Chapter 228

Joshua looked at the flowers and smiled softly. "Thanks." He took the bouquet and headed to a nearby dessert shop to pick something up for Jasmine. "I'll have the creme brulee, please. Fresh berries on the side, and could you go light on the sugar crust?" The shop owner, Irene Mandel, offered him a warm smile. "You got it. That'll be 12 dollars." Joshua handed over the cash. Irene glanced at the flowers in his hand again and lowered her voice. "Those are for Ms. Scott, aren't they? Flowers and dessert? My daughter takes piano lessons from her. "She's got plenty of suitors, so you'd better step up your game. Lately, there've been a bunch of rich guys parked outside the center in their luxury cars, just waiting for her." Then she added, a little more pointedly, "They're showing up with high-end rides and pricey gifts. So don't go cheap. If you want a shot, show her that you mean it." Assuming that Joshua came from a modest background and earned an average income, Irene leaned in,