“What’re ya workin’ on this morning?”
“Oh, nothing.”
“Nothing?” He sniffs the air. “Is that mint I smell?”
“Yes.”
“Reminds me of your grandmother’s sun tea, doesn’t it?”
“It sure does.”
He notices the flowers displayed in the pitcher. “Well, this arrangement is mighty pretty. I would’ve never thought to add mint to a bouquet. You’ve always had a great eye, son.”
I look at my creation again and smile, thankful for the compliment.
“By the way, whose car was that parked out front yesterday? Did you have a visitor?”
I know this inevitable conversation needs to happen, surprised yesterday when Pop didn’t come over to investigate. The man’s curiosity has been known to get the best of him. But I know my grandfather rests most weekends, his doctor insisting he needs to slow down.
“Umm, yes, sir, I did have a visitor. It was Madison. She’s in town on business. I met her at the produce stand.” I turn around, holding the wadded-up parchment paper filled with scraps from my flower arrangement, and notice his eyebrows rise.
“What?” I ask.
He clears his throat. “Nothing. Nothing at all. I think it’s great you met Madison. Did she tell you we met too?”
I walk past him and throw away the trash. “She did. Said she ran into you while you were in town last week.”
“That’s right. I, uh, met her while I was having dinner at Jenny’s place. Madison is a very nice girl.”
“She’s not a girl, Grandpa. Madison is a woman.”
He chuckles. “Yes, you’re right. A pretty woman, don’t you think?”
I cross my arms and rest my backside against the farmhouse sink. “Yes.”
“And did you pick those flowers for her?” He points toward the counter.
I sheepishly glance at the violet-themed arrangement, its beauty undeniable. “What if I did?”
“Good for you. I think Madison will like it very much. Is she coming over again today? Is that when you’re giving it to her?”
My shoulders slump. Uncrossing my arms, I hang my head. “I haven’t gotten that far, Pop.”
He comes toward me and clamps a hand on my shoulder. “Well, did you get her phone number? Today is Sunday, so she’s probably free.”
“Maybe…”
“Hey! I’ve got a bright idea. Why don’t you invite her over for supper? We can grill some chicken and veggie kabobs. Maybe I’ll track down the old ice cream maker in the cellar, and we can rustle up some homemade vanilla? I think I can find the recipe in your grandma’s recipe box. How about it?”
Leave it to my grandfather to come up with a plan. A plan to see beautiful Madison again and gift her with the flowers. Add eating ice cream together, and it’s probably one of the bestplans Pop has come up with in ages. My lips curl into a broad grin for a brief moment before fading back into a frown.
“But I didn’t get her number.”
He waves me off. “Don’t you worry about that. I’ll give Jenny a quick call. She’ll have it.”
Several minutes later, I watch my grandfather’s truck pick up dust as he heads into town for special groceries for our impromptu supper plans. The man was true to his word and called Jenny, who happily provided Madison’s number.
My voice warbles with nerves as I speak into the phone after she answers on the first ring.
