Grunge clothing, skateboard decks, and alternative rock are my reality. Pastel tulips, fluffy hydrangeas, and my mom's pink flower apron are my temporary nightmare. I only cover shifts at Petals & Pixels sometimes, but it's enough time for Jax-the smug, patchwork-tattooed artist next door-to pick a fight with me through the display glass. He loves to push my buttons, and I love giving him a run for his money. He thinks he's the king of this block, but I've taken harder hits from concrete than anything his smart mouth can throw at me. It's a slow-burn war of words, stencils, and roses. And neither of us plans on backing down first.