Rows of colorful flowers in flats filled the tables in front of me. I guessed I’d need two flats of pansies and picked out some purple and yellow ones and then got four geraniums, two for each flowerpot. I placed them all on the little rolling carts they gave to customers. On a whim, I picked out a few tomato plants and some herbs, then wheeled the cart into the store. At the register, waiting to pay, I tossed in three packages of wildflower seeds.
“That’ll be thirty-four eighty-seven. Cash or charge?”
“Um, cash.” I dug out my wallet and pulled out two twenties. “Here you go.”
“Thank you.” The cashier, an older woman with her gray-streaked blonde hair in a bun gave me a smile. “You’re new around here, huh? Haven’t seen you before.”
There was a lull with no one in line behind me, so she could chat. I didn’t mind getting friendly with the neighbors here. Everyone seemed to be pretty nice.
“Yes. I’m helping renovate the Marones’ house, down the block?”
“Oh.” Her eyes brightened with interest. “Josephina’s house? We sold her all her roses.” The pride was evident in her voice. “I’m glad to know it’s going to remain in the family. Such a beautiful house.”
“Oh, I’m not sure what they’re planning. I’m a friend of Frankie’s, and I’m doing the inside over for them. I know that flowers always give the house curb appeal, like they say on those television shows, so I thought it would help.”
Nodding along with me, she handed me the change. “You like to garden?”
“Yes. I have since I was a kid.”
“Very nice. Well, we’re gonna be running a sale at the end of the week on some of the roses, so if you want to add to the collection, I can put some aside for you.”
“Oh, um, I’m not sure. I’ll ask the family. These I’m doing on my own. It’s so nice outside, I want to spend time outdoors and make the house look good too.”
“I like hearing that. Come back anytime. Ask for Rose if you don’t see me.” She laughed. “Yes, that’s my real name. I was meant to work with flowers.”
“I’m Aaron. Nice to meet you.” We shook hands.
“Okay, Aaron. I’ll have Javi help you bring everything to your car. Javi!” she yelled across the store, and a young, lanky young man turned around. “Come here. I need you to help.”
He joined us, and after we gathered everything, Javi and I decided we could make it in one trip.
“I’m only down the block.” I pointed with my sneaker. “The gray Toyota.”
“Okay.”
We walked in silence. I couldn’t help but notice his rainbow braided bracelets. We reached the car, and after he’d placed everything in the back seat, I decided to take a chance when I handed him his tip.
“Thanks. I like your bracelets.”
He blinked and pulled at them. “Uh, thanks. I got them at Pride last year.”
His defiant stare made me wonder if he’d gotten much flak in his life. “I never miss Pride. My boyfriend and I are planning on going this year.”
His eyes widened in acknowledgment. “Oh, wow. That’s cool. Me and my friends always go every year.”
I gave him a smile. “Maybe we’ll meet up, then.” I stuck out my hand. “Aaron. I’ll catch you later.”
“Javi. Yeah. Maybe.” He took off back to the store, but not before turning around a few times, and I waved at him before driving away.
Talking a mile a minute, little Roberto ran over to me before I could even get out of the car.
“My mom said I could help plant. Is it okay? Are you sure?”
“Absolutely, kiddo. Let’s do it. First thing is getting the stuff from the garage. Follow me.”
Like a little shadow, he trailed behind me, and we picked up the trowels and gardening gloves. Roberto slipped on a pair, and they dwarfed his hands.
“They’re too big.” He held them up in front of his face like claws. “I look like a monster.”
