Page 39 of Humility

“Yes,” I said, excitement filling me to find someone else who loved the same eclectic music. “My favorite is Home Again Home Again Jiggety Jig.”

It was amazing how easily we slipped into conversation and jumped from one topic to the next. I was hysterically laughing by the time we pulled into the parking lot of the massive greenhouse. The sign at the end of the road read, Jack’s Stock.

There were a few other cars in the lot as we parked, and it seemed odd to go someplace and not see someone I knew. Back home, I couldn’t walk into a shop or a restaurant and not be treated differently. Some of the other women loved the special service, but I’d never enjoyed being catered to like that. I loved feeling normal, and the thought of doing something like growing my own food or starting a business was thrilling.

“Do you know what you want to grow,” Enzo asked as we stepped through the doors to a place that felt like a fairytale.

“No, maybe a little of everything. I’m just not sure.” I picked up a basket as a man who reminded me of a walking leaf came over. Everything he wore was green. Even his boots were a shade of green.

“Good evening. Did I hear you say you aren’t sure what you want to grow,” he asked, his voice as soft as a whisper. I looked around, wondering why he talked like that and felt compelled to do the same.

“Yes, you heard right. I could really use your advice. I’m new to gardening and have no idea what I need, but I’d love to grow vegetables.”

“My name is Jack, and I have just the thing for you.”

Enzo and I followed behind Jack, who seemed a little peculiar as he continued to whisper. He tossed in a how to book and then so many packages in my basket that it was getting heavy. Without asking, Enzo took the full basket and handed me an empty one.

“Lastly, you will want this.” Jack held up two bags. “This is my secret fertilizer blend, and I promise it will make all your seeds grow like magic. The beans especially love it. I’ll have one of the staff members load everything into your vehicle.”

“Thank you, Jack.” I waited until he walked away before looking at the load we carried and then glanced outside at the pile growing beside the SUV. “I didn’t expect to spend so much.”

“Don’t worry about it. You can pay me back, and just so you know, cherries are my favorite.” He held up the package with cherries on the front, and my body flushed so hot that the tips of my ears burned.

“I really shouldn’t. You’ve already been so nice to me. I feel like I’m taking advantage of your kindness now.”

We both looked out the window at the sound of roaring motorcycles. Enzo screwed up his face at the sight of the bikes.

“You don’t like them?”

He shrugged. “I’m not a fan of any of the MCs in the area. That’s the Royal Bears. Their prez is Zayde Sinclair, stay away from them, they’re bad news. They tend to sell things that never belonged to them. If you get my drift?”

The sound of the motorcycles faded, and we headed to the register to pay for the supplies. The total almost made me fall over, but Enzo didn’t blink an eye as he handed over a wad of cash.

There wasn’t a spot left in the truck bed or back seat. It was so full that the hummingbird feeder I got was sitting on my lap. I’d always loved the little birds back home. They were a highlight of my day when they came to the garden. The drive back was much quieter as the sun set.

It felt like I had a solid plan, yet I was terrified and hated being so sheltered that the world felt foreign. We passed dozens of unique shops and signs for things I’d never heard of before.

“Here we are,” Enzo said.

I looked up at the small hotel’s bright blue sign, The Glass Slipper. It was an unusual name, but there seemed to be a lot of oddity in Beastville.

I got out, and Enzo walked us toward the side of the small building. There couldn’t be more than a couple dozen rooms.

“This is a tiny hotel.”

“Yeah, I guess it is more of a motel, but we keep the place exceptionally clean, and the room service food is five-star.” Pulling a key out from his pocket, he unlocked a door on the main level, and I was shocked when I walked in.

Everything looked like it was made to mimic being at the seaside. The walls were a pretty blue, and sea shell pillows lined the massive bed in the center of the room. A kitchen was off to one side, and a couch by the window looked toward a park. It smelled fresh and clean.

“Maurice was already by and put some food in the fridge, and the bathroom is in perfect working order. There are complimentary fuzzy pajamas on the bed and a change of clothes in the wardrobe.”

“How did he know my size?”

“I don’t ask those questions. I just do what I’m told. Your house should be fixed in a couple of days. Did you want me to come by tomorrow and show you around the town?”

“If it’s not too much trouble?”

He smiled wide, and it reminded me of a devilish cat. “No, of course not. We can do lunch. I know a great spot.” He nodded toward the truck. “I’ll take everything back to the house and drop it off.”