Chapter 9 Of Plans and Peonies #2
It’s with great reverence that I arrange the freshly cut peonies in a fluted glass bouquet vase.
My palms heat with green-gold energy as I work, subtly layering spells for healing and comfort with each stem placed.
I feel the energy moving through me to the flowers, and it soothes my spirit in the same way I intend for this bouquet to soothe Mrs. Chadwick.
When I’m done, I speak life into the water with a whisper of Will, closing the ritual with a blessing in the Old Language. Sealing the work with Love.
“May you bring joy, delight, and healing,” I tell the flowers. “For the highest good of any and all who encounter you. And so it is.”
Maybe I’m just biased, but when I step from the workspace, I can’t help thinking how beautiful those peonies look. How radiant. There’s the faintest shimmer to their petals now, and as I set the vase on the sales counter, I’m beaming too.
“So gorgeous,” I praise the flowers. “I hope Mrs. Chadwick loves you.”
And hopefully, they'll help her feel better.
I can’t control the outcome, only the intention.
My efforts are rewarded with brilliant smiles and copious praise when the Chadwicks return to pick up the flowers. It’s the way Mrs. Chadwick’s shoulders relax and her face softens as she touches one of the blooms that fills my heart to bursting though.
Seeing others enjoy something you’ve put part of your heart and soul into is its own kind of reward. One I never tire of experiencing.
Once the Chadwicks leave, I lock the door and flip the sign again.
As much as I’d love to have more customers, from what I’ve already experienced today, it’s clear I need to stock more cut flowers inside the shop.
I can’t keep leaving things unmanned to run out to the greenhouse every time someone needs something.
Also, I’m starving.
It takes energy to direct Power, and after all the magic I’ve worked today, I definitely need to eat.
Besides, with how early some places around here close, I doubt people will mind that I’m cutting out now. It’s not like I have my hours posted or anything. Which reminds me, I still need to do that, too.
Man, my to-do list seems to be growing, but I’m grateful for the unplanned soft-opening I had today. It’s shown me areas I can improve, and also reminded me that what I do matters. My gifts matter. I’m truly looking forward to helping more people, too.
My belly takes that moment to rumble loudly, and I laugh.
“I hear you, body,” I say aloud, taking off my apron.
Thoughts of the delicious quiche I had earlier from next door enter my mind, and I consider getting another one. Given how hungry I am, though, I don’t think pastries and coffee are the best option right now.
Besides, Jake still isn’t back from his training.
I like the baristas working today, but I don’t fancy hanging out with them.
Which is why I make my trip next door to deliver the arrangements I made today as short as I can.
I help Brian and Truvy place the new arrangements on some of the shelves and bistro tables, loving their responses to each one and how thoughtful they are about placing them.
I’m still smiling when I head out.
“What an awesome day,” I say aloud in the car.
Foot traffic to my shop despite not having officially opened yet, actual sales, and a custom order. All within a few short hours.
I glance at my phone, which is already in its harness for the car, and realize I have a message. I don’t recognize the number, but I hit play as I leave the four-way stop.
Jake’s voice fills my car, telling me he’d like to see me, and I smile even wider. I love the way he talks, all resonant and masculine, and the cadence of his speech. Slow and steady. Thoughtful.
Before I overthink things, I hit the phone icon and return his call. He answers on the first ring.
“Holly.” Goddess, I love hearing him say my name. “I’ve been thinking about you.”
He’d left that on the message, but hearing him say it live makes me melt all over again.
“Me too,” I admit. “Thinking of you, I mean,” I add awkwardly. Come on, Holly, I coax myself mentally. Words. Use your words. “How’s your training thing?”
“Over.” He laughs. “It was intense, but useful. Do you want to have dinner with me tonight?”
His question takes me off guard, and I answer before I can think better of it.
“Yes. I’m starving, actually,” I share. “I worked through lunch.”
He chides me gently about that and offers to cook, saying he's just thrown a lasagna in the oven.
“I love lasagna. What time?”
Before I know it, we’ve made plans, and I’ve got his address plugged into my GPS. He’s not far, and Goddess help me, I’m actually thrilled about that. After seeing him nearly every day last week, I missed him this weekend.
And yes, I know how weird that sounds. We’ve known each other less than a week, and here I am, going over to his house for dinner.
He suggested it because most of the local restaurants close early on Sundays, and I’m so hungry I’m up for eating pretty much anywhere right now.
It’s not like it’s an actual date though. I mean, I’m still in my work clothes.
Drat, I’m still in my work clothes.
I pull over and sniff my pits, verifying that I don’t stink, which is a good thing. But my hair is probably a mess and I’m—
“Stop it, Holly,” I chide myself, redirecting my thoughts. “You look fine. Besides, you’ve seen the way he looks at you.”
Like I’m special. No matter what I’m wearing.
Thoughts of Mr. and Mrs. Chadwick enter my mind as I refresh my ponytail and get back on the road. The way they looked at each other, as if they were the most wonderful things in the world. That’s the way Jake looks at me. How I feel when I’m with him.
So what if it doesn’t make any sense on paper? Timelines can be compressed and expanded at will, so why should this one be any different?
My GPS instructs me to turn left, and nervous excitement floods my body as I get closer to Jake’s address. I wonder what his house will be like?
I imagine it will be well-ordered and practical, like he is, but he could surprise me. He already has in many ways. I certainly never saw him coming. Never imagined I’d be so into him either. I’d thought love was out for me. Done. A pipe dream. But it’s real. Or it could be.
I think it definitely could be with Jake.
Only one way to find out.