16. Violet
Chapter 16
Violet
It’s been a slow day in the shop. A few customers have come in looking for some plants, but it’s been empty otherwise. I’ve been spending my free time organizing shelves when my laptop dings with a new email.
Time: Monday, March 11th
From: [email protected]
Subject: Important! Change of plans this Saturday
Dear Small Business Owners of Thornwood Valley,
I hope this email finds you well. There has been a change of plans for this Saturday's competition. Instead of the annual week three pie eating competition, we decided to change things up.
There have been complaints from almost every team about an unfair advantage. The folks that have been participating for many years know what to expect at each competition. This is a valid complaint, so we are doing something about it this year. Instead, there will be a treasure hunt. Each team will be given a total of four clues. You will search the town until every group finds the final treasure. Everyone is to meet at the picnic area between Dr. Newman’s office and Fix-Its at one p.m. The String Cheese will have a few tables set up with pizza and pepperoni rolls at noon if you’d like to show up early for a bite to eat.
Please email me with any questions or concerns you may have.
See you soon,
Constance
This is an interesting change of events. I sit back on the stool behind the cash register. I better let Dustin know. I’m sure he hasn’t checked his email, since he didn’t even know she was sending them in the first place.
VIOLET
Can you believe that email?
To my surprise, he answers almost immediately.
DUSTIN
What email?
VIOLET
Have you been getting any of the emails from Constance?
DUSTIN
No? We’ve been over this. How would she even get my email anyway?
VIOLET
We’re talking about Constance, of course she found your email.
I pocket my phone when Mr. Rhett, Dustin’s Grandfather, walks in and to the counter.
“Hi Violet. It’s nice to see you.” His warm smile lights up the room. He’s wearing a pair of jean overalls and work boots.
“Hi Mr. Rhett, what can I help you with?”
“Please call me George. I’d love to get a flower arrangement. I want to surprise Abigail with some for our anniversary tonight.”
“Of course. I’m sure she will be so glad to receive them. Do you have anything specific in mind?”
“She always loved roses. Especially white ones.”
“Perfect! I have some, I’ll grab them for you.” My phone buzzes in my pocket while I walk to the flowers stored in the center rack. I walk across them all looking for the rose section.
“How’s Dustin treating you?”
I stop and look up at him. I was definitely not expecting that.
“He’s been treating me well. We’ve been making a pretty great team.”
“He won’t stop talking about you. All I hear while I show him the ropes during the day is about you.”
“Really?” I blush, my cheeks turning bright red.
“I only ever tell the truth. I wouldn’t make that up. He told me all about the chicken and how it laid an egg on his foot. And how you laughed so hard.”
I chuckle. It sure does sound like he knows a lot. “That was the best day ever.” My phone buzzes in my pocket again.
“On a more serious note, I’ve never heard him talk about a love interest ever. Take that how you want.”
Love interest? Am I a love interest to Dustin? I thought we were just friends. Anyways, we recently became friends, so there's no way. I find the bouquet of roses and hand them over to George.
“Here you go. I hope Abigail loves them. And happy anniversary,” I say with a smile. My phone buzzes in my pocket another time. Who could be texting me so much?
“How much do I owe you?”
“Nothing, this one is on me.”
“No dear, you work hard to run this business. Take this.” He shoves a bill in my hand, and I know I can’t refuse. It won’t get me anywhere. “And Violet?”
“Yes?”
“Think about what I said.” Before I can ask what he means, he’s gone. The shop door swings shut. My phone buzzes again and I’m one centimeter away from throwing the thing out of the window.
DUSTIN
Oh, there’s many emails from her.
Wait! Change of plans. Is that it?
Well, I never even knew what the plans were in the first place so I guess this doesn’t shock me in the least.
Are you alive?Was the email too big of a shock? Or are you ignoring me?
VIOLET
I’m fine. Your grandpa was in the shop. BTW, can you stop blowing up my phone?
DUSTIN
Self destructing in 3 … 2 … 1
VIOLET
Very funny.
DUSTIN
Meet me tomorrow to come up with a plan of attack for the treasure hunt.
VIOLET
My place at 6. I’ll provide dinner.
DUSTIN
It’s a date?
VIOLET
It’s whatever you want to think it is.