“I’m sorry. This is going to sound a bit nuts. But do you have someone working there named Tuesday? She was an incredible help to me the last time I called and was hoping she could assist me again.”
“That doesn’t sound nuts at all.”
Is he being sarcastic?
“She was one of the very best employees we’ve ever had working at our shop. We get requests to speak with her all of the time.”
My heart plummets to my belly.Was?
“She got hitched and moved to a little town called Sycamore Mountain, North Carolina. She opened her own Cygnature Blooms franchise there.”
“No shit! Sorry.” I try to get myself together before continuing to speak in such a crass way to this kind gentleman. “I mean, no way. I’ve actually been there. She was there the whole time?”
A friendly chuckle travels through the phone. “Most likely. I’m happy to give you her store’s number.”
“Yes. Thank you. I appreciate that.” Yet something tells me, for this. I might need to visit in person.
I arrive backin Sycamore Mountain, and Dave and his buddy, Matt, greet me at the local airport. The perks of having money.
“Welcome back, stranger.”
“Thanks.” I shake each of their hands. “It’s good to be back. Well, maybe minus so much snow.”
“Aww, don’t knock it.” Dave grins. “Getting snowed in here has its privileges. Some of the clientele you’re looking to entice might enjoy a tricked-out mountain chalet experience.”
There’s something familiar about his tone I’m not picking up. Matt shakes his head with a knowing grin, seeming to be in on the private joke. But his statement holds some merit.
“You could be on to something. But I think after this, I might try someplace warm year-round. Like Sanibel Island.”
“Oh, I always wanted to go there when I lived in Florida. We lived in Candy Cane Key. Never made it to that side of the state. But Harrison says it’s a great place to vacation with kids.”
“Yes. Your brother was the one who sold me on the idea. Just don’t tell him I said so. I need to focus on one project at a time.” I chuckle nervously.If I ever make it to another one.
“So what brings you here?”
“I’m actually looking for Tuesday.”
They both share a stunned expression. “Alex’s wife?”
I hold my hands up in surrender. “Nothing like that. She helped me out before with a floral emergency.” I sound like a nutcase.
That’s because you are a nutcase.
“I take it this is about a girl?” Matt asks timidly, one brow arched.
Jeez. Just take my man card already.“Yes,” I huff.
Suddenly, Dave bursts out in laughter and slaps me on the back. “Welcome to the club. We’ve all been there.”
“Well, maybe not in the flower-emergency type of way.” Matt snorts. “But we’ve all done our share of pining and whatnot to win our girls.”
My shoulders relax. “Wow. I appreciate that. Thank you for not making this any more awkward than it already is.” I wince. “Never thought in a million years I’d be bonding with new friends over this.” I laugh.
“Heck, if it’s any consolation, we’re blissfully happy. So whatever humiliation you’re feeling right now is temporary,” Dave says.
“Spoken like a true newlywed,” Matt teases. “No, he’s right. One day, you too could be married with kids.”
Well, I may have managed to cross the married part off of my to-do list. Just need to keep it there. Kids, on the other hand, not so sure either of us are ready for that yet.
