They take off right before Monday morning business starts up, and I work over the conversation. The shock of Clay leaving has sent me reeling, but I don’t want to give in to that.
What I experienced with him was real. It meant something. And Clay showed me that I mean something to him, too, in a million small ways and quite a few big ones.
He might not say it, but his actions show me.
My sturdy shelves. The renovated building with a good owner.
Niagara Falls.
My phone buzzes. I see he’s replied, and I open it immediately.
Clay: Yeah, nothing to worry about. I’ll let you know when I’m coming back through town
He follows it up with one blue heart.
Clouds settle over me again, the doubts rising back up.
I help out a few customers and then turn my attention to my email. Our biggest regional supplier sends out a list of the inventory and weekly market prices every Monday morning, and placing that order is a major component in planning the week’s bouquets.
I scroll through the offerings, calculating how best I can make this diminished supply work. We’re supposed to debut our revamped flower stand at the farmer’s market this weekend, and with Flower Hub set to open, we need to make a splash.
Remembering Clay’s encouragement, I click over and send an email to the freelance marketing team, too, telling them that I’m ready to put down a deposit. If I’m doing this, I need to commit fully. No more tiptoeing around in business, and no more balking in love, either.
After placing an order to secure what I can of the available stock, I busy myself around the shop. The building stress makes me want Clay even more. He gives good advice, and he’s clearheaded about finances and work. But it’s really his encouragement and sympathy I’m aching for.
I hope he knows what he means to me.
Late in the morning, the front door swings open, and Kavya comes in. She’s still wearing her suit from last night, although it’s a bit dirty, like she’s been working in a garden.
I smile. “Morning. You’re early. I take it you had fun at singles night, considering you’re still wearing last night’s party clothes.”
Kavya pulls a twig out of her hair. “Actually. I didn’t make it to the singles night.” She rocks back on her heels. “I went back to Starlight Fields with Zooey.”
I light up. “I love that! I knew there was something brewing between you two.”
“Turns out we have some shared passions,” she deadpans. “And now I need to go home and change. But Zooey gave me a ride back, and we have an idea that we wanted to share with you.”
“Oh, sure.” I walk to the window and wave at Zooey, who stands on the sidewalk, waiting. “Hi, Zooey!” I yell through the window.
Zooey startles. She’s changed out of her party outfit, into a denim skirt and a white T-shirt, but she's still got a few flowers stuck in her now-messy hair.
She comes inside the shop. “Hi, Nicholas,” she says, a little shy.
I grin at the two of them, glad my birthday brought a little romantic luck to someone. “Good to see you.”
Zooey glances around the shop. “You’re low on dahlias and lilies,” she says, almost to herself.
“The Flower Hub supply crunch,” I say. “And this week’s refill is coming in short. Do you have any overstock you want to unload?”
Kavya steps in. “That’s what we wanted to talk to you about. We were roaming the flower fields under the moonlight last night, and Zooey told me about a project she’s been working on.”
Zoeey takes Kavya’s hand. “It’s an old dream, but I’ve been meaning to build a booth for the farm for years, so we can visit farmer's markets in the area. I’ve only ever got as far as sketching it out, though. We’ve been so busy these last years, and the start-up cost is substantial. I’m sure you know.”
“But then I thought—what about a collaboration?” Kavya adds, excited and more animated than usual. “We’ve got the business infrastructure. They’ve got the product we need. With Zooey helping me plan stock seasons in advance, and all their choice blooms available to us, I’ll be able to make art.”
Zoeey smiles longingly at Kavya. “You always make art.”
I consider it, and the pieces immediately start to fall together in my mind. “It’s a pretty great idea,” I tell her, seeing all the ways this could benefit our businesses. “And I’d love the chance to work with you more, too, Zooey.”
Zooey smiles, and I tap my chin.
“Let’s schedule a meeting,” I tell her. “See if we can work something out.”I turn to Kavya. “Great idea.”
This is just the boost we need to get back on track. Blossom and Starlight Fields have always collaborated. A joint venture now will not only make our flower stand financially feasible, itwill strengthen our relationship and secure us a steady supply of fresh product from the best local source there is.
My eyes flit over to my phone. I’ve got to figure out what I’ll say to Clay, but a new sense of determination fills me.
I’ve spent years building the life I want, and I’m not about to let my man walk away.
