Chapter 6 #2
“I fake-dated a celebrity—I don’t think it gets much crazier than that,” Mallory agrees.
“That you’re now completely in love with,” Alyssa adds, smoothing her hands on her workout leggings.
Mallory chucks a pillow at her. “It was still crazy.”
Alyssa catches the pillow midair and places it on her lap. “Yeah, it was kind of crazy.”
“But y’all encouraged me to do it, and look where I am now.” Mallory takes down her curly brown hair from its messy bun just to flip her head over and pull it up into another one. “So maybe Shirley’s idea isn’t really out there.”
“We’ll be the judges of that,” Kelsey says.
I tell them everything—from how Shirley said that I’d still be able to use the greenhouse to the generous check she gave me as a severance package, ending with her suggestion about the mobile business.
When I’m done, I take a deep breath. “I mean, it’s ridiculous, right? I can’t just buy a flower truck.”
Mallory furrows her brow. “Why not?”
“I never thought about anything other than becoming the owner of Shirley’s Florist. I mean, I’ve worked there since my senior year in high school.”
“It’s what you know,” Tess says.
I nod. “I’m happy there. It’s comfortable.”
Mallory opens and closes her mouth a few times before saying, “No, it’s safe.”
My eyes shoot to hers. “What do you mean?”
“Not in a bad way—it’s just who you are.” Mallory places her elbow on the armrest and lets her chin fall into her palm. “You like stability. You’re the kind of girl that has a backup plan for a backup plan.”
“I do plan a lot for the future, but losing the business to a fire wasn’t a possibility I ever thought of.” I let out a dry laugh. “So, what does that mean for me? The girl who always has a plan that’s now planless.”
Kelsey tucks one foot up under her lap and turns to face me. “Let me ask you this: Is there any other reason you have for not buying a flower truck aside from the fact that you planned on running the flower shop?”
I close my eyes and really think about her question. “I guess the thought of something I’m unfamiliar with is terrifying.”
“The unknown,” Tess says.
Alyssa wraps her arms around the pillow on her lap. “I don’t think anyone likes their future being uncertain.”
“But you have this gift from Shirley to set you down whatever path you want.” Kelsey nudges my thigh with her knee. “And you’ve sent us lots of videos of those cute flower trucks.”
Mallory blows out a low whistle. “So many videos.” She shoots me a meaningful look. “I think you should take a chance on yourself, Shay.”
Alyssa nods. “I know the thought of a new path is scary, but if that’s what you want, you won’t be doing it alone.”
“You have us,” Tess agrees.
“Forevermore,” Kelsey says, our version of a promise. One that means I love you and that we’re friends—family—forever.
The more I sit with the idea, the more it feels like the perfect next step. A mobile flower truck owner. I never even thought of it as a possibility, but listening to everything my friends are saying, it just feels…right.
The unknown of having a moving business is still scary. But with support like this—I look around the room at my best friends—I know I can do anything.
“I think that’s what I want,” I say, struggling to believe that this is happening. “I can’t imagine a life where I’m not working with flowers.”
“They’re more than just flowers to you,” Alyssa points out.
Truer words have never been spoken. To some, flowers are just something you put in a vase and enjoy looking at on occasion. But they’re so much more than that.
Flowers mean being around for people’s weddings, birthdays, and milestones.
Flowers say what words often can’t. I’m thinking about you. You’re loved. I notice everything you do, and I appreciate you.
Flowers are the reason someone has a smile on their face.
To put it simply, flowers are a token of love and magic.
And if I can start my own business where I get to drive around and sell bouquets to different people and play a small part in that…well, I can’t think of a better purpose.
I nod with finality. “I’m going to do it. I’m going to open my own mobile flower truck.”
Before I know it, everyone is on their feet, and I’m wrapped in another warm blend of hugs, giggles, and happy tears.
These are the nights I live for. Solid moments of girlhood where we talk about our dreams and share our lives.
Even though a few of us have fallen in love—and some of us, namely me, are trying to ignore their complicated feelings—we always make time for each other.
I don’t know what I did to get so lucky to call these friends mine, but I wouldn’t trade our friendship, our sisterhood, for the world.
Once we’re all sitting again, Mallory asks, “So, this is really happening?”
I nod. “Once I find the right truck and figure out the business side of things.”
Alyssa grabs her phone off the coffee table. “I’ll text Austin and see if he can reach out to his agent about some local lawyers. They might be able to help you with the business side of things.”
“I’m not sure I’ll be able to afford the kind of lawyers Austin would use.” I purse my lips.
Alyssa’s best guy friend, Austin Bradford, is the starting shortstop for the Louisville Mustangs. I don’t think I could afford a normal lawyer, let alone one recommended by an MLB player or his agent. He probably makes more money in one contract than I’ll make in my entire life.
“Is there a certain kind of truck you want?” Tess grabs her phone out of her purse. “We can help you look for one.”
“Agreed.” Kelsey and Mallory pull out their devices, and the three of them look at me expectantly as if they’re prepared to type at record speed in a race to see who can find me a flower truck first.
“I’ve always liked the look of converted Volkswagen Buses,” I say. “It has a vintage feel while still being cute and approachable.”
Kelsey glances up at me. “Any specific year or color?”
“No, but one that’s already been renovated to sell things would be ideal.” I don’t even want to think about how much work that would take or, namely, how much those changes would cost.
Alyssa finishes texting Austin and jumps in to help as we all scour the internet for any renovated Volkswagen Buses for sale. Most of the ones we find are tens of thousands out of my price range. I’m about to give up for the night when Mallory tilts her head.
“Okay, it needs some TLC, but this one is in your price range. Plus, it’s only an hour drive away.” She turns her phone, showing me a 1972 VW Transporter.
It needs some serious work, but I can see the vision.
A new plan for my future flashes in my mind.
I’m selling flowers at a market. The rust is gone, and a fresh coat of paint coats the truck.
The back of the vehicle is filled with specially made wood stands and galvanized metal vases holding bouquets for sale.
And a canopy covers the top, finishing off the vintage look.
“It’s perfect.” My eyes probably look like ones from those old cartoons, with hearts shooting out.
My friends look at me like I’ve lost my sanity.
“Or at least, it will be once I get it fixed up.” I laugh.
“Do any of you know someone who’s good at fixing and building things?
And also knows a good automobile painting place? ”
“I think it’s called car restoration,” Mallory teases. “But I know just the person to help.”
“Don’t tell me Griffin details cars and builds things in his spare time.” Tess wraps her arms around her middle. “That man needs to leave some talent for the rest of us.”
“No, not Griffin. Although he is good with—”
Alyssa holds up a hand. “You can spare us the intimate details.”
“Get your mind out of the gutter.” Mallory smirks, feigning innocence. “I was going to say, he’s good at all the little details. He’s such a romantic.” She looks back at me. “The actual solution for all your problems is Connor.”
My stomach drops.
“He has multiple days a week off when he’s not on shift at the fire station.
” Mallory smiles widely, like she just handed me the solution to all my problems on a silver platter.
I’m not sure she’d be looking at me like that if she knew the kind of thoughts I’ve been having for her brother since the fire.
Really, since the plane ride. Okay, actually, since I met him in sixth grade.
I swallow hard, thinking of his calloused, strong hands cupping my face on the plane and how effortlessly he lifted me with them in the flower shop. I think I’m in need of a good fire hose to the face to wash them away, and even that may not be enough.
Mallory starts typing on her phone again, and I panic-vomit out a bunch of words.
“He just moved back, and I already inconvenienced him by having to save my life.” I wipe my brow, not wanting to show how much the thought of working alongside Connor makes me sweat.
“I’m sure there’s someone else who can—”
“I already texted him. It’s settled.”
Wonderful. I duck my chin and press my lips into a firm line.
“Do you have any ideas for a business name?” Tess asks. I’ve never been more grateful for a change in topic in my life.
Picking a name before I’ve officially bought the flower truck feels a little premature, but it also feels invigorating. It makes it feel real.
I say the first thing that pops into my mind. “Sunshine Blooms.” It feels right. True to the light I believe flowers bring to people’s lives.
“I’m really going to do this,” I whisper to myself, in awe that this is all happening.
“Yeah, you are,” my friends echo back. The way they have such unwavering confidence in me has me overflowing with joy and feeling brave.
I pull my phone back out and click the link Mallory sent me to the run-down VW Transporter. Before I can second-guess myself, I select the button to make an offer.