She studies me for a second, then her face lights up.“Oh, Adrian.”
I hesitate, trying to place her, but she beats me to it.
“I saw you at the fundraiser,” she says, her eyes intense with familiarity.“You know you’re always going to be the talk of the town.The new doctor.Seems like you’re making a good name for yourself.Keith speaks highly of you.”
Keith.Of course.
I nod, offering a tight smile.
“He stops by every now and then, but you know how it is in this town.You see everyone, whether you want to or not.”She laughs.“Speaking of which… I read Amelia’s article about you.”
“Yeah?”
“It was really something.”Her voice softens.“I had no idea what you went through in New York.None of us did.”She shakes her head.“Well, it wasn’t right.I’m glad people know the truth now.”
“Thanks,” I manage, unsure what else to say.
“Genevive was in here earlier.She said half the town’s been talking about it.Most people feel awful about the gossip when you first arrived.”Leila waves her hand dismissively.“You know how it is.Towns love their rumors until they get the real story.”
“Perks of the town, I suppose.”I smile.
“So, what can I do for you?”
I get the feeling that if I don’t accept her help, she’s going to keep talking just for the sake of it.So, I go with the easiest option.
“I’m looking for flowers… for a family.”The lie slips out easily, even though every part of me wants to say,They’re for Amelia.
The woman murmurs, crossing her arms.“What kind of flowers?”
“I don’t really know,” I admit.“Something… special.A thank-you.”
She considers for a moment, then nods.“How about a mix of colors with pops of green?Maybe some red leaves for contrast?Something that really stands out.”
“Sounds good.”I sigh, relieved.“I trust you.Just… make it big.Like $200 worth.”
I don’t miss the way her eyebrows lift slightly.
“Generous,” she murmurs.“Oh, sorry, I didn’t even introduce myself properly.Leila.”She waves her hand.
“Nice to meet you, Leila.”
“Want these delivered, or are you taking them with you?”
“I’ll take them now.”
She beams, already moving toward the back.“You really made an impression on this town, you know.The fundraiser was a hit.”
I nod, remembering that day, how the whole community came together, how much of a success it was, how it raised enough to fix the broken CT, and how Amelia had looked at me, smiling in a way that hit me hard.I know Amelia said they would show up to support their town, but it shocked me to see how this small town takes care of their own.
“I was hoping it would be,” I say.“The hospital could really use the new equipment.”
“Well, none of us actually know exactly what a CT’s for,” Leila teases, gathering stems with practiced ease.“But we trust that you do, because we know what you did for Mrs.Wynter, and that means the world to us.That you took care of her because you knew something was wrong, so we’re happy to help.That’s what this town is about.Family.”
I nod again, something warm moving through my chest.After everything that happened at my last job, having people trust my judgement means more than I expected.My fingers trail along the edge of the wooden counter.“Yeah.I’ve been enjoying that part of it.”
“And the part where everyone knows your business?”She smiles, giving me a pointed look.“Not so lovely.”
I huff out a laugh.“That part, not so much.”
