Chapter Three
Hema
Every day was different in the flower business, although it might not seem like that from a distance.
I had the only shop not only in our town, but we served a few others that had no such business.
When I opened, I was concerned that there might not be enough business, and I had to turn at least a modest profit quickly if I was going to keep the doors open.
Even in my short tenure as a shopkeeper, I had figured that out.
I’d made the decision to open the store almost on a whim.
A flyer pinned to the community board at the grocery advertised a grant program for first-time business owners who had a solid plan.
It seemed there had been an economic downturn a number of years before, and although things were improving, a number of storefronts and other commercial spaces not on Main Street remained empty.
So, they were looking for ambitious people to fill those spaces and the unmet needs of the town.
A list of suggested businesses was available on the town website.
One of which was a florist. I loved flowers.
Always had, although I’d never had a place of my own to grow them.
And that was part of the dream. One day, I would have a nice yard where I could grow every color of blossom for my own pleasure and the beautification of the neighborhood.
People would walk by and say, “That Hema sure has a green thumb.” But a flower shop sounded like the next best thing.
And once I got started on it, I wasn’t so sure it was next.
Maybe it was even better. Not that I wouldn’t grow a garden when the opportunity came someday, but designing and organizing everything, taking classes online!
The grant came with an educational budget.
That was one of the best add-ons. I learned bookkeeping and supply and demand, flower arranging and so many more things.
I didn’t really believe I’d get the grant because my past experiences had taught me to have low expectations.
And I feared I wouldn’t be good at business or design or the thousand other things that came with my aspirations.
But I was determined to put together a shop I could be proud of, and the only way to do that was to take one step at a time.
Pleasant was a town that really lived up to its name.
I had certain things I had to do like keep the business running for five years or the grand would convert to a loan, but why wouldn’t I want to continue?
The mural of a wildflower meadow painted on the wall behind the counter alone would hold me here.
It looked just like the field I’d visited one year when I was seven and discovered my love of flowers.
And I painted it. I’d do anything to make sure I never had to leave it behind.
But while I’d been woolgathering, the clock had been busy, and it was almost time to open. My morning routine had gone on even without my full attention, fortunately. Habit such a strong thing. And as I stepped outside with my sidewalk display, who should come tripping down the sidewalk but Tawny.
Our local bookseller often passed this way, but usually she just waved and continued on. Today, she stopped to admire the nosegays I had in the display. “These are so pretty.”
I stood sunflowers in a tall, deep container, glancing over. “Violets. They are actually from a local farm, and so are these.”
“Those are all sunflowers? Even the red and bronze ones?” She traced a bloom with a fingertip. “I thought they were always yellow and that’s why they are called what they are.”
“Partly, but they do come in a variety of colors. They are all fiery. Also, they turn to face the sun while they are first blooming. Follow it all across the sky.”
“That’s so cool. I think I’ll take one of the little violet bouquets for my desk.” She picked one up and sniffed it. “That’s gorgeous.”
“I’m so glad you like it.”
She reached for her bag, but I waved her away.
“Take it, and if anyone asks where it came from, point them in my direction. Cheap advertising.”
“That is so sweet of you. If you ever want to borrow a book, treat me like a librarian.”
“That, I won’t do. Books are worth a lot more than a few little flowers. Besides, I already come in there and read. So I guess you’re already my librarian.”
Tawny giggled and started away down the street, calling over her shoulder, “Let’s do lunch today or tomorrow?”
“Call and let me know when.” With my friend going, I returned to work, creating a big arrangement for someone’s fiftieth anniversary.
They were having a big party and had asked me to recreate the centerpiece from their wedding.
But bigger. I had to work from a very old picture, but I hoped I’d managed to capture what they remembered.
Coming around the counter, I leaned forward to set the flowers on the consultation table when I caught a glimpse of a man walking past my window.
Tall, broad shouldered, and wearing a suit, which didn’t really happen in this town.
I darted forward for a better look just in time to see him disappear around the corner.
For a small town, there sure were a lot of people I hadn’t seen before.
And apparently some of them were hot.