The Flower Shop: Episode 1

I’m writing a serial short! I got the idea for The Flower Shop the other day and decided to write another short for my Free Reads page. For the next five to six Mondays, I’ll drop a new episode. At the moment I have no idea where this story is going, so come along for the ride!

When Peter Ross returns to upstate New York, his plan is to sell his grandfather’s hardware store and return to life in the city. But a chance meeting with his old girlfriend Rhonda Jefferson makes him second guess his decision, and wonder about what could have been. 

Genre: Contemporary Interracial

Trope: Second chance

Heat level: Sensual

The bell on the front door chimed, signaling someone had entered Dee’s Flower Shop.

“I’ll be right there!” Rhonda called out.

Standing behind her seated assistant, she pointed at the computer screen. “Let’s increase the basket order by two dozen. Last month we ran out, and I don’t want that to happen again.”

“Got it,” her assistant, Bryn said.

Rhonda left her to finish placing the order and slipped out the back room. As it was near the end of the day, the store was empty of customers, except for the one who’d entered moments before. Wearing a dark suit, the man faced the floor display of bouquets.

Tucking her hands in her apron pockets, Rhonda said, “Those are on sale at thirty percent off.” 

The man turned, and her eyes widened in surprise. At the same time, recognition appeared in his gray eyes, which also widened. 

“Rhonda?” His eyebrows drew tight.

“Pete.” His name crossed her lips in little more than a whisper. 

Peter Ross, her old boyfriend. The man her young heart thought she’d marry. 

A wave of heat swallowed her as memories raced through her mind. Lying on a blanket in the middle of Orchard Park and holding hands during the free summer concert. Peter coming by on his bike and throwing rocks at her window. She then sneaked out for a late night make out session in the shadows of the house. 

He’d changed quite a bit since the last time they saw each other—thirteen years ago—his sophomore year in college, when she’d told him long distance couldn’t work between them. She told him he should concentrate on his college classes and all the new experiences coming his way. They’d argued, and she’d never heard from him again. In truth, she’d given up and refused to hold onto him, even though it killed her to let him go. 

“I thought you’d moved,” he said. 

She smiled, shaking her head. “Still here.” 

His gaze swept her from head to toe, and her skin tingled everywhere, nerves alert and alive. 

“You haven’t changed much.” 

That wasn’t entirely true. Rhonda had, of course, put on weight in the past thirteen years. She used to be reed thin. Nonetheless, she took the compliment in stride, yet wishing she’d known he would be here today. If she had, she would have styled her hair differently, instead of in a simple bun. Maybe put on a bit more makeup too. 

“Thank you. You’ve certainly changed. Very corporate.” She eyed his dark suit.

His style of dress wasn’t the only difference. His light brown hair used to be longer, curling around his ears and along the nape of his neck. Now it was cut short and neat, the wavy texture almost invisible because of the short length. The lanky body of his youth was gone, replaced by a broader frame. He seemed more serious and carried himself with the confident posture of a grown man. 

Peter shrugged. “Suits are required attire at work. I left early and drove all the way here for a meeting, nonstop.”

“That’s a three hour drive.” 

“Over three hours,” he replied. “The meeting was with a real estate agent.”

She’d heard there were plans to sell the old hardware store after Mr. Ross died. “The hardware store.” 

He nodded, confirming what she’d heard. “Yes. My grandfather left it for my father in his will, but Dad wasn’t interested in coming back here and managing the store.” He let out a deep breath, a frown creasing his brow as he looked off into the distance. “He’s been gone so long, and he’s comfortable with his new life in Montana. He asked me to take care of selling the place since I live closer.”

Shifting from one foot to the other, Rhonda asked, “So… once it’s sold, that’s it? All ties to Fountain Springs will be cut?” 

His gaze met hers. “Yes.”

She swallowed the emotion bubbling in her tightened throat. She hadn’t known he was coming back to sell the store. Ross & Son Hardware had been closed for a while, ever since Mr. Ross passed away. Local gossips swore the owner of the local pub intended to buy the business, but that turned out to be nothing but a rumor. Then a new rumor started, that Peter’s father was going to return from Montana and take the reins of his father’s business, but apparently that had been false, as well. 

The truth was manifested before her. Peter would take care of selling the hardware store. Then he was gone. 

“I don’t suppose you have a lot of prospects in Fountain Springs,” Rhonda said.

“I doubt it, but the agent will advertise to neighboring towns and across the country. He thinks the store is the perfect business for someone looking to quit the rat race and settle into small town life. Since the next closest hardware store is in the next town, he thinks we have a good chance of selling.” 

Rhonda straightened her spine. “Well, good luck to you.”

“Thank you.” Peter cleared his throat. “Is Miss Dee here?” He looked around, as if expecting her to appear from the back.

Rhonda shook her head, dipping her gaze for a brief moment. “Mom passed away a few years ago.”

“Shit. I didn’t know that.” 

“Of course you didn’t.” 

“I would have…” He moved, as if he wanted to reach for her, but when she winced, he halted, closing his hand into a fist and dropping it to his side. “I’m sorry about Miss Dee.” 

Rhonda didn’t want to talk about her mother. Her mother was the reason she’d remained in Fountain Springs after high school. She was the reason Rhonda had made the heart-wrenching decision to break off her relationship with Peter, and in her mind, set him free. 

She walked behind the glass counter and forced a smile to her face. “Where are my manners? This is a business. What brought you in here?” 

Peter didn’t answer right away. He seemed taken aback by the change in topic and wanted to continue the conversation, but then changed his mind and smiled back. “Looking for some flowers. I’m staying over at the bed and breakfast on Cranton.”

“Miss Jean’s place.”

“Yes. Can’t believe she’s still here.” He laughed. Then, as if he suddenly realized he’d put his foot in his mouth—after all, Rhonda was still here too—he cleared his throat and cast a glance to the flowers he’d been looking at when she came out the back. “You said that bouquet is on sale?”

“Yes. Thirty percent off.”

“I’ll take it.” 

“Great.” 

Rhonda prepared a fresh bouquet. They didn’t speak while she worked, but she felt Peter’s eyes on her the entire time. When she finished, she rang up the order, swiped his card, and handed it and the flowers to Peter. 

“I hope she enjoys them.” 

“I’m sure she will. It’s a beautiful bouquet.” Peter shoved his wallet in his pants pocket. “It was good to see you, Rhonda. I guess I’ll see you around town.” 

“Maybe.” 

A few seconds ticked by, and she had the impression again that he wanted to say something but then changed his mind. 

“Good night,” he said. 

He left the store, and the bell above the door chimed his exit. Rhonda locked up after him and then busied with closing procedures, cognizant of Peter backing out of the lot. She didn’t breathe easy until he pulled onto the roadway. 

In a small town like Fountain Springs, there was a good chance they’d run into each other again. 

She sincerely hoped they didn’t.

_________

Continue to Episode 2!