Chapter 31
“Happy opening day.” My old boss, Shirley, takes slow steps toward me with her arms open wide. I meet her halfway and fold into her embrace.
“How did you get here?” I pull back and look at her smiling face.
Shirley can’t drive and is a major germaphobe who is scared of any mode of transportation she deems unsanitary, like airplanes, taxis, or buses.
But she always trusted me, so when I worked for her, we would close up shop early and I’d take her to her weekly book club or any doctor’s appointments.
She even started having her groceries delivered to her doorstep every Monday morning after I taught her how to use phone apps.
“The bus,” she answers.
My mouth falls open. “You took public transit for this?”
“I took public transit for you because I had to come tell you how proud I am of what you’ve done.” She gestures to the truck behind me. “This is amazing, and I can’t wait to see the flower legacy we built continue to live on in your new business.”
It’s impossible to miss the meaning in her words. The flower legacy we built. Her never-ending trust and faith in me is truly the reason we’re here today. That Sunshine Blooms was ever even a possibility. “I never would’ve been able to do any of this without you.”
She pats my cheeks with her wrinkled hands. “I never had children or grandchildren, but I had you. And that’s more than I ever could have asked for.”
Tears sting my eyes and she pulls back, wagging a finger at me. “Now, don’t you cry before the day has even begun. You’ve got flowers to sell.” She loops her arm around mine and walks back with me to the truck. “And beautiful ones, at that.”
I take a deep breath to calm my emotions. “They’re all from the greenhouse.”
“I’m so happy you can still use that space.
” Shirley looks around, and I turn to see what she’s looking at.
My people have been showing up all morning to help me with the setup.
There are all the Long Live Girlies, my parents and sister, Tyler, Evie, and even some of my friends’ parents are here.
All to support me. Everyone’s even wearing the same Sunshine Blooms shirt that Connor gave me for my birthday, a surprise he apparently arranged with my sister.
My heart is overflowing with gratitude and joy. I think the only thing that’ll make the day better is making my first sale.
Connor hasn’t arrived yet, but he already helped me so much with the truck and the beautiful shelving, so it’s not like I expected him to assist with all the setup this morning.
But did I think he’d be here bright and early anyway?
Absolutely. I’m sure he’s just taking a quick nap after his shift, though.
Working twenty-four hours straight has to be brutal.
“Where’s that strapping young man that saved you in the fire?” Shirley asks, seemingly having the same thought as me.
I purse my lips. “How did you know I even knew him?”
“I still get the daily paper, and I have eyes and ears everywhere, Ms. Thousand-Dollar-Bidder.”
“You and your book club ladies should try actually reading a book rather than gossiping,” I deadpan.
Shirley takes a step toward the truck, getting a closer look at all the bouquets. “But then how would I keep up on all the town’s hottest news?” I shake my head as she continues. “So, where is he?”
I shrug. “He worked until seven this morning at the station, so he’s probably taking a power nap, but he promised he’d be here.”
She takes my hand and gently pats the back of it. “Then I’m sure he will be, dear.” After a quick glance at her watch, she sighs. “I know the festival hasn’t started quite yet, but I need to take off. Any chance I could buy a bouquet before you officially open?”
“Anything for my generous benefactor,” I tease.
“Oh, pish-posh. I’m no such thing.” Shirley waves off my comment, then looks at all the bouquets before selecting the one I knew she’d pick.
One with only sunflowers surrounded by sprigs of lavender.
She smiles at me. “You know I’ve always loved this combination.
” She reaches into her purse, and I hold up a hand.
“I can’t let you pay me.”
“You can—and you will. I told you that I wanted to be your first customer, and I meant it.” She looks at the chalkboard pricing sign I have set up on the curb and pulls out twenty-five dollars from her wallet.
I reluctantly take the money. “Thank you.”
“No, thank you.” Her eyes glimmer with unshed tears. She pulls me in for another hug. “Remember to take lots of pictures so you can show me later.”
“I will. Thanks, Shirley.”
Mr. Porter walks her back to the bus stop while I take a few pictures and videos of the flower truck to post on my new business social media pages later.
Everyone who came to support me also takes turns getting group photos with me, starting with my family, then a large group photo, and ending with a Long Live Girlies picture.
They pull me into another group hug after my sister takes the picture.
“We’re so proud of you.” Alyssa pulls a friendship bracelet from her pocket and hands it to me. “We all made you a little something.”
I turn the bracelet over in my hand. Between all the white and yellow beads are the words Sunshine Blooms. “I love it.” I slide it onto my wrist.
“Have I mentioned how cute that skirt is?” Kelsey says. “It’s very on brand for you.”
I run my hands along the hot-pink skirt covered in a fun darker-pink floral pattern that Alyssa gave me for my birthday.
I paired it with a white tank top, tucked in, and a cropped jean jacket, then topped off my look with some braided sandals and my pearl-studded headband.
I even tried curling my hair, wanting to do something a little extra.
I know the curls will fall out within a few hours like they always do, but at least it will look cute for pictures.
“Thanks. I love y’all.” I look over at Mallory. “Have you heard from Connor?”
Her expression gives nothing away, but I see a hint of worry in her eyes. She shakes her head. “I tried calling, but he didn’t answer.”
“He probably slept through his alarm,” Tess says. I grab onto her positivity like it’s the life raft keeping me afloat.
“But hey, look at how amazing your setup looks.” I appreciate Kelsey’s attempt to distract me.
Alyssa points to the parking lot. “Looks like people are starting to arrive.”
“We won’t hover too much, but just wave us down if you need help with anything.” Mallory squeezes my arm.
The girls head to other booths. I watch the time on my phone change to eleven.
Connor didn’t show.
He’s always on time.
Anxiety swirls inside me at the thought of something happening to him. It’s unlike him to not show up without texting or calling.
I do my breathing exercises to stay calm. I can’t afford to freak out right now. He’s fine. He just slept through his alarm. His crew also could’ve been called onto another fire. Or he’s getting cold feet about being an “us” in public.
I shove those thoughts deep down, refusing to think about any option other than him oversleeping.
I plaster as much of a smile as I can manage on my face.
I can’t afford to be sad right now. This is supposed to be one of the happiest moments of my life.
A day I look back on when I reflect on the beginning of Sunshine Blooms.
But it feels wrong celebrating it all without the man who helped me get to this point by my side.