Jeremy tossed my question back at me. "What do you think?"

I smiled faintly, trying to maintain my composure. "Then I'll take my leave," I said, handing the bouquet back to him.

Jeremy raised his hand, but instead of accepting the flowers, he plucked a petal from the bouquet and brought it to his nose, inhaling its fragrance. "So, what exactly do you need to see my dad for?"

His question made me pause. For a moment, I wondered if he was ...