Page 60 of Until Joy

Hell, I didn’t even want to be touching the damn note. It seemed creepy. I looked up at July and Kayan.

“What?” July asked.

“Read it,” Kayan practically begged.

I sucked in a deep breath, then read the note.

My beautiful Joy,

From the moment I saw you, I knew you were mine. Fate made you just for me.

I first noticed how your smile shines brighter for me than anyone else.

I saw the way your head tilted toward me as you laughed, like there was no one else in the room.

I watched your eyes follow me when you thought no one else was looking.

You want me almost as much as I want you, even though that is not possible.

You make the blood in my veins seethe.

You make me want to sing or fly or destroy anything that threatens to take you away from me.

I will prove myself to you, and when I do, you will know the depth of my love.

Until we are together, believe in me. Believe in us. There is no other choice.

Yours. Always. Forever.

Bile burned the back of my throat. My hands went numb, my breath locked in my chest. The card slipped from my fingers like it had burned me.

“Who delivered this?” My voice was shaky.

“Some kid from one of the fancy flower shops from downtown,” Kayan said. “I signed for it, so let me see.” She rifled through some papers on her desk. “Are you saying they aren’t from Graham?”

July picked up the card and scanned it. “You’re right. There isn’t a chance in hell Graham wrote this.”

“Exactly,” I agreed. “Kayan, can you call the florist and see who bought these?”

“Joy, before I do that, don’t you think you should confirm they’re not from Graham? Has he ever sent you something?” Kayan asked. “Maybe his written communication is different than how he speaks.”

“I don’t have to, it was written by a madman,” I mumbled. I was trembling. But she was right. I needed to talk to Graham. I pulled out my phone and pressed in Graham’s number. He answered on the second ring.

“Hi, Doll, thanks for calling. I always like to know that you made it to work okay.” I could hear the warm smile in Graham’s voice.

“Yeah,” I said, as I struggled to keep the quaver out of my voice. “I have to ask you a question.”

“Are you okay?”

Shit, he must have noticed my tone of voice.

“I’m fine. Will you answer my question?”

“Sure. Shoot.”

“Did you send me flowers?”

“No. Was I supposed to?” Graham chuckled. “I will if you want. What kind do you like?”