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He nodded. “Glad we understand each other.” Then he gave me a blinding smile and looked at the display of flowers we were standing in front of. “Just out of curiosity, if I wanted to perhapsgive someone a flower that said I was interested—” He put his hand up. “But not too interested—because one must act aloof—which would you suggest?”
I could tell why he and Linden were friends. I’d known Cory for all of two minutes and I already liked him. I took a second to think about his question and looked around to see what I had in store. “Well, the viscaria is a bold choice. It meansjoin me in this dance. Not just an actual dance, but the dance of romance, or the dance of whatever you have going on.”
“Is there a flower that saysI’m just here for the dick?”
I barked out a laugh, grateful no one else was in the store. “Uh, not that I know of.”
He frowned as he hummed. “I don’t know if he’s a flower type of guy. He’s a big, tough bad guy.” He rolled his eyes. “Except he’s not really. He’s a huge teddy bear. But if I were to give him flowers on a date or something, I think he’d be embarrassed.”
I nodded. “What if you were to wear one flower on your lapel?” I plucked one long-stemmed jonquil from a bucket and held it to his jacket collar. “Probably not with this orange jacket, but it could look sweet with a darker colour. And this flower meansplease return my affectionbut that could implyplease return my affection for dick. So, if he mentions the flower, you can bring it up.”
Cory smiled. “I like that.”
I handed the flower to him. “Take it. Use it, and I hope you get what you’re after.”
He laughed. “So do I.” He walked to the door and stopped. “I shall report back in with Linden and say you passed the first test.”
I nodded seriously, though I had to fight a smile. “I shall do the same.”
With a smirk, he disappeared out the door. I found my phone and listened to Linden’s voicemails with a ridiculously stupidgrin on my face. I knew he was busy so I shot him a text in response.
Cory said I passed the first test.
Then I shoved my phone into my pocket and got to work, but I checked my phone during my lunch break to see he’d replied.
He told me you were sweet and charming. I’m sorry he bombarded you at work. Call you later tonight?
I thumbed out a quick reply.
I’d like that
Then, not long after Cory had left, I had another visitor at work. This time it was a woman in a sharp pant suit and long brown hair. She had a satchel tucked under her arm and a professional smile. She looked around my showroom as if she was assessing something.
I approached her like I would any customer. “Hi! How can I help you?”
“Yes,” she said smoothly. “My name’s Megan Morano. I believe you did a job for Linden Acres. Some red orchids and a kumquat tree.”
Ah, right.
The real estate agent who wanted my card.
“Yes!” I replied. “I certainly did. My name’s Keats.”
“Well, I loved your work, Keats. And your efficiency. Would you be interested in regular work? I can’t guarantee frequency, perhaps one or two jobs per week, maybe less. Maybe more. But most jobs will be short notice. It’s a fast-paced industry and that’s the nature of the beast, I’m afraid.”
“I’d be very interested. However, some requests will depend on seasonal availability, and where I can source them from. That’s the nature of this beast.”
She didn’t seem concerned. “I’ll be leaving the specific requests to Linden. He’s the one who knows what the client needs. His business reflects on mine, so I just wanted to drop in and meet you.”
I tried not to smile too hard. “That’s fine with me. I’ll discuss options with Linden directly then, yes?”
“By all means. Though Linden doesn’t do all my listings, so if I decide I need something else, I can contact you directly.”
“Absolutely.” I handed her my card.
She took the business card and held out her hand for me to shake. “I’ll be in touch.”
She left and I stood there, letting out a low breath.
