Page 42 of Coral Memories

“Come on, Scout,” Jack said. “We have another stop.”

After leaving Blake, Jack drove to Ginger’s house for an afternoon working session. He opened the van, and Scout rocketed toward the garden. He let out a sharp whistle, catching the dog’s attention. “Don’t you dare, buddy.”

Ginger swung the door open with a bright smile. “Good afternoon, Jack. May we stop by the Hidden Garden first? Leilani and Roy have some items ready for me to pick up, and I’dlike to speak to them about an idea. Do you have enough space in that van for a few items?”

“Absolutely, happy to help,” Jack replied, giving her a warm smile as he helped her into the van.

Scout gave him a puzzled look but hopped back in with enthusiasm.

After driving the short distance and parking in front of the nursery, Jack opened the door for Ginger. Scout hopped out, and Jack snapped a leash on the dog’s collar.

Once past the entryway filled with fountains and flowers, they saw Leilani and Roy Miyake, the proprietors.

A squirrel darted ahead, and Jack pulled on the lead to restrain Scout.

“Leilani, dear,” Ginger said, taking the other woman’s hands. “Thank you for arranging my order for me. I’d also like to discuss reserving your lovely nursery for a special party. I spoke to Heather this morning, and she likes the idea.”

Jack’s gut churned at that. Depending on Heather’s reaction, that engagement might be short-lived.

“Excuse me,” he said to Ginger. “Would you like to have a look around first?”

“In a moment,” Ginger replied, waving him off.

Leilani said, “We’ve had parties here before. We string fairy lights in the trees, and the garden looks magical.”

Ginger nodded. “I attended one here. Now, about Heather and Blake.”

Concerned, Jack tried again. “Ginger, if I might have a word first.” He had to buy time for Blake to talk to Heather.

Ginger ignored him, so he was left with little choice. He dropped Scout’s lead.

The Labrador retriever streaked after the squirrel, scattering potted plants as he careened through the outdoor nursery with his slightly off-kilter gait.

Leilani waved her arms at her husband. “Roy, would you stop him?”

“Slow down, old boy,” her husband called back, gripping Scout’s collar.

“I’m sorry,” Jack said to Ginger. “Scout is easily excited. I’ll load your purchases, and we can return another day.”

To Leilani, he added, “I’m happy to pay for the damage here.”

“It’s not the first time,” Leilani said, shrugging off his offer. “Plenty of people bring dogs. Plants grow back.”

“You should control that dog in public places.” Looking a little annoyed, Ginger sighed. “Perhaps this wasn’t fair of me. I know we have work to do.”

“Roy is happy to deliver whatever you need,” Leilani said.

She smiled at that. “I’ll call you tomorrow, and we’ll check the dates.”

After loading the van with Ginger’s purchases—supplies for the sprinkler system, plant food, a new rake, and a selection of indoor plants—Jack returned with her to her cottage.

On her private patio, Ginger relaxed under a coral canvas umbrella. Scout stretched out on the stone pavers beside her while Jack opened his notebook, ready to hear more of her story.

“I’d like to hear about when you lived in Washington, D.C. I understand you met scores of interesting people there.”

As Ginger sipped her tea, her gaze rested on the outdoor fireplace decorated with colorful Mexican Talavera tiles, and her memories began to flow.

“After Bertrand was recalled to the States, we settled in Virginia with a townhouse in Washington. Near Embassy Row in Georgetown, to be exact. As quiet and orderly as my work was during the day, Bertrand’s career was often the opposite. We attended several functions every week, and he often had dinner meetings, leaving me at home with Sandi, though I never minded.”

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