15. Chapter 15
Chapter 15
Lydia
T he crabapples look even better than I anticipated. Their colors deepened beautifully, enriched by the dousing of my homemade preservative. Each apple has a wonderful dewy glow and the leaves have retained their freshness. With the help of Marty and Laura, I assemble as many of the structural arrangements in the workroom as I can and then load them into the Blossoms in Bloom van to transport them to the Carmichaels’ homestead. We have the table arrangements; the wrought-iron stands that are to be placed on either side of the wedding party’s table; the central display; and an abundance of extras, just in case. On the way out to the venue, I drop a few perfectly formed mini apples off at the café, for Kate to use on her cake. She is thrilled.
“They are gorgeous,” Kate says clapping her hands like a child. “Do you have time for a coffee?” she asks as I head for the door, aware that time is ticking.
“Thanks, but no. I’ve got to dash. The sooner I get this lot up and in situ, the better I’ll feel about the whole thing. It’s going to take the best part of the morning, but I have a vision, and the effect will be stunning.”
“No doubt, my friend. You’re a creative genius.” Kate blows me a kiss. “And I’ll see you at the Carmichaels’ soon with the cake,” she says.
“I can’t wait to see it. I’m sure it’s absolutely perfect and it will make Rita cry. In the best way.” I wave and then dart out to Marty who is waiting in the van with the engine running.
With the wedding prep out of the way, and another set of happy clients, my next mission is to relax at my place with a glass of wine and a hot bath. I am pooped.
I took some photos of the wedding marquee before I left. And it did look amazing, even with the small army of caterers and techies swarming the place, getting everything ready for the guests who were due to arrive.
Kate brought the cake which was so beautiful it almost made me cry. She was dressed up and looking gorgeous too, as she was at the wedding as Rita’s maid of honor. I hugged Kate and Dylan, Brodie’s best man, and wished them a very happy day. I didn’t see Rita, of course. She was still getting ready. Rita’s mom and dad said that they loved what I had done, especially the apple element, which made me a bit emotional. So, Marty and I packed up as quickly as possible, and returned to Blossoms in Bloom, slightly ragged but content in the knowledge that we had done a fabulous job.
At home, after my frantic day, I remember my window of matchmaking opportunity is closing soon. Luke will be off for the holidays and Sheena will still be single. At Christmas. Not great, if you’re feeling left on the shelf, as I suspect Sheena is. I need to act fast.
I dial Sheena’s number. It rings. She picks up. I keep my voice upbeat but casual. “Hey, Sheena.”
“Lydia.”
I ignore the very curt greeting. She’s probably had a rough day. “I was just wondering when you’re going to book your pony trek.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Sheena sighs. “I haven’t really given it much thought. Maybe in the spring?”
“Really?” I take my phone into the bathroom, put the plug in the bathtub, and turn on both faucets. “Spring is a bit far in the future, don’t you think?” The gushing water is loud, so I walk to the kitchen where a bottle of Pinot Gris is chilling in the fridge.
“Well, Lydia. Thanksgiving is coming up and I have to organize my new kitchen. Gary’s coming over soon to measure up my units.”
“But life’s short, Sheena. Carpe Diem.” I seize a wine glass from the shelf.
“Excuse me?”
“Seize the day.” I set the glass down on the worktop, open the fridge, and locate the chilled wine bottle.
“Yes. Of course.”
“So, why not book your ride for tomorrow or the next day?” I open the top drawer and find the corkscrew. “You could perhaps use it as a visitor experience day and get paid while you’re on the trek. It’s only going to be a couple of hours, and then you can report back and share, firsthand, to the hotel guests.” I peel off the foil top and poke the pointy end of the corkscrew into the exposed cork.
Sheena is quiet on the line. “I suppose I could ask.”
“Didn’t you tell me, one time, that staff get a bonus for being proactive, or some such?” I push then twist the corkscrew into the cork until it’s all the way down.
“Ah yes. I’d forgotten about that. I could make this activity fit, and be up for the Outstanding Customer Liaison Officer Award at the end of the year. Ummm. That’s something to think about.” The line is quiet as Sheena processes the information. I pull out the wine cork which releases with a wonderful pop. Then she says, “Lydia. Will you come with me? The voucher is for two people, and it’d be fun, right?”
“Ah, Sheena.” I pour out a glass of beautifully clear, light-colored fruity wine. “I’m a bit tied up. Sorry.” I sip, savoring the fresh, tart flavor.
“Oh. Okay. I’ll just leave it until you’re free.” Wine almost explodes from my nostrils. I cough and reach for a paper towel.
“You don’t need me tagging along, do you?” I’m still choking, a little bit, but I manage to get my words out.
“You won’t be tagging along. We’ll be horseback riding, Lydia.”
“Yes. Sheena, you are absolutely right.” I regain composure and swig a generous mouthful of cool crisp refreshment. “I’m going to arrange my week around our horse trek. Yes. It’s important. Good. So, whatever day you decide, is fine with me.” The wine has taken effect. I’m suddenly very relaxed. “We’re goin’ ridin’ on ponies. Woohoo! I’m so excited.”
“I hope my pony isn’t frisky like the one we saw at the demo.”
“I don’t think they would put an inexperienced rider on an inexperienced horse.” I remember my bath water is running, and quickly rush to the bathroom, phone in one hand, wine glass in the other.
“Alright, Lydia. Let’s do this thing.”
“Yeehaw, pardner!”
“I hope I’m wearing the right clothes,” Sheena says as I climb into the passenger beside her.
“Sure, you look great.” I yank my seatbelt and click it into place.
“It’s just these jeans are a bit tight. It’s been a while since I wore them.”
“Oh, well, you know denim. It’ll loosen up with wear,” I say with an encouraging smile.
“Yes. You’re right,” Sheena says driving on up the street. “And I don’t really have any other pants that would be suitable. I only have suit pants that I wear for work. Not really horse-riding attire.”
“I think if you’re warm and comfortable, that’s all that matters today.”
“Yes. Rain’s not scheduled.” Sheena turns to me and grins. “It’s going to be an adventure. We’re going to have a nice day riding the range.”
“It’s a couple of hours on a farm track.” I laugh.
“I’m just getting into the mood. You know. The Wild West. Wyatt Earp. Kevin Costner. Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid. Clint Eastwood. Proper cowboys.”
“That’s Hollywood Wild West. Reality was very different, I think. Ooh, but I like a cowboy,” I say absentmindedly. Sheena makes a turn onto the road, heading out of town.
“You do?”
“Yes. Don’t you, Sheena? The hat. The boots. The slow easy walk.”
“Yes. I suppose so. There’s a certain pleasing aesthetic to a cowboy demeanor.”
“And what about Luke?” I ask gently probing for an affirmative. “Do you think he has a pleasing demeanor?”
“He is a very handsome man,” says Sheena with a coy smile. “No doubt about that.”
I sit smugly in the passenger seat, confident that my work is almost complete in the Sheena/Luke matchmaking department. A few hours saddled up together should seal the deal nicely. It’s what they both want. Isn’t it? And I’ve made it my mission to see these people together. And happy.
On reflection, my matchmaking plans haven’t gone so well, so far. But I’m positive about the outcome today. I look out of the window at the passing fences and trees, smiling with self-congratulation.