Page 6 of Saffron and Secrets

“Anytime.”

Instead of looking away, I watch her walk to the saffron, surprised when she peers over her shoulder and bites her lip before dipping her head. She turns back to focus on whatever the owner is talking about. I watch her grab the bunch of purple flowers and wander to the counter to pay. When she leaves, she smiles and waves at me as she passes. I’m still frozen to the spot, but I wave, which makes her smile larger.

I don’t fucking wave to anyone, but my brain misfires whenever she is around.

“Okay, let me grab your order.” I hear the owner say, pulling my eyes away from Ruby.

I walk to the counter. “Thanks. I didn’t catch your name,” I say, hating that I don’t know her name and I’ve been in here a few times now. It’s rude and unlike me. I’m going to blame the dazzling brunette named Ruby. I need to shake off these new emotions that have seemed to take over my brain.

“Sally.”

“John.”

She picks up a bunch and hands it over. I’m relieved to see the god-awful lilies aren’t there. These are a mix of pinks and whites, and as I hold it, nothing seems to cause my eyes or throat to itch…for now. Not wanting to take my chances, I leave.

But as I exit the door, I pause mid-step. Ruby is standing next to the door with a pale face and big round eyes, clutching her flowers so tight she’s squishing them. My heart races at her frightened look, and I don’t hesitate taking my next step to her.

5

Ruby

“Ruby?” John’s voice cuts through the still air.

I hesitantly turn to face him. His face is etched with hard lines, and I realize since I left before him, it probably seems strange that I’m standing glued to the shop window. It’s currently keeping me feeling safe.

Peeling my back from the window, I stand straight and try to not be as affected as I feel, but I wonder if I’m too late. “Ah. Hi.”

My voice sounds strained.

“Are you okay? How come you’re still here?” He’s standing close and his scent washes over me. I stare back into his brown eyes, losing myself in them as I debate internally.

Do I tell him the truth, or will he think I’m crazy?

When I peer down, I swallow hard at the flowers he’s holding. He might be in a hurry to deliver them to…

A special someone?

The green-eyed monster wants to be jealous, but the fear wins. The jealous part of me is too tired to care.

I rub the back of my neck where tension is building. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be bothering you. You’re probably off to meet someone to give them flowers.”

His brows draw down in a deep-set frown. “These aren’t for me. I’m picking these up for my boss to deliver them to his girlfriend.”

I let out a deep breath and feel the flutter of worry leave me at hearing that. Maybe he doesn’t have anyone? I try not to get ahead of myself and remember why I’m not at Grandma's house right now. But I’m struggling with my words.

“Okay.”

He touches my arm and tenderly strokes it up and down in the most soothing manner as his eyes bore into mine. “Ruby, what’s going on?” His tone is stern, and it seems to have me spilling the truth.

“I, um, feel like something is off,” I whisper, my gaze scanning the surrounding area at the mention of the eerie feeling.

His brows pinch together, but he doesn’t say anything, obviously waiting for me to finish, so I continue.

“It’s like someone is behind me…following me. And I had a note left on my car last week saying, I miss you.” I swallow hard past the tightness that’s forming in my throat.

He straightens and scans the vicinity. “Let me have a look around and then I’m walking you to your car.”

Not feeling comfortable walking on my own, I simply nod. I know I’ll feel better if he does. “I’m probably overthinking it, but it’s never happened before.”

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