Page 23 of There's Pumpkin About You
Or, at least I did before Adam and I went our separate ways and I found my positivity being held up in front of me like it’s the most inconvenient quality.
God, maybe I’m not doing as well as I thought.
A dry spell is never forever.
You’re right, Dad. I shouldn’t be wasting my time feeling bad for myself when things could be so much worse. And even if they were worse, they wouldn’t be permanent.
Deciding that I need to brighten my day, I get ready to go and do the one thing I meant to yesterday but never did, instead choosing to listen in to the town hall meeting.
It’s not the first time I’ve stepped into Flora and Flowers since coming to Eaglewood. The day that Nigel and Simone introduced themselves, I made sure to stop by for some flowers to make my new, exciting, albeit not confirmed, career venture with Gus begin on a bright note. A chance to wake up in the morning and feel like the storm is finally passing me by. Now, as I step into the store once more, it feels more comforting than most stores in Beckford ever have.
“Morning, Nigel.”
The florist pauses his arrangement and sends me a kind smile.
“Good morning, Wren,” he beams. “I assumed you would stop by at some point today when you didn’t show up yesterday.”
“I know, I’m sorry. I thought I would stop by for something to brighten my week before heading over to the farm.”
“Those boys aren’t giving you any trouble now, are they?” he asks, fatherly concern wrapping itself around every word.
“Nothing I can’t handle, Nigel.” I laugh lightly. “Now how is my new favorite florist doing?”
“Oh, well aren’t you a sweetheart?” A blush coats his slightly wrinkled cheeks. “No wonder people here are starting to like you.”
“They are?” I turn to him, perplexed. “I’ve never really had a chance to talk to anyone else.”
He wraps a ribbon around his finished bouquet. “The fact that you bring the boys a coffee every day and treat the locals with kindness has already told us all we need to know about you. You’re a good one, Wren. Besides, Sebastian told me that a smile is never far away when you’re around.”
My cheeks are starting to match the pink hydrangeas that he’s just finished wrapping. Whether it’s summer or winter, I suspect that you can always find a touch of brightness in this store if Nigel’s personality is anything to go by. Red roses, blue narcissus and white peace lilies sit in old vases that have been nailed into the wall, so that each flower stands stark against the sea of green behind. Various leaves and different variations of baby’s breath add depth and dimension to all of the pre-made arrangements on display. Eucalyptus and delphinium hang from the ceiling, making you feel as if you are walking into a fairytale land filled with magic and fairies.
“I’ll be with you as soon as I can, Wren. I’m just finishing up this order for Lori who owns the bakery down the street.”
“Take your time!” I check my watch. I still have half an hour before Gus begins to moan about the time I bring him his coffee.
I marvel at the profound collection of nature all around me and I laugh to myself quietly as I find myself comparing this to what I see at Goldleaf Farm. In Nigel’s store, there is vibrance and light. Even though it’s fall, it speaks of endless summers. And yet, Gus’s farm brings warmth and tenderness. It makes you feel as if you’re at peace, with its acres of land and silver fir trees.
“Now then,” says Nigel as he steps out from behind the counter. He’s a similar height to me, his shoulders slightly brought down by the weight of time. His thinning hair atop his head mostly gray with the occasional brown streak peeking through. Blue eyes glitter with years of kindness, proof of it clear in the crow’s nests on either side. “How about this one? I did look at it when I put it together earlier and think that it was something that might suit you.”
He picks up a medium-sized arrangement that is filled with yellow roses, eucalyptus, white lilies and yarrow. It’s unsurprisingly stunning. I have yet to see an unattractive bouquet put together by Nigel.
“It’s gorgeous,” I breathe. “I absolutely love it!”
“I thought you would,” Nigel smiles. “Bright and lovely, just like you.”
“If you keep this up, Nigel, I’m going to have to steal you from your wife.” I jest, of course. Simone is just as lovely as Nigel and they belong together.
“Oh, well that wouldn’t be hard,” Nigel chuckles as he makes his way back behind the counter. “Just poke her in the hip and you’ll be fine. She’s had a bad one since the particularly naughty summer of two thousand and seven.”
A few more laughs and a promise that I would never dream of separating him from his beloved and I race back to the car, my new bouquet resting on the back seat. I’ll put them in water at the farm. The bouquet that I found at the supermarket are pretty much dead only two days later, sitting in the living room in the window that provides the most sunlight.
I head straight for the Sweet Cinnamon Café. When I enter the café, thankfully fewer whispers than normal make their way around the cozy space. I’m surprised when I see someone other than Jamie behind the counter.
“Hello,” I greet her politely. “I’m Wren. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Oh, you’re the newbie!” the girl almost yells, hand slapping down onto the counter. She holds a hand out towards me. “I’m Lola. I’m Jamie’s cousin.”
“A pleasure,” I smile. “Is Jamie okay?”
