Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen
Griffin
“Checkmate.”
Nick is trying to hold back a victorious grin, but the tone is a giveaway. I’d have no issue with him gloating. He earned it. It’s not every day I’m beat in chess.
“Nice job,” I say, congratulating him.
“Thanks.” Nick stands, patting my shoulder like we’ve been friends for years. This small town thing is curious. “Beer?”
“Sure.”
He brings out two bottles of a local IPA. “Cheers.”
A dog comes over and curls up at my feet. He’s wearing a tag that reads, “Flopsy.” With ears like that, there’s no question how he got the name.
“You have a nice setup here,” I say.
“There’s still quite a bit to do but you should’ve seen it when I started the project. Actually…” He pulls a few framed photos off the foyer wall and brings them over. “The place was a wreck.”
The transformation is remarkable.
“You must have had a team working here for months.”
Nick puts his feet up on the leather ottoman between us. “Started out mostly myself. These days, I’ve got help here and there. It’s a labor of love.”
I’m duly impressed. “I hear you’re getting married.”
He grins. “Tessa is the love of my life. She’s in Boulder closing things up there. She and her son are moving up here permanently after the wedding.”
“That’s great. Congratulations.”
“How about you? Got someone special?”
“I did. No more.”
Nick takes a hint and doesn’t press.
“What do you still need to complete before the opening?”
“Some finishing touches on the lighting and the display shelves. Nothing too complicated.”
“Let’s see it.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah, I may not be a pro, but I’m a quick learner.”
By the time we’re done hanging the shelves, I’m out of breath while Nick looks no worse for the wear, reminding me of our near two-decade discrepancy. Maybe Logan can loan me one of his treadmills.
Nick says, “You never told me what brought you to town.”
“My aunt left me in charge of saving—or selling—the local flower shop.”
“Oopsie Daisies?”
“Yep.”
Nick’s eyes widen. “You’re Clara’s nephew.”
I nod, still amazed that everyone here knows each other.
Nick says, “She was a firecracker.”
“She sure was.”
“So Oopsie Daisies is struggling?”
“Big time.”
Nick says, “Really sorry to hear it. I’m sure Ruby is giving it everything she’s got.”
“If you mean happy thoughts, sure. She’s an ace at that. But she’s not exactly a savvy money manager.”
Nick purses his lips. “But she’s amazing with flowers and people. I booked her for my Valentine’s opening and Tessa’s mom ordered the wedding flowers from her.”
Unlikely the shop will make it that far.
Before I can delicately ask, Nick throws in, “I’m sticking with her.”
“You’re still giving us the business? That’s generous.”
Nick waves away my comment. “It’s a small town. We help each other.”
Skeptical, I push. “Even if you’re our last customer?”
“I’m sure Ruby will do a fantastic job. I don’t want to make things even harder by pulling my account. Worst case, with the wedding, we’ll figure something else out.”
“I respect that.” Truth be told, I’m not sure I would have done the same thing. I get to my feet. “I should probably get a shower and some sleep.”
“Thanks for the help.”
“Anytime.”
Nick walks me to the stairs. “Tessa keeps texting me cotillion ideas from Boulder. She can’t wait to get back for the dance. She loves any excuse to dress up.”
I huff a laugh. “Sounds like the cotillion will be the social event of the season.” I keep the sarcasm out of my voice.
“Oh, it will be,” he says. “You should come. Just don’t be surprised if you end up drafted into helping with the decorations. Ruby has a way of roping people in.”
Yeah, don’t I know it.