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As I rounded the corner, the auto shop came into view. The sight of it brought a small sense of comfort, a reminder of the life I was trying to live here, even if it was only temporary. I slowed to a jog as I approached the shop, noticing that the garage door was already open.
I was still catching my breath when I saw Joe inside, hunched over the books at the counter. He looked up as I walked in, a grin spreading across his weathered face.
“Well, look who decided to join the land of the living,” Joe said, straightening up. “You’re out early.”
I grabbed a towel from the workbench and wiped the sweat from my brow. “Needed to clear my head,” I replied, trying to sound casual.
Joe eyed me for a moment, then nodded. “Yeah? And how’s that working out for you?”
I shrugged, leaning against the counter as I caught my breath. “Still working on it.”
Joe chuckled, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied me. “You’ve got that look in your eye,” he said, his tone teasing but laced with something more. “The kind of look a man gets when he’s thinking about a woman.”
I couldn’t help but laugh, though it came out a little more strained than I intended. “Am I that obvious?”
“Only to someone who’s been around the block a few times,” Joe replied with a wink. “So, what’s her name?”
I hesitated—then figured there was no point in hiding it. “Natalie.”
Joe nodded, a knowing look crossing his face. “Ah, the preschool teacher. She’s a good one, that girl. Tough, but with a heart of gold.”
“Yeah,” I said, my thoughts drifting back to last night. “She is.”
Joe set the books aside, giving me his full attention. “So what’s got you all twisted up, then? From where I’m standing, it looks like you’ve got a good thing going.”
“It’s... complicated,” I admitted, not wanting to dive into the details but needing to say something. “I’m not sure how to approach her after last night. I don’t want to mess things up.”
Joe nodded slowly, leaning back against the counter as he crossed his arms. “You care about her, don’t you?”
I looked up at him, surprised by the directness of the question. “Yeah, I do.”
“Then don’t overthink it,” Joe said, his tone firm but gentle. “Just be honest with her. Show her that you’re serious, but don’t push too hard. Women like Natalie... they need to know that you’re in it for the right reasons, that you’re not just looking for a fling.”
I nodded, appreciating his straightforward advice. “So what do you suggest?”
Joe grinned, that mischievous glint back in his eyes. “Simple. Get her something that shows you’re thinking about her—something thoughtful, but not over the top. Like a bouquet of flowers. Trust me, it might sound of old-fashioned, but it’ll go a long way.”
I raised an eyebrow, not entirely convinced. “Flowers?”
“Flowers,” Joe repeated with a nod. “It’s a small gesture, but it says a lot. And if you really want to impress her, go for something other than the usual roses. Pick something that’s a little more personal.”
I let his words sink in, the idea of doing something as simple as buying flowers feeling strangely foreign to me. But then again, maybe that was exactly what I needed—something outside of my comfort zone, something that showed Natalie I was willing to make an effort.
“Alright,” I said finally. “I’ll give it a shot.”
Joe slapped me on the back, a wide grin on his face. “That’s the spirit. Now, go take a shower before you stink up the whole place.”
I laughed, the strain in my chest easing just a little. “Yes, sir.”
As I headed upstairs to clean up, I couldn’t help but feel a new sense of resolve. Maybe this was exactly what I needed—to stop overthinking, to stop trying to control everything, and just let things happen. And maybe I’d find something here in Cedar Cove that was worth holding onto.
Later that afternoon, I found myself standing in front of the local florist, staring at the display of flowers in the window. The vibrant colors, the delicate petals—I had no idea where to start. But Joe’s words echoed in my mind, urging me to take the leap.
With a deep breath, I pushed open the door and stepped inside, determined to find the perfect bouquet for Natalie. The shop was filled with the heady scent of blooming flowers, a mix of sweet and earthy that seemed to calm my nerves just a bit. Rows of arrangements lined the walls, each more elaborate than the last. My eyes darted from one to the next, trying to make sense of what any of it meant.
“Can I help you with something?” The florist, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes and a welcoming smile appeared from behind the counter.
“Yeah, I hope so,” I replied, running a hand through my hair. “I’m looking for some flowers, but I have no idea where to start.”
