Chapter 22

As Noelle wiped down the last table, her arms felt like lead. Her feet throbbed with every step, and exhaustion weighed heavy on her shoulders. She had underestimated just how demanding this job would be. In her flower shop, she could take her time, let customers wait while she carefully arranged each bouquet. Here, there was no such thing as waiting—every order had to be taken, served, and cleared at lightning speed.

She sighed, tossing the cloth onto the counter just as Evelyn walked over, carrying a glass of water.

“You look like you just ran a marathon,” Evelyn said with a knowing smile, placing the glass in front of Noelle who was wiping down the last table. “Go on, drink up. You earned it.”

Noelle didn’t need to be told twice. She took the glass with both hands and drank deeply, relishing the coolness as it soothed her parched throat.

Evelyn leaned against the counter, arms crossed. “Not what you expected, huh?”

Noelle let out a tired laugh. “Not