Harper frowns. “Allergic?”
I nod. “Cats. Figured I’d give it a shot.”
A dog howls out back like a wolverine.
I head for the door. “Not going to work,” I say between sneezes.
Harper gives me an empathetic smile. “Maybe try Geraldine’s Barn and Grill.”
“You mean bar and grill?”
She shakes her head. “Farm to table.”
I leave that one alone.
“They’ve got a small guesthouse. Make sure they give you a room upwind.”
I head out, still sneezing, certain I’m being Punk’d.
Aunt Clara, I hope you’re happy. Because I’m pretty sure you’re laughing your head off right now.
Chapter Ten
Ruby
“I’ve never seenshoes so shiny before,” I tell Desiree.
We’re sitting in my living room, both of us nursing the mocktails I made with random things I found in my fridge. Desiree’s eyeliner is smudged, and her hair is slipping from its bun. After a long day at the café, she looks like she could use something stronger. I, however, need to keep my wits about me.
“The city guy?” Desiree asks, her hoop earrings dangling. They are big enough to double as dreamcatchers. “Perfect haircut, expensive suit, permanently confused expression?”
I nod. “Griffin Renshaw. Clara’s nephew. She left him the flower shop when she passed.”
“You sure he’s here to sell Oopsie Daisies?”
“He hasn’t said it in so many words but the writing’son the wall. The shop’s taken a hit in the last few months, worse since Clara died.”
“I’m sorry, honey,” Desiree says.
I down the rest of my Blushing Pansy, which tastes like fruit punch, soda, and apricot jam. “I’m not going down without a fight.”
“Never thought otherwise.”
“I’m just not sure how to approach the whole thing,” I say. “I guess I’ll know more after I meet him for dinner.”
Desiree furrows her brow. “You’re breaking bread with the enemy?”
I nod, hoping he’s not the enemy but a kind soul who’ll listen. Have you heard of the river called, Denial?
“City guys like that are good at playing games,” she says.
“He’s Clara’s nephew and she loved the shop.”
She places a hand on mine. “Remind him of that.”
I force a smile. “Thanks for hearing me out. I better get ready.”
Desiree stands. “Good luck, hon. Stop by tomorrow and let me know how things went.”
