Floria's Finest

I think I'm winning

2004-04-29T04:46:40Z

Gorgeous storm on the horizon, it will probably hit us tomorrow sometime.

Anyway, thanks to me afternoon nap I'm going to be awake for a while. So I was lounging in bed reading when I caught sight of the storm while stretching. Decided to go outside and admire it for a bit.

And caught someone else admiring me. He didn't like getting busted, that's for sure. That might make things trickier the next couple of days…but I doubt it. It's rather strange to see Rose looking at me that way rather than at other men.

I think he was even more furious when he tried to leave and forgot that he wasn't wearing anything. It makes me wonder what he'd say if I told him about the view I could get most mornings if I wanted.

Blast it

2004-04-28T17:54:04Z

Remind me never to get into such a ridiculous bet again. I'm exhausted. Mostly because the closer it gets to the deadline the more restless I become. I think I got next to no sleep last night. Hopefully this will all be worth it in the end.

I think a nap is in order. The weather is gorgeous today, hardly a cloud in the sky and pleasantly warm. So I definitely think a nap on the balcony is called for, yes.

All around the town

2004-04-20T04:41:44Z

Rose is a jumpy individual. I think I almost feel bad for worsening the situation. Isn't he supposed to be the jaded one in this (pending) relationship? All I did was insist we hold hands so he "couldn't run off and abandon me" and he was jittery all day.

It was fun going out on the town. The museum was interesting, though I confess I didn't look at the paintings as often as I should have. Then we went through the park and stopped at a charming little ice cream shop. He has interesting taste in ice cream. Didn't much care for my pointing it out.

The man is hopelessly attached to pink. It confounds me. Blue is much more his color, why on earth does he insist on pink? I think our...debate...on the matter frightened a couple of the store clerks. Of course that lasted an age, by the time we were finished it was time for dinner. And I got to pay, seeing as he did me a favor by showing me around.

He was pacing around his room earlier, it was all I could do not to laugh really. Do you suppose my plans are working?

I think I'm winning

2004-04-19T14:00:24Z

I seem to have become a regular to the sunday dinners at the Spaldings. I'm still having trouble keeping them straight, and they weren't even all here this past Sunday.

However there were plenty enough that there just wasn't enough room for everyone, and Pansy, Rose and I had to crowd together on a bench that was definitely not the roomiest. Rose was uncomfortable at any rate. Might have had something to do with the fact that I was a bit more restless than usual. Pansy of course was doing her best to not laugh.

And it only got better when the family more or less forced rose to show me around town today. An entire day one on one with Rose. Should prove interesting. We're leaving about 10:30, though knowing how the man hates to get up early on his day off we probably won't leave until 11:00

Ridiculous

2004-04-12T00:15:28Z

Apparently everyone realizes there is something between Rose and I except Rose. Which is somehow unsurprising.

Pans invited me to her house for dinner - good grief what a crush of people. I don't think I can even recall how many there were, just that there were a lot. I can't even imaginge growing up in a family that massive, it's a dizzying thought.

She of course neglected to tell Rose that she'd invited me, so of course he was twitchy and offended by it all night. I was vastly amused to see him lectured by Candace (Pansy's mother) about settling down - until she dragged me into it. Rose kept sending me dark looks the whole night, like something was all my fault. It may be the fact that most of the family seems to think we're dating. I'd be willing to bet Pans had something to do with that.

So everything is moving along quite nicely, and I met with Pans earlier in the day to further plot the demise of Rose. By far the most interesting Easter I've ever had. I was even sent home with some treats.

The battle so far

2004-04-11T04:15:36Z

Sorry to have been in absentia once again. The bet is keeping me rather more busy than anticipated - it's rather tricky seducing the man with whom I originally organized this piece of idiocy.

Idiotic is certainly the correct word - I'd say nigh on twit-like except I don't think I've quite reach that idiot's level. Nearly though, to be honest.

Someone needs to give me a tip on how to curb my tendencies toward rash behavior. Rose went out this evening (my taunting him of course spurred it) and he was escorted home by the infamous Tall, Dark & Moronic that was the reason this whole mess began. I digress...I made a comment about Rose and him and he quickly cleared that up (and if he doesn't stop calling my by those ridiculous names...) and somehow put it together that I might be...slightly displeased by the though of Rose spending time with other men.

So Marty is apparently on my side now...I don't think he cares so long as he's free to play. Rose has interesting friends. Save for Pans I don't think I care much for them. Speaking of Pans, she is meeting me tomorrow sometime to further plot the demise of Rose - someone remind me why I'm doing this? I must truly be out of my mind.

I'll show him

2004-03-31T17:12:10Z

So here I thought Rose and I were actually starting to get along - I actually thought the man might be worth something. Oh no, as per usual I'm glaringly wrong.

He dropped some papers off this morning for the spring festival and we were actually chatting a bit. So I filled the forms out and took them over - only to see him flirting shamelessly with Mr. Tall, Dark & Moronic. I guess he just makes nice with anything still breathing - as does Moronic, who decided to start in on me after I walked in the door. Apparently it's a crime to not be an easy mark. Excuse me for having standards.

So Pansy came over not long after I bit all their heads off - I hadn't meant to snap at Pansy, I do feel bad about that. It's almost a good thing Rose came over and interrupted whatever she was about to say, because I didn't like where the conversation was going.

Then again, now I find myself in something of a mess. Rose didn't like my attitude and called me on it. Decided he didn't like being described as quick and easy - I'm so sorry the truth hurts. Then he decided to inform me my standards were another of saying I have no idea what I'm doing - that I couldn't seduce someone if they gave me a gilded invitation. Clearly the fool doesn't remember what's it like to not be easy, I'll show him what happens when I care enough to actually bother. Should be far easier than him attempting to behave for an entire month. Like hell I'll make him clothes for an entire year; we'll see who's laughing last when I get an entire year of rent free.

I suppose I should make things more clear. Rose's "gilded invitation" comment inspired a bet. I bet he couldn't behave himself for the entirety of April; he bet I couldn't successfully seduce someone (without their knowing). If I win, free rent for the year. If he wins, I make him clothing for the year. Should be rather an easy bet.

Ah, but we've Pansy mad I can tell. Well she shouldn't have tried to interfere in the argument, she should know by this point that keeping us from fighting is an exercise in futility.

What exactly have I gotten myself into?

I give up trying to understand.

2004-03-26T15:34:07Z

So this morning I went out planning to fetch back the book I tossed off to who knows where...and there it was waiting for me. With a little pot of marigolds. So I guess I really have nothing to stand upon when it comes to complaining about Rose, do I? Drat the man.

Thankfully all is finally quiet again. It seems suddenly odd after all of last week. Hopefully it will stay quiet for a long, long time.

Is suicide a viable option at this point?

2004-03-25T16:33:30Z

HE TRIED TO KISS ME. Brad actually tried to kiss me. Hell, he actually did - I was utterly not expecting it. I was too stunned by the fact that he brazenly admitted to me he's been cheating on my sister. I guess I should care more but you know what? To use an old cliché, "They made their bed, now let them lie in it." But the kiss I was not expecting - he dated me long enough to know I would never tolerate such a thing. My sister is the worthless one, not I. To hell with all of them.

To brighten my day further, I stormed outside for some air. Even managed to grab a book, thinking I would just read and make the world go away. But I was still so angry that pitching the book in the general vicinity of the river seemed like a good idea - except I once again managed to screw up and nearly hit Rose with it. I never noticed him by the fence. He's never been out there before that I can recall. After that I just started pacing - it's so hard to hold still when you just want to break something.

So he made me sit down - and then insisted on brushing off the dirt he accidentally got on me. Do I ever learn? No, I don't. Stormed out of my house because my once-attractive ex (so maybe he still is but not to me) is a complete ass, only to wind up way too close to the gorgeous landlord that must now think I'm the world's biggest loser.

Why would he think that? Because I was so damned agitated I spilled my entire sob story. I think his precise words were "Oh. Umm, wow" but I'm not sure because I think by that point I was already running.

Now, should I jump into traffic or just hang myself? Never mind, I think I'll just go to bed and stay there for a long, long time.

NO NO NO NO NO

2004-03-24T14:03:18Z

That's it. I don't hate my sister - well, no. I still hate her. Right now I hate my father more. I told him to come fetch the hellion, not to send someone else. I specifically said don't let Brad come.

Well guess who's here? Oh god why did he have to come? He's not staying here that's for certain. If she thinks I'll cave to that, she's going to find herself dealing with a lot worse than a nasty right hook. I'll put up with a lot, but not with him staying in my home.

Luckily they're too busy shouting at each other to make my life more miserable than it already is. I'm hiding on my balcony for now…they'd better not start throwing things or I'm going to have some very interesting new fabrics to sell when I finally open.

And now Rose is coming out onto his own balcony…why is it the man only ever sees me at my worst or most pathetic?

I am never going to understand that man

2004-03-23T17:25:22Z

He looked ready to beat me into submission over what I know was a bill in his hand. Then all of a sudden he just told me to make sure Violet stayed away from the store and Pansy from now on.

I'm going to pay him back anyway of course, but from someone that's usually so quick to get mad at me…I must really look pathetic for Rose to take pity on me. Wonderful.

Now to go call my father and get this mess taken care of. If he's not here tomorrow to fetch the hellion, it doesn't take long to book a ticket to China.

Pansy should've just killed her

2004-03-23T17:11:18Z

So it looks like I owe Rose quite a bit for damages today…as if the man didn’t dislike me enough, my sister had to instigate another war with Pansy and wreck more than a few flowers in Rose’s shop…she's been following me everywhere for fear I would call someone and tell on her. Well I'm going to know, that's for sure. Enough is enough and I've done far more than I ever should have.

I really wish that right hook Pansy treated her to had knocked her out. I never should have agreed to put up with her in the first place. This was supposed to be a short break; instead it's become more of a headache than all the preceding weeks combined. Why couldn’t the brat stay at home? My life is pathetic enough, as has been pointed out to me, without my needing Violet to ruin what little I had left of a positive image. I’m tired of it. If one more thing goes wrong I really am going to murder her.

I’m in the shop typing this, and I can see Rose at the door. Just great. If I'm lucky I'll just get a bill, which is more than fine. But the way my life is going I get the feeling I'll be looking for a new place to live soon…

Fratricide

2004-03-18T00:53:10Z

I can’t believe…she…my sister is here. Here. As if that’s not enough, she went to the wrong house. She picked a fight with Pansy. And nearly spilled my entire sorry story to Rose. I hate her, I seriously, honestly hate my sister.

I can’t even think straight right now. I haven’t been this upset in years. Let me try to explain all this. I was on the balcony, enjoying some wine. I keep putting off the store' s opening (my employees certainly don’t mind the paid vacation), but quite honestly I’m just not as in to it as I usually am. Not the point. I heard a major ruckus next door. Rose shouting and making noise is nothing new, but I wanted to enjoy my evening so I went to yell at him. Only…it wasn’t Rose shouting. It was Pansy and Violet. I think I almost passed out. Not only was Violet standing in Rose's living room, she'd already managed to pick a fight with the only friend I have here!

I tried to interfere but Rose literally drug me out the way and said to let them go at it. Watching them I began to see what he meant. Remind me never to make Pansy angry. But it was rather pleasant to see my sister on the receiving end, it’s not often she’s outmatched in a catfight. I do wonder what started it though…never got a chance to ask. Of course, my sister hates losing so she simply abandoned that fight and rounded on me.

My asking her what in the hell she was doing here inspired the bizarre, “Talking to your girlfriend” comment. Why on earth would she even think that? I mean given a choice between Pansy and Rose why would she assume I was dating Pansy? Oh, but it gets better. Because her next brilliant comment was along the lines of “I’m not surprised that Brad turned you off men, he’s a terrible husband.” She said that. In front of Pansy and Rose. I do not want anyone hearing my pitiful sob story, most especially him. I’m pathetic, yes. No one else has to know that. I hate my sister.

So would someone please tell me why I’m letting her stay here? I wonder if anyone else knows she’s here? I could have her shipped off to China before anyone was the wiser, if they don’t know she came running to me.

Silence at last

2004-03-15T16:03:12Z

The phone has finally stopped ringing, a very welcome change of pace I must say. Whatever was bothering Violet has finally decided to stop botherin here, I suppose. In celebration I’m going out to dinner and charging everything to the business account. If Pansy is around perhaps I’ll invite her along. I can ask her about the Spring Festival and claim is as a "business dinner."

Dratted Woman

2004-03-12T20:05:53Z

Violet called me again. What is it with her and bothering me lately? I’ve barely been back in the country and already I want to leave it again. It’s times like this I wish there was someone to field calls. Answering machines can only do so much….

Perhaps I’ll go shopping today and “forget” my cell phone. Not really sure what to buy, maybe I’ll make a second attempt at getting Rose bedroom curtains. Ah, a new chair for the balcony would be nice, the one that was already here is not in the best of condition.

Never enough Time for a Break

2004-03-11T20:07:42Z

I had nearly forgotten my plans in regards to Scumbag and China. That is still going quite smoothly. He is lacking the necessary paperwork to go to China, but I’ve sent him – as a full employee – to one of our larger stores, where he’ll be trained (rigorously) while his paperwork is taken care of. Then it’s off to China until I give him permission to leave. It’s all in the contract some of his old friends…convinced him to sign. What can I say? I’m a businessman.

So that is more or less finished, and I seem to have come through it high and dry despite Rose’s fears. Ha. Though I would relax a bit, stretch out on the balcony and read a bit.

That’s when my sister decides to call. She’s still bemoaning the general lack of attention, even if she won’t come out and say it that way. “Neglected, no one cares about me anymore…” on and on she goes. I’m tired of it. I’m so close to just changing my number and not giving it to my family…but I managed to calm and flatter her enough that she’s left me in peace for now. Hopefully Brad will soon pick up on the fact that he needs to do something. I doubt it, but one can always hope.

Back to my book now, though the way my day is started I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before my neighbor concocts a way to disturb me.

Lily

2004-03-08T19:17:01Z

So I was going through the store to make sure everything was in order when Rose came rushing in. The second time he's done that, though the purpose of his visit was quite different from the first time he dropped by. His little kitten had apparently run off - we looked around the shop at his insistence, though I was doubtful 'Tiger Lily' had come so far as my store.

I was mistaken. The little scamp was off in the corner playing with the beadwork on a particularly expensive dress. We went after her at the same time and our hands wound up in something of a collision. He jerked them away rather quickly but I did notice that his hands are very nice. I must be more exhausted than I thought. At any rate he was relieved enough to get his precocious pet back that he smiled - I'm not sure he realized he did it. Probably not, but I won't complain as it made me feel a bit better. It's hard to stay upset about anything when he smiles like that. Now I am off to bed, before anything else happens.

I hate my sister

2004-03-08T18:56:59Z

First and foremost I must apologize for my long absence. I have missed being here and my little online posts. Strange how comfortable it has all become.

I received a call stating that my sister was in the hospital, and rushed home. We may not get along much but I don't despise her that much. At least, I didn't. I won't even bother with the details here, suffice to say it was all a show. Have I ever mentioned that she needs attention like other people need food? She was feeling sorely neglected, most especially by my brushing off her phonecalls.

Of course going home to see her meant I had to deal with her husband. I suppose I should feel bad that Brad apparently has been neglecting her (so far as lavishing her with attention goes) but somehow I just can't. At least the visit home means they have no right to expect me again anytime soon. It confounds me as to why they think I want to return. Because I most definitely do not. I would much rather put up with Rose and his aggravating quirks for the next few centuries than go home for so much as a day. God I hate seeing Brad. I wish the day when he stops upsetting me would arrive, I'm tired of waiting for it.

Speaking of aggravation, I realized I was a bit late in dropping off the rent and went promptly over to deliver it. Nevermind that all I really want is to curl up in my bed and sleep the rest of the week. The man wouldn't even give me the time of day, let alone something as harmless as a greeting. He's upset about something, but he couldn't even pause long enough to tell me what. Pansy was off somewhere. Just as well, I really don't feel like talking right now.

The store was originally set to open on the fifth, but I was pulled away before I could arrange everything. And I don't feel like dealing with it right now. I think I'll just pay the workers for the week and give them the week off. We can start fresh on Monday. I just want...I don't know what I want. But I'm not likely to get it so there's no sense in getting upset. I think I'll give the store a once over and then go crawl into bed.

I should have known she was up to something

2004-02-26T01:24:49Z

She brought Rose! Of all the...Pansy brought Rose to dinner. I'm not sure which of the two of us was more stunned, him or me. I could tell he definitely didn't want to be there when he realized I was the guest of honor. He was wearing my shirt too, which I'd imagine didn't help improve his mood. It looked good on him, I'm rather pleased at how it all turned out.

We actually managed to get along, the three of us (not that Pansy is ever hard to get along with). They were telling me all about a spring festival coming up in a couple of months. Apparently the Petal always has some sort of booth for it, Pansy was trying to convince me to do something as well. Maybe I'll look into it further.

We wound up walking home together, Rose and I. He decided an adequate conversation was quizzing me on why I like to spend birthdays on my own. Does the man not understand that there are some benefits to solititude? Clearly not, but oh well. I really do wonder why he still insists on disliking me.

Best birthday I've had in ages, to be honest. Even if my landlord didn't want to be there.

Presents

2004-02-25T16:02:27Z

My family sent me some gifts, which is somewhat of a surprise. They don't always - I'm guessing my father is pleased with me of late. Anyway, I recieved some rather nice editions of a few favorite books as well as a few new ones. Mostly biographies, of which I'm rather fond. My sister sent me a new watch...rather an elegant one, and expensive even for her. I think she's up to something. I'm just not sure what.

Rather looking forward to tonight, it's been a while since I've gotten away from the store. Which is set to open on March 5th. Which reminds me I still have letters to reply too...

She's frightening.

2004-02-23T19:12:37Z

Remind me to never again mention to Pansy that I plan on spending my birthday alone. The woman didn't like that one little bit. So now we're going to dinner. Don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to it. It's just rather disconcerting to be on the recieving end of that woman's indignation...usually it's only Rose suffering.

Oh yes - my birthday is wednesday. We're going out to the restaurant we went to on Valentine's Day. It really is the nicest little place.

The man is ridiculous

2004-02-21T19:10:46Z

He actually came over here to warn me to leave Lyle Baxter (the 'slimeball') alone. Which is rather amusing coming from the man whose face is still covered in greens and purples because of Lyle. I tried to explain what I was up to, but he didn't seem terribly impressed. Which is too bad, I had thought he'd get a laugh over seeing the moron who hurt him shipped off to China. He seemed more annoyed that I was actually getting involved.

I wasn't having any of it. I'm not going to stop what I'm doing just because Rose tells me to. He ran off in a huff - again. He does that a lot. One of these days he's really going to have to stand still and finish an argument. It's rather bizarre that he even came over here. He's never visited me of his own free will before. Let alone to warn me off some guy…especially considering how things went the last time he tried to warn me about some guy. I still can't believe I did that. Now I'm really confused as to why he bothered with trying to warn me. Huh.

various plots

2004-02-17T15:40:54Z

He has such flamboyant taste, I don't know that he'll be overly fond of something this tame...but everything about it top quality, from the fabric to the cut to the stitching. I had to guess on the size, but that wasn't actually too hard. He's almost too slender, really.

I suppose I'll have to take it to him some time today. How precisely does one do this sort of thing? If I were in his position, I wouldn't want the reason for my bruising to come over and thank me. But it feels inadequate to just let it remain anonymous...perhaps I'll take the cowards way out and hand it over to Pansy. We shall see.

In regards to the bastard that is the source of this entire thing, I hired a man to dig up what he could on the fool. 'Twould seem my dear friend owes several people a great deal of money. Well, I should say owed. I bought/paid all his debts so currently he owes me a great deal of money. Now I just need to decide how to make use of this.

Me? I don't understand...

2004-02-15T15:47:14Z

He…he got into a fight defending me. I can't even get my mind past that statement. But that's what Pansy said when she stopped by this morning. He was apparently at the bar and overheard some "slime ball" slandering my person. Hmm…I'm pretty sure I can hazard a guess as to who said detestable person was. I do believe he'll be taken care of shortly.

But now I'm really at a loss. I was relatively certain Thorne hated me. For that matter, I was relatively certain I mostly disliked him. I'm in something of a quandary right now. I guess some sort of thank you is in order, but how does one thank a person for something when one isn't supposed to know about the deed said person performed? I don't even know what he likes…and I doubt he'd accept it anyway. Hmm…I wonder if…this will take some thinking.

Huh

2004-02-15T04:11:46Z

I never really pegged him for the type to get into asinine bar fights. I mean he's rather careless and laid back in manner, but I didn't know he was that irresponsible…

From the beginning, I guess. Dinner with Pansy was wonderful. It's the most relaxing night I've had since being here. I think I had honestly forgotten how much fun it was to spend the evening with a friend. Of course everyone in the restaurant thought we were more than that, but that's somewhat beside the point really. Food was excellent; the lady has fine taste.

We took our time returning, window shopping and Pansy said hello to few couples she knew. I get the feeling she'll be given the third degree tomorrow by those same people, but she seemed to find it more amusing than anything else.

Nearly back we noticed the lights were on in the Petal. Which is really strange, because he closed not long before we departed for dinner. He was slightly miffed that his assistant was traipsing off with me for the night, but was more complacent than I had anticipated.

Anyway, we startled him while he was cleaning of all things. He…his face was a mess. His eye was rather neatly blackened and the lip is going to take a bit of time to heal. He really didn't strike me as the type to get into something so petty as a fight, but he seemed reluctant to speak in front of me. I left at Pansy's behest not long after that…it seems he's always going to behave like a child. Disappointing in a way, to be honest, though I couldn't tell you why.