Page 83 of The Little Island Flower Stall
‘That’s probably where I’ve been going wrong then. It’s probably why every man thinks they can walk all over me. I ought to try being more vindictive – seems to work for everyone else.’
‘That’s not like you either.’
‘It is. This is the new me. I’m going to be a total cow and see if I can’t get on better in life that way. And don’t give me any of that “it makes me as bad as them” stuff. I know it does, and I don’t care.’
‘I wasn’t going to say anything of the sort.’ Celestine reached for her teacup. ‘I wouldn’t dare, the mood you’re in.’
‘I’m not in a mood with you.’
‘Nevertheless…’
Bella let out a long breath. ‘I’m sorry – you’re right. I shouldn’t be taking this out on you.’
‘I didn’t say?—’
‘You didn’t, but I probably am. It’s not like you don’t have your own worries too. You’ve had a tough few days as well.’
‘Mine are resolved, at least.’
Bella’s toast popped up, and she took it from the toaster. ‘You really think that?’
‘Yes. I suppose I’ll still think about what happened, but I’ve made my peace with Violette, and that’s all I can hope for.’
Bella took her breakfast to the table. ‘I don’t think you have a clue how brave you are. I wish I could be more like you.’
‘It’s funny that you recognise bravery in me – who thinks she doesn’t have any – and yet you don’t see it in yourself where I see it plainly. You’ve been through a lot.’
‘Self-inflicted, for my stupidity, as far as I can tell. It’s hardly the same.’
‘You weren’t stupid – you were in love. As we all know, love can make us do strange things – not all of them sensible. Just ask Violette.’
‘Are we talking about Sean or Rory now?’
‘Both?’
‘Maybe,’ Bella admitted. ‘Still, you’d think after falling for it once, I’d know better the second time around.’
‘From what you tell me, it wasn’t your fault on either occasion.’
Bella spread some butter onto her toast and pondered Celestine’s words. They were meant to make her feel better, to make her feel less of a fool, but they didn’t.
Bella hauled the bucket of pink and white carnations onto the pavement outside Bay Blooms and arranged them to look their most enticing.
‘I can’t help but see carnations as a bit boring,’ she said.
Celestine raised her eyebrows. ‘What’s wrong with carnations? They’re one of our best sellers.’
‘I know, but they always strike me as…I don’t know.’ Bella rested her hands on her hips and studied the bucket. ‘I mean, they’re pleasant enough. But they’re like for buttonholes and old ladies and funeral flowers and bits of more exciting bouquets, aren’t they?’
‘Well, I’m sorry you find the carnations so dull. I’ll have a word with the suppliers to see if they can’t throw some glitter or something over the next delivery, just to liven them up for you.’
Bella turned to her with a grin, one which Celestine returned. It was good to see her looking happier. The visit to Violette haddone more good than either of them had realised at first – the evidence was right there.
‘They can put googly eyes on the gerbera too. I always think they look like little faces anyway.’
Celestine shook her head, still smiling. ‘What am I to do with you?’
‘It’s a question that’s been asked before. I wish I knew the answer. Shall I unbox the stocks and put them out too?’
