Athena
My afternoon flew by.
Once I was back at the shop after having lunch with Jeremy, I pitched in to help Leanna finish up our outstanding orders before Al showed up to handle the deliveries and to take his wife home.
A few walk-ins filled my time after that.
Some of the people who live in the neighborhood are becoming regulars. The moment they enter the store, I know what they’ll gravitate toward.
I’ve been adding extra flowers to the bouquets they order. One of the secrets to building my business is creating a foundation of loyal customers.
Word of mouth goes a long way in this city, and if I can create a positive buzz by spoiling a few familiar faces, I’ll do it.
One of those faces is in the store now.
Percy Royster comes by once every couple of weeks on his way home from volunteering in the gift shop at a hospital. Hepicks and chooses what he wants from the containers of flowers in the cooler.
I whip up a bouquet for his wife while we visit.
He’s one of my favorite people because he knew the previous owner and always has a gem of a story to tell about her.
Today it was about a morning ten years ago when the supplier delivered enough roses to fill the shop.
An extra zero was added to the order by mistake, so there was a one-day sale on white roses that brought people from all over Manhattan to this little flower shop.
“What do you think?” I hold up a bouquet of peonies.
Clapping his hands together, Percy slides off the stool he’s been perched on. “This one will get me an extra kiss tonight, Athena.”
I can’t contain a smile. “I’ll wrap them up.”
I glance to the left when the bell chimes over the door. Percy does the same.
Liam takes a step toward us before he stops in place. Adjusting the collar of his blue button-down shirt, he smiles at me before his attention shifts to Percy.
I watch as Liam approaches him from behind. Percy hasn’t yet turned his attention back to me.
“Mr. Royster?” Liam questions with a quirk of his lips.
“Yes?”
I stop wrapping the flowers. “You know Percy?”
“He was my fifth-grade history teacher.” Liam tilts his head as his gaze settles back on Percy. “You have no idea how much that class changed my life, sir.”
Percy looks to me before he turns back to Liam. “I’m sorry. I taught so many kids.”
Liam nods. “I don’t expect you to remember me, but on the last day of classes before summer, you gave me a book about the early days of New York. I still have it.”
“Wait.” Percy takes a measured step closer to Liam. Adjusting the glasses on his nose, he gazes up. “Is that Liam Wolf under that beard?”
Liam’s hand darts to his chin. “It’s me.”
Chuckling, Percy extends his hand. “You’ve changed, son. My, oh my, have you changed.”
Liam takes the offered hand and shakes it gently. “You haven’t changed at all, sir.”
“Bullshit.” Percy laughs. “I’m twenty years older. My eyesight isn’t as sharp as it once was, and unless you’re standing within ten feet of me, don’t expect me to hear a word you say.”
