After a long drought of writer's block, I'm writing a short story to keep the juices flowing...hopefully. Here is a quick holiday story.
Disclaimer: All characters, places, etc, are the sole product of the authors imagination. Any resemblance or direct correlations to actual events are purely coincidence.
Be Mine © 2010 Ronee Legette
Any reproduction, distribution, unauthorized sale/publication without express permission of Authors consent is subject to legal action as described under U.S. Copyright laws.
BE MINE
CHAPTER ONE
“Pink or Yellow Roses? Hmmm…Maybe Daffodils.” Joe muttered to himself.
The floral shop was an array of beautiful flowers imported and domestic, but the colorful Roses were in abundance for the upcoming Valentine’s holiday. Making a choice was difficult, although the Lilies seemed to be calling to his better judgment. Well, I’m not just going to pick anything, Joe thought.
“Must be a very special woman.” The small voice that held a tinge of laughter made him peek at her from the corner of his eye. Was he that obvious? He noted quickly bright eyes shining teasingly at his dilemma, a small smile on her glossy full lips. Joe turned his head only to meet a pair of similar chocolate colored irises.
“Well, aren’t all Mother’s?” he grinned and watched her nod, her smile never faltered and Joe felt a tinge of familiarity as he continued to look at her. Her straightened hair was pulled back accentuating her round facial features, small eyes, earthy smooth skin, and a slight dimple on her left cheek. She had on no makeup, besides the lip gloss, but she definitely didn't need it. She was adorable and looked very young. He prevented his eyes from going any further as she replied to his question.
“Of course, so might I suggest a bouquet of various flowers?” she replied. Her hands behind her back, she walked to his left side and continued. “Roses are always beautiful, but combining several different kinds in a bouquet would be more impressive and appreciated.” She suggested.
“Good idea.” He stated thankfully, impressed. “So, ummm, some of those purple ones would be nice….” He started and walked around the remainder of the floral shop. Joe looked back at her as she followed him, that small smile seemed permanent on her cute face as if she knew something he didn’t. When done, he handed her the last of his choices and stood watching as she went behind the counter and began styling the flowers adding Baby’s Breath and accent leaves, before rolling them in cellophane and tying a ribbon around it.
“Would you like a card?” she pointed to the neatly stacked cards for every occasion near the register. Joe carefully selected one before she handed him the bouquet, it was rather large and he knew it would be expensive.
“Wow, this looks amazing!” he grinned. “You were right, this is much better than some roses.”
“No problem, most men that come in here just say “Give me a dozen Roses!”, and go about their way. You seemed to be very torn and thoughtful in your selection. Not many people are like that.” She stated. Joe looked away and seeming a bit self-conscious at the praise, but chuckled lightly at it.
“Sometimes I think it’s just being a perfectionist about getting the “right” gift . This really looks gorgeous.” He repeated. They had just looked like individual flowers in their separate containers, but after being arranged they seemed to cascade in a spectrum of colors highlighting each other. “She’s going to love this.” He whispered. Joe pulled out his credit card and handed it to her. He watched as she rang him up and gave him the slip to sign.
“Well, I’m glad you like it.” Joe looked again at the woman, feeling that he did know her from somewhere, but still unable to remember. He handed her the slip and took a risk.
“Um, can I ask you....I know this sounds ridiculous, but have I met you before? Seriously…” he chuckled feeling as if he was throwing out a pick-up line.
“Ahhh, so you do remember.” She smiled wider as she put the slip away and handed him his receipt.
“Oh, man!” Joein looked wide-eyed. “I apologize, but I really have no idea, just a feeling of recognition.” He laughed.
“Let’s see, Mrs. Donovan’s class, Fourth Grade.” She leaned on her elbows on the counter and blew her cheeks out making her face look fatter. Joe leaned his head to the side still trying to conjure up an image. “Don’t hurt yourself.” She teased and laughed. Joe chuckled. “It’s been well over twenty years, I doubt half of us remember one another, besides, you moved in the middle of the school year. It’s been forever and I’m sure you’ve had many friends along the way to make new memories with.” She finished. Joe could tell she was not disappointed he didn’t remember, but he felt put out that he was the only one left out.
“I’m sorry.” He shook his head apologetic.
“It’s okay, when you remember, come back by and let’s get a cup of coffee.” She laughed.
“Oh, sure….” Joe said slowly.
“Have a good day….Joey.” She giggled and left the counter to go in the back. Joe looked after her hard. He hadn’t heard that godforsaken name since grade school. Only one person called him that and he had been looking at the grown up version of her for the past twenty minutes. Joe thought of waiting for her to come back out, but he had to get to his Mother’s. He would definitely be back for that coffee. Joe chuckled and left the floral shop, looked up at the sign curiously. “Faith’s Flowers”.
“Fatty Faith!” Joe laughed out loud. Children were so cruel; he thought to himself and stopped laughing abruptly.
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