‘Would it be possible for you to take a photo of me so I can post it online?’
‘It’ll be my pleasure.’
As soon as the photo was taken, Florrie uploaded it and captioned it ‘New Hair, New Me’. A second later she heard a cheer coming from the open window. Swinging a glance that way, she could see the security gate she’d driven through earlier, and beyond it a large group of people.
‘Look at all those people. What are they doing?’ asked Florrie, thinking there must be a famous person arriving very soon.
‘They’re hoping to get sight of you.’
‘Get away…’
‘No, seriously, they are. They’re some of your followers off social media.’
Florrie stared at the crowd. ‘Are you sure you aren’t winding me up?’
‘As soon as you posted that picture, they let out a cheer. Post something else and see what happens.’
Florrie snapped a second selfie and captioned it ‘Just about to be live on air on Today’s Scotland’.She uploaded it then looked towards the window.
Another cheer erupted.
‘Who’d have thought The Vintage Flower Van in the village of Heartcross could create so much—’
‘Joy and happiness,’ interrupted Meg. ‘Flowers are a wonderful thing.’
‘I quite agree,’ replied Florrie, still amazed at the crowd outside.
‘Now, are you ready? Your audience awaits.’
Florrie held out her hand, which she could see was trembling slightly. ‘I think so.’
Meg led the way to the studio floor.
Standing in the wings, Florrie watched as the programme went into the commercial break. Cathy looked up and did a double take. ‘Look at your hair! You look amazing. Come and take a seat.’
‘Thank you,’ replied Florrie, swishing her hair from side to side. ‘I love it.’
Meg touched her arm. ‘I’m going to wait in the wings. Don’t be nervous.’
Florrie slipped on to the couch and took a look around. The camera crew were positioned strategically around the set, capturing the interview from all angles.
‘Just relax, we aren’t going to ask any difficult questions,’ reassured Ben. ‘Just think of it as a chat between friends. That glass of water on the table in front of you is yours so feel free to take a drink if you need a moment during the chat.’
Florrie nodded. She suddenly felt her throat go dry and prayed that her voice sounded relatively normal. Her heart was beating nineteen to the dozen. She listened nervously to the director counting them in.
‘We’re going live in three, two…’ He signalled the ‘one’ with his index finger and pointed to the hosts as the signature soundtrack concluded. Ben and Cathy turned towards camera three with beaming smiles.
‘Welcome back toToday’s Scotland! This morning on the couch we have been joined by new TikTok and Instagram sensation Florrie Appleton, who went viral this week when she started posting all about her vintage flower van in Heartcross, a charming village in the very heart of Scotland. The Vintage Flower Van has been a family business for decades and Florrie has recently taken over running it, following in her ancestors’ footsteps. Welcome, Florrie!’
The camera spun towards her but thankfully Florrie remembered she was meant to look at the presenters rather than the lens. ‘Thank you for inviting me to join you this morning.’
‘Not only has your vintage flower van become an object of fascination for tourists and your followers, but the story of your great-grandfather has also captured the hearts of the nation. Tell us all about it,’ Cathy encouraged.
Florrie began telling the story and within seconds her nerves had evaporated, she had relaxed and she was beginning to enjoy herself.
‘My great-aunt Ada passed away recently and before she did, I made her a promise that I will keep The Vintage Flower Van in business and our family’s floral traditions alive,’ she concluded, ‘and that my great-grandmother will never be without flowers on a Friday.’ Florrie held up the photograph of her great-grandparents that she’d brought along.
‘This is such a romantic story,’ Cathy gushed, taking the picture and showing it to one of the cameras. ‘Have you always been such a fan of flowers, Florrie?’
