Page 16 of Island Whispers

“Whatever.” Molly waved that off. “She didn’t stop to say hello and Henry was worried.” She looked to Boone. “That’s not like her.”

“I’ll make it up to him,” Nina promised. “He should know about the risks of going around in an Island Bloomers van. Maybe we should—”

Boone cut her off with a look. “That falls under my job. I’ll take care of it.” He could hope all he wanted that the escapee would leave town, but until they had confirmation, he would be vigilant.

He turned to Molly and extended a hand. “Pleased to meet you.”

“Same. I guess.” A blush flamed across her cheeks. “What’s this all about?”

Nina’s shoulders slumped. She turned to Boone. “Can you explain it?”

“Absolutely.”

“Great. Thanks. I’ll be processing roses.” She walked into the backroom, grabbing an apron, and dragging a big bucket toward a row of sinks.

“It must be bad,” Molly said. “She’ll do just about anything to avoid processing roses unless she’s really upset.”

He gave Molly the quick version of the events that necessitated him being here. When he finished, he heard a crunch and thunk sound from the back room.

“The stem cutter,” Molly explained.

“She finds it therapeutic?”

Molly nodded. “Do I need to worry?” Her hands twisted the ties of her apron back and forth. “I have a little boy and we live with my aunt.”

“Jess is gathering more information. I’m only here as a precaution,” he assured her. “If we need to bring on more support, we will. In the meantime, just do your best to pretend I’m not here.”

“All right.” She gestured toward the back worktable. “Make yourself at home.”

“Thanks. I’ll do that when I’m done with a walk-through. And if there’s anything you need, let me know.” He had no idea what kind of help he was qualified to offer a florist, but it seemed like the right thing to say.

Based on the sounds in the back, he opted to look around the showroom up front first. The door was propped open with a bucket filled with cut flowers and a sign inviting passers-by to take a stem and a smile. He tried not to cringe over the security risk. Too bad Nina wouldn’t consider closing for a few days. She surely thought the cost was too high and he respected that. Unless an immediate threat cropped up, he would have to work around her boundaries.

He admired the cooler, filled with fresh arrangements, the spinning displays of gift cards, and thriving baskets of plants throughout. The checkout area was placed where she could oversee everything from the front door to the back and a large opening gave customers a view of the design area.

Overall, his job would be relatively easy.

“Molly, have we had much walk-in traffic?” Nina asked, joining the other woman in the design area.

“A little bit. The cooler is still fresh and full,” Molly said.

“Great.” Nina smiled. “I’ll just get started on tomorrow’s list.”

He started to walk in, stopping when Nina pinned him with a dark look. “Mind if I walk around a little?”

Nina shook her head. “As long as you’re not scaring away the customers.”

“I promise to be charming at all times.”

She rolled her eyes and made a little hum of doubt.

He managed not to laugh. If she was making an effort to push him away, she would soon discover it would take more than that.

Chapter 5

Nina threw herself into what was left of the work day, doing her best to forget the man who kept drifting through the shop. Her day might’ve gotten off to a rocky start, but she could wrap it up with a smile and happy attitude.

A warm breeze blew through the front door, carrying the salt of the nearby ocean and the yeasty aroma of the Bread Basket bakery next door.

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