Chapter Ten
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Ben
Securing the stem in Styrofoam, I step back to review the custom order I'm working on for Mr. Wallcheck when Barrett enters the workroom, carrying a stack of paperwork that looks awfully familiar to the ones I submitted this morning.
"Ben," Barrett’s voice a low hum that cuts through the gentle rustling of cellophane from Caleb, "I need a local address for your file."
I don't take my eyes off the arrangement I'm working on and offer a distracted nod. I listed my old address on my paperwork because, technically, I was required to give a thirty-day notice, and I still have it until the end of the month.
"It's the same one," I mumble.
"The city address? Ben, you told us you cleaned it out and moved locally. Where are you staying now?" There's concern in his voice–no judgement.
A flicker of amusement dances across my face when I look over my shoulder. Barrett is looking at me with pinched brows.
"Technically," I say, with a slow grin as I turn toward Barrett, "I'm living in my camper van."
Caleb, who had been meticulously arranging an explosion of red and pink roses on the opposite worktable, drops whatever tool he had in his hand with a clatter. He storms right over to where I'm standing, his face a mask of mock outrage.
"Oh, no, you don't!" Caleb cries out, turning to Barrett. "Daddy, you tell him. He can't just live in his van like a homelessperson. Not while he's got a perfectly good, if slightly messy, workroom right here." He stomps his foot. "And it probably smells better, too."
I chuckle, shaking my head. "It's more comfortable than it sounds, Caleb. And the view of the sunrise over at the park is breathtaking."
I've been renting a space designed for RVs at the campgrounds. Since I don't need any of the hookups–water, sewer, electricity–the manager is giving me a considerable discount. It's only temporary until I receive a few paychecks and can afford an apartment. The move down here cost me more than I planned.
Barrett, tapping a pen against his chin as if deep in thought, "If you need a place to stay or a pay advance to get you a place, we can work something out."
I shake my head. "No. I am actually enjoying the freedom of living in the van. It's designed for it. Besides, I'm small enough that the space doesn't feel cramped, and it's no different than if I were on a weekend camping trip."
"You'll let me know if you need anything." It wasn't a question.
"Of course."
The campgrounds are nice. It features a man-made lake, a clubhouse with a theater room, restroom facilities with showers, and a pool that comes into use when the weather warms up. What more could a person ask for? Besides, I'm doing this on my own, and I don't want a free handout. I'm already grateful Kai got me this job.
When I look over at Caleb, he has a pout on his lips. "Seriously, Caleb, my little home on wheels is cozy."
"Cozy until a stray pigeon poops on your windshield," he giggles. "Or a squirrel puts his nuts in your tailpipe." I let out a coughed laugh. "Oh. My. God. Not like that, you sicko."
We're both now giggling, and Barrett tells us it's time for lunch.
The rest of the afternoon is relatively quiet. Caleb and I work on arrangements for tomorrow's busiest flower day, and he's wrapping up the last custom order now.
My phone vibrating in my pocket causes me to take a moment before beginning the cleanup of my workstation.I press the button to listen to the text.
Jason:Hey, Flower. Hope your day is as bright as the last arrangement you worked on.
Could this guy be any cheesier? But I like it.I hit the microphone button to respond. “It was a good day. I just finished up my last custom order.”
Jason:Still on for tonight?
We have gone out on easy dates every night this week. Casual. Low key since we’re both busy. Tonight, he's meeting me at Steamed when I get off for a coffee date.
A chance to get to know each other better.
“Yes. I'll meet you at Steamed when I'm off at 5,” I say into my phone before sending off the message.
