closer.
Paige gently took the cup from her hands, but instead of taking a sip, she set it down on the counter. "You know what? I think tea sounds better today."
Azzi blinked. "But I made you – "
"I know you did," Paige said softly, her hand finding Azzi's arm. "And I love that you did. But you look like you need to sit down, Az. Come on. I'll make you some tea while we figure out this week's flowers."
Azzi didn't protest. She just nodded, letting Paige guide her toward the back of the shop.
They settled into the small break room Paige had set up in the back – a table, two mismatched chairs, and a kettle that had seen better days. Paige made chamomile, the way Azzi liked it, with a little honey.
Azzi wrapped her hands around the mug and breathed in the steam. "Thank you."
"Always," Paige said, sitting across from her.
They settled into the small break room Paige had set up in the back – a table, two mismatched chairs, and a kettle that had seen better days. Paige made chamomile, the way Azzi liked it, with a little honey.
Azzi wrapped her hands around the mug and breathed in the steam. "Thank you."
"Always," Paige said, sitting across from her.
They were quiet for a moment. Then Azzi spoke, her voice low. "Can I ask you something?"
"Anything."
Azzi looked down at her tea. "Do you ever feel like you're running from something? Like you moved somewhere or started something new because you couldn't stay where you were?"
Paige's chest tightened. She thought about her answer carefully. "I think everyone's running from something. Or toward something. Sometimes both."
Azzi's lips curved into a sad smile. "Yeah. That sounds about right."
Paige waited. She didn't fill the silence. She just let it sit there, soft and patient, until Azzi was ready.
"I left someone," Azzi said finally. "In Boston. We were together for two years, and I thought – " She paused, swallowing. "I thought it was going to be forever, you know? But it wasn't. It was just exhausting. I kept trying to be the person she wanted, and I lost myself somewhere along the way."
Paige's throat felt tight. "I'm sorry, Az."
Azzi shook her head. "Don't be. Leaving was the best thing I ever did. It just took me a long time to realize I deserved better." She looked up then, her eyes meeting Paige's. "Coming here – opening the shop, starting over – it was the first time I felt like I could breathe in a really long time."
Paige didn't know what to say. She wanted to reach across the table and take Azzi's hand, wanted to tell her that she was brave and strong and deserving of everything good in the world. But instead, she just nodded. "I'm really glad you're here."
Azzi's smile was small but genuine. "Me too."
💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐
The eighth Sunday, the conversation shifted.
Azzi came in wearing a burnt orange cardigan over a white tank, her hair down in loose waves. She looked lighter somehow, like something had lifted.
Before Paige could even offer her usual greeting, Azzi was already pulling something from her tote bag, her face bright with excitement.
"Okay, so I've been thinking about this all week," Azzi said, practically bouncing on her heels as she extended a coffee cup toward Paige. "I wanted to try something new. I made you a vanilla latte with a touch of cardamom and a hint of maple syrup. I know it sounds weird, but I promise it works. The maple brings out the warmth in the cardamom, and it's not too sweet, and – " She paused, laughing at herself. "I'm rambling. Just try it."
Paige took the cup, their fingers brushing, and she could feel the warmth radiating from it. More than that, she could feel Azzi's enthusiasm, the care that had gone into this creation.
"You made this for me?" Paige asked softly.
"Yeah." Azzi's cheeks flushed slightly. "I've been thinking about what you might like all week. I wanted to get it just right."
Paige brought the cup to her lips and took a sip. The flavors bloomed on her tongue – warm, complex, perfectly balanced. It was exactly the kind of thing Azzi would create: thoughtful and beautiful and entirely her.
"Az, this is incredible," Paige breathed.
Azzi's smile widened, and she looked genuinely pleased. "Really? I was so nervous you wouldn't like it."
"I love it," Paige said, and she meant it in a way that went beyond just the coffee. "Thank you."
"You look happy," Paige said, unable to stop herself from smiling as Azzi settled into the shop.
Azzi laughed. "I had a good week. One of my regulars told me my cortado changed her life. I think she was being dramatic, but I'll take it."
Paige grinned. "That's because you're magic."
"Stop," Azzi said, but she was blushing.
They moved through the shop together, Azzi pointing out blooms she liked while Paige pulled them from their buckets. It was easy now, the rhythm they'd fallen into. Comfortable.
"What about you?" Azzi asked, glancing over her shoulder. "You've been here your whole life. Do you ever think about leaving?"
Paige paused, a stem of delphinium in her hand. "Sometimes," she admitted. "But I don't know. This place – it's home. My dad built this shop from nothing. He used to say that flowers were his way of making the world a little softer, you know? And when he passed it down to me, I felt like I had to keep that going."
Azzi turned to face her fully, her expression soft. "That's really beautiful, Paige."
Paige shrugged, suddenly self-conscious. "I don't know. Sometimes I wonder if I'm doing it because I want to or because I feel like I have to."
"Do you love it?" Azzi asked.
Paige thought about it. About the early mornings and the aching hands and the way the shop smelled like earth and petals. About the way people's faces lit up when they walked in. About Sundays with Azzi.
"Yeah," she said quietly. "I do."
Azzi smiled. "Then that's all that matters."
💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐
By the ninth Sunday, they weren't just talking about flowers anymore.
Azzi arrived with her usual ritual – a fresh coffee cup extended toward Paige before they even settled into their conversation. This week it was a caramel macchiato with a hint of sea salt, something warm and grounding.
"I've been perfecting this one all week," Azzi said, her smile soft as Paige took the cup. "Was hoping you might like something a little richer today."
Paige wrapped her hands around the warmth, breathing in the aroma. "You're spoiling me, Az."
"Maybe I like spoiling you," Azzi replied, and there was something in her voice that made Paige's chest tighten.
Once they'd settled into the familiar rhythm – Paige sipping her coffee while Azzi moved through the shop – the conversation deepened.
Azzi asked about Paige's dad – what he was like, what he taught her, what Paige missed most. Paige told her about the way her dad used to sing off-key while he worked, about the way he always knew exactly what someone needed before they even asked.
Paige asked about Azzi's family, and Azzi told her about growing up with two brothers who never let her win at anything, about her parents who still called her every Sunday morning without fail.
"They worry," Azzi said, smiling. "But I love them for it."
Paige asked what Azzi's dreams were, and Azzi said she wanted her coffee shop to feel like a second home for people. She wanted to host open mic nights and book clubs and maybe, one day, expand.
"What about you?" Azzi asked. "What do you want?"
Paige hesitated. She thought about saying something safe, something easy. But Azzi was looking at her with those warm brown eyes, and Paige felt like she could say anything.
"I want to feel like I'm doing something that matters," Paige said. "I want to wake up and feel like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be."
Azzi's smile was soft. "I think you already are."
💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐
The tenth Sunday, Azzi arrived with her usual ritual – a fresh coffee cup extended toward Paige before they even settled into their conversation. This week it was a cortado with oat milk, made exactly the way Paige liked it.
"I remembered," Azzi said softly, handing it over. "From that first week when you mentioned you weren't really a coffee person. I've been perfecting this one all week – oat milk, a touch of vanilla, just enough sweetness that it doesn't overpower the espresso."
Paige took the cup, their fingers brushing, and felt something shift in her chest. Azzi had been thinking about her. Had been paying attention. Had remembered.
"Az, this is perfect," Paige breathed, taking a sip. The coffee was warm and smooth and exactly right.
Azzi's smile was small but genuine. "I'm glad."
Paige realized something then, standing in her shop with the warm cup in her hands and Azzi watching her with that soft, intentional expression.
Because it wasn't just about how pretty Azzi was anymore. It was about the way she remembered that Paige liked her coffee with oat milk. It was about the way she asked how Paige's week was and actually listened to the answer. It was about the way she laughed at Paige's terrible jokes and the way she looked at flowers like they were something precious.
It was about the way Paige felt when Azzi was around – like the world was a little softer, a little brighter, a little more.
And Paige realized, standing there in her shop with her hands full of peonies, that she didn't just have a crush on Azzi Fudd.
She cared about her. Deeply. In a way that felt bigger than anything she'd felt before.
And the thought of Sundays without her felt unbearable.
"Paige?" Azzi's voice pulled her back. "You okay?"
Paige blinked, realizing she'd been staring. "Yeah. Sorry. Just thinking."
Azzi tilted her head, her smile curious. "About what?"
About you, Paige wanted to say. About how much I look forward to seeing you. About how I don't know what I'd do if you stopped coming here.
But instead, she just smiled. "About how lucky I am that you walked into my shop."
Azzi's expression softened, and for a moment, neither of them said anything.
Then Azzi stepped closer, her voice quiet. "I'm the lucky one, Paige."
And Paige's heart, traitorous and hopeful, believed her.
It was about the way Paige felt when Azzi was around – like the world was a little softer, a little brighter, a little more.
And Paige realized, standing there in her shop with her hands full of peonies, that she didn't just have a crush on Azzi Fudd.
She cared about her. Deeply. In a way that felt bigger than anything she'd felt before.
And the thought of Sundays without her felt unbearable.
"Paige?" Azzi's voice pulled her back. "You okay?"
Paige blinked, realizing she'd been staring. "Yeah. Sorry. Just thinking."
Azzi tilted her head, her smile curious. "About what?"
About you, Paige wanted to say. About how much I look forward to seeing you. About how I don't know what I'd do if you stopped coming here.
But instead, she just smiled. "About how lucky I am that you walked into my shop."
Azzi's expression softened, and for a moment, neither of them said anything.
Then Azzi stepped closer, her voice quiet. "I'm the lucky one, Paige."
And Paige's heart, traitorous and hopeful, believed her.
💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐☕️🪴💐
The eleventh Sunday, Paige woke up with a plan.
She'd been thinking about it all week – how to ask, what to say, whether she was reading everything wrong. But every time doubt crept in, she remembered the way Azzi looked at her. The way she smiled when Paige said something stupid. The way she'd started calling her P like it was the most natural thing in the world.
She got to the shop early, even though it was Sunday and she didn't technically open until noon. She spent the morning putting together something special – a bouquet that wasn't for Azzi's coffee shop. This one was just for her.
Paige worked slowly, deliberately. She chose soft pink ranunculus because they were Azzi's favorite. White lisianthus for their first conversation. Eucalyptus because Azzi said it reminded her of fresh starts. And tucked in the center, a single peony – pale and perfect and just beginning to open.
Her hands shook a little as she tied the stems with twine.
What if she says no? The thought made her stomach twist. What if I'm reading this all wrong and she just sees me as the florist who makes her weekly arrangements?
But then she thought about the way Azzi had looked at her last week. The way she'd said I'm the lucky one like she meant it.
Paige took a breath and set the bouquet aside.
By the time 4:30 rolled around, she'd reorganized the ribbon spools twice, swept the floor three times, and checked her reflection in the window more than she cared to admit. She'd settled on a simple white t-shirt tucked into jeans, her hair pulled back in a low bun. Nothing fancy. Just her.
The bell chimed.
Paige's heart kicked up before she even turned around.
Azzi walked in wearing a loose sand-colored sweater that hung off one shoulder and loose light-wash jeans. Her hair was down in soft waves, and she had on those same brown sandals. She looked like summer fading into fall, warm and golden and impossibly beautiful.
"Hey, P," Azzi said, her smile immediate.
"Hey." Paige's voice came out a little rough. She cleared her throat. "You're here."
Azzi laughed softly. "I'm always here on Sundays."
Before Paige could respond, Azzi was already reaching into her tote bag, pulling out a coffee cup with the same care she always did. "I brought you something," she said, extending it toward Paige. "This week I tried a honey lavender latte. I wasn't sure if it would work, but I think the floral notes complement each other without being too sweet."
Paige took the cup, their fingers brushing, and the familiar warmth of the ritual settled over her. For a moment, everything felt normal. Safe. Like just another Sunday.
"Still spoiling me, Az," Paige said softly, wrapping her hands around the cup.
"I told you I like spoiling you," Azzi replied, and there was that soft smile again – the one that made Paige's chest ache.
They stood there for a beat, the shop quiet around them. Paige took a sip of the coffee, letting the honey and lavender bloom on her tongue. It was perfect. Azzi always made it perfect.
"Yeah." Paige wiped her palms on her jeans, suddenly aware of how nervous she was. "Yeah, you are."
There was a beat of silence. Azzi tilted her head, her expression curious. "You okay? You seem off."
Off didn't even begin to cover it. Paige felt like her heart was trying to climb out of her chest. "I'm good. Just – " She paused, then gestured toward the back. "Can you come with me for a second? I want to show you something."
Azzi's brows lifted, but she nodded. "Sure."
Paige led her through the shop, past the buckets of dahlias and snapdragons, past the worktable where she usually assembled Azzi's arrangements. She stopped in front of the small greenhouse attached to the back of the building – a space she rarely brought customers into. It was her favorite part of the shop, all glass and greenery and soft afternoon light.
She pushed the door open, and Azzi stepped inside.
"Paige," Azzi breathed, her eyes going wide. "This is beautiful."
The greenhouse was full of blooms in various stages of growth – roses climbing trellises, pots of lavender lining the shelves, hanging baskets of ivy trailing down from the ceiling. The late afternoon sun filtered through the glass, casting everything in a warm, golden glow.
"I wanted to show you this," Paige said quietly. "It's where I come when I need to think. Or when I need to feel close to my dad." She paused, her hands fidgeting at her sides. "It's my favorite place in the world."
Azzi turned to her, and there was something soft in her expression. "Thank you for sharing it with me."
Paige swallowed. "There's something else."
She walked over to the worktable in the corner and picked up the bouquet she'd made that morning. Her hands were shaking again as she turned back to Azzi.
"I made this for you," Paige said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Not for your shop. Just... for you."
Azzi's lips parted, her eyes dropping to the flowers. She stepped closer, her fingers brushing over the petals. "Paige, it's gorgeous."
"It's ranunculus," Paige started, her words coming out in a rush. "Because they're your favorite. And lisianthus because that's what we talked about the first time you came in. And eucalyptus because you said it reminded you of fresh starts." She paused, her throat tight. "And the peony – "
"Is just beginning to open," Azzi finished softly, her eyes lifting to meet Paige's.
Paige nodded. "Yeah."
They stood there for a moment, the greenhouse quiet except for the faint hum of the ventilation system and the distant sound of birds outside.
"Azzi," Paige said, her voice trembling. "I need to tell you something."
Azzi's expression shifted, something careful settling over her features. "Okay."
Paige took a breath. "I look forward to Sundays more than anything else in my life. And it's not because of the flowers or because you're a good customer. It's because of you." She paused, her hands gripping the edge of the worktable. "I love the way you talk about your coffee shop like it's the most important thing in the world. I love the way you look at flowers like they matter. I love the way you call me P and the way you smile when I say something stupid."
Azzi's breath hitched, but she didn't say anything.
"I don't know if I'm reading this right," Paige continued, her voice breaking a little. "But I can't keep pretending that Sundays are just about flowers. Because they're not. They're about you. And I – " She swallowed. "I really like you, Azzi. And I was wondering if maybe you'd want to go out with me sometime. Like, on a date. A real one."
The silence that followed felt like it stretched on forever.
Azzi's eyes were glassy, her lips pressed together like she was trying to hold something back. Then, slowly, she smiled. "Paige Bueckers."
Paige's heart stuttered. "Yeah?"
"I thought you'd never ask."
The relief that flooded through Paige was so intense she almost laughed. "Yeah?"
"Yeah." Azzi stepped closer, her hands coming up to cradle the bouquet. "I've been coming here every Sunday for months hoping you'd say something. I didn't know how much longer I could keep pretending I just needed flowers."
Paige let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "So, is that a yes?"
Azzi laughed, and the sound was warm and bright and everything Paige had been hoping for. "Yes, Paige. I'd love to go out with you."
Paige felt like her chest might burst. "Okay. Good. That's – that's really good."
Azzi's smile widened, and she looked down at the bouquet in her hands. "This is the most beautiful thing anyone's ever given me."
"You deserve beautiful things," Paige said softly.
Azzi looked up at her then, and there was something in her eyes that made Paige's breath catch. "So do you."
They stood there in the greenhouse, surrounded by blooms and soft light, and for the first time in weeks, Paige felt like everything was exactly where it was supposed to be.
"So," Azzi said after a moment, her voice teasing. "When's this date happening?"
Paige grinned. "How about next Sunday? After you pick up your flowers?"
Azzi laughed. "I think I can make that work."
And when Azzi left that evening, bouquet cradled carefully in her arms, Paige stood in the greenhouse and let herself feel it – the hope, the joy, the terrifying, wonderful possibility of what came next.
