Page 64 of Tangled Up

“Thanks, Sue. I’ll be in touch.”

We disconnect, and I navigate over to the local florist. Carly loves purple pansies, because she says they look like they have little faces. Damn, she was always so cute. I’d steal a handful from Mrs. Garvey’s yard every fall.

Today I hop online and order them from The Flower Booth.

I promised to give her space, but now that I’ve seen that letter, I need to double down on my efforts to prove myself. Even here at the Pearl, I feel too far from her. She says that woman is still in Pensacola, but if her chief doesn’t know where she is, how can Carly?

The thought puts a knot in my throat, and I finish my order, pour my coffee in a thermos, and set out on foot in the direction of the florist. I’ll just pick up my order, and be sure she’s safely at home with her aunt.

Seeing her last night only whetted my hunger for more. She was so cute dancing in the kitchen, her hair up in a high ponytail, bare shoulders, bare legs leading down to bare feet, and pink toenails. I wanted to toss her over my shoulder and carry her home.

Sipping my coffee, I laugh at my inner caveman coming out. Who is this guy? Seven years changes a lot of things. I’m not a boy figuring out who I am or what I want. My life is established, and I want her.

I’ve always wanted her.

The bell rings as I push through the glass door at the tiny florist near Henry’s office. “I just placed an order online. It’s probably too soon for it to be ready—”

“Dr. Munroe?” The redhead behind the counter looks up, and I hesitate.

“Oh, hey… Libby, right?”

The Salty Brewnette waitress gives me a sly smile. “Good memory. You ordered flowers?” She steps over and taps on the iPad mounted on a white base behind the counter. “This little pansy bouquet? I would’ve expected orchids or calla lilies.”

“It’s a special thing.” I slip my hand in my pocket, retrieving my wallet. “Her favorite flowers.”

“Is this for the baggage?” She’s joking, but I don’t like the way it sounds now.

“More like Louis Vuitton luggage, and I’m taking very good care of it these days.”

Her full lips press together and she smiles, raising her eyebrows with a nod. “Good for you. A happy ending?”

My brow falls. “Not yet, but I’m working on it.”

“Give me five minutes, and I’ll have this ready for you.” She spins on her toes and scampers through the back door.

I walk over to the window and look out at the tall sea oats bending in the breeze. It feels like a lifetime has passed since my first day in town when I met this girl at the food truck.

“You’re not working with Rose anymore?” I call out.

“I’m still there,” she shouts from the back room. “Just supplementing my income. They had a help wanted sign, and I’ve been watching YouTube videos.”

I look down at the pre-made bouquets in the refrigerated cabinets. Crystal vases hold tall bunches of deep red roses, and a flat vase with a piece of twisted wood balances what I think is an orchid.

“So you’re not an actual florist?”

“Not officially, but I’m a fast learner.” She breezes into the front of the store again carrying a large bouquet in a round, clear vase. “What do you think?”

She holds it out for my inspection. It’s primarily the deep purple flowers with the little black faces I know are pansies, but they’re reinforced by some additional blooms I don’t recognize.

“I don’t really know flowers.”

“I added a few carnations and a few pink lilies.” She points to the additional stems. “Pansies are delicate little flowers, so if you’re not careful, it’ll look sparse. These are freesia to hold them up.”

“It actually looks really good.”

“I could add a bow—”

“No, no. I think that would be too much.” Glancing up at her, I realize it’s a bit of a peace offering. “Thanks, Libby. This is perfect.”

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