The Flower Shop: Episode 9

This is the last episode of Rhonda and Peter’s story! There are two parts to this episode. Make sure you click the #2 at the end to read the second half.

Synopsis: 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

Peter downed the last of his orange juice and rinsed the glass before placing it in the dishwasher with the rest of the dishes. 

This would be his last breakfast cooked by Rhonda for a while. She had already left for the flower shop, and after he stopped by there to say goodbye, he planned to hit the road to New York.

He glanced at his watch. If he left town within thirty minutes, he should arrive at the office around one o’clock, giving him plenty of time to prep for his afternoon meeting with Eleanor, the bank’s VP and the first person he had called the day before. 

He entered Rhonda’s bedroom and picked up his bags. He had moved out of the bed and breakfast yesterday so he could spend his last night and morning in town with Rhonda. Toting the bags outside, he locked the door and then loaded them in the truck before driving the short distance to Dee’s Flower Shop.

Noting the police vehicle in the parking lot, he frowned as he exited his car. Immediately, his pulse raced, wondering if something had happened to Rhonda or her shop had been broken into. He hurried to the front, and upon entering, the bell on the door chimed. Rhonda and a police officer were talking in the middle of the store, and both turned their heads in his direction when he entered. 

She looked fine, but he remained worried. 

Peter rushed to her side. “Is everything okay?” he asked.

He completely ignored the officer, a young man with a baby face who looked no older than twenty-five years old. 

Rhonda spoke up. “Hi, Peter, this is Officer Kent. It’s crazy, but this morning Shane Weathers called and filed a complaint against you, because of what happened yesterday.” 

Peter clenched his jaw. That son of a—

“I explained that the problem was Shane. I told him that he came to my home uninvited, and when I asked him to leave, he refused. You tried to physically remove him, and in the tussle he fell down the stairs.”

Rhonda shot him a meaningful glance, signaling he should go along with the white lie she had told the officer.

“It is that what happened, Mr. Ross?” Officer Kent asked.

Peter was irritated and didn’t want to lie, but if he told the truth he could be arrested for assault, which was clearly what his old friend had hoped. 

“Yes, that’s what happened,” Peter said.

Rhonda smiled. “So you see, Officer Kent, Shane had you waste your time coming here for no reason. In all honesty, I should be the one making a report for trespassing and refusing to leave my property. To be honest, he made me very uncomfortable.”

The officer nodded, his expression grave. “Would you like to make a report to that effect, Rhonda?” 

By the familiar way he said her name, Peter suspected this wasn’t the first time they’d met. 

“That’s not necessary, but if you could talk to him and let him know my concerns, that will be helpful.”

“I sure can do that. I’m sorry I had to bother you with a false allegation.” The officer shook his head in disgust and tucked his notepad in his pocket.

“I understand, don’t worry. You’re just doing your job. How is Emily doing, by the way?”

Kent’s rigid stance relaxed and a smile broke out on his face. “Doing well. She’s due any day now, so obviously I keep my phone close at all times.”

“Of course. You’re first baby! How exciting.”

“Yes, it really is.” The younger man blushed. 

“Last time I saw her she mentioned how uncomfortable she was, and that was weeks ago. Must be worst now. You know what might put a smile on her face? Flowers. Why don’t I give you a bouquet to take to her, on me?”

The officer held up a hand. “No, I can’t allow you to do that.”

“Please, I insist, and it would be my pleasure. Knowing my flowers could make these days before the baby comes a little more pleasant, would be an honor.”

Wow, she’s good, Peter thought. 

“Well, if you insist.”

“I do! One minute.”

Rhonda put together a vibrant collection of flowers that included yellow and orange blooms, lilies, sunflowers, and verdant greenery. She carefully wrapped the bouquet in cellophane and handed it to the young policeman. 

He gratefully took them. “Thank you so much. I know Emily is going to love these.”

“I hope they brighten her day. Please let me know when she has the baby.”

“Will do.” He lifted the bouquet. “Thanks again.” He nodded at Peter on the way out.

Peter narrowed his eyes at her. “Did you just bribe a police officer?” 

Rhonda laughed. “Hey, I did what I had to do to keep my man out of trouble.”

“Your man, huh?”

She nodded and smiled, almost shyly. 

“Your man appreciates what you did.” The smile fell off his face. “Did Shane really call the police on me?”

Rhonda nodded. “He did. Officer Kent went to the bed-and-breakfast to find you first, and when he didn’t, he came here. As you can see I handled it. I know Kent and his wife—mostly Emily since for the past three years I’ve donated flowers to a church event she chairs. I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Kent will talk to Shane and this whole thing will blow over.”

“I should have hit him harder—or twice,” Peter mumbled.

Rhonda slipped her arms around his waist and gazed up at him. “Don’t let him bother you.”

Her soft words and the comforting sensation of her body against his calmed his fury. Damn, he was going to miss this woman. His heart already ached as he anticipated their time apart. 

He enveloped her in his embrace and placed a tender kiss on her lips. “I wish I didn’t have to go.”

“Me too,” she moaned with a pout. “I’m going to miss you.”

“I’m going to miss you too. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Maybe this weekend?” Rhonda suggested hopefully.

Peter chuckled softly. “I’ll do my best.” He didn’t want to make a promise he couldn’t keep.

She looked crestfallen but didn’t push.

Peter dug her house keys out of his pocket and handed them over. “I better get going so I can arrive in the city at a reasonable time.”

Neither of them moved. They kept holding on and looking into each other’s eyes. 

I can’t believe you’re going into work today.”

“I need to take care of a few things I didn’t want to put off until tomorrow.”

Reluctantly, Peter withdrew and took one of her hands in his. Walking away was tougher than he had anticipated, and for the umpteenth time he wished he could stay. Unfortunately, that wasn’t an option at the moment.

“I love you, Rhonda.”

“I love you, too.”

“One more for the road.”

They kissed again, a meeting of the lips that started sweet and turned into more amorous kissing. He put enthusiasm into the kiss, rubbing his hands up and down her spine, crushing her to him because he didn’t know when he would see her again.

Finally, Peter withdrew with great reluctance.

“Okay, I’m getting out of here,” he whispered huskily.

Rhonda didn’t respond. She simply closed her eyes and nodded. 

They walked hand-in-hand out the door to the car. 

“Goodbye.” Another kiss to the cheek which turned into a hug. Rhonda clung to him, and he didn’t want to let her go either, but he had to leave. This was so hard. 

He stepped out of her embrace, but she kept her eyes averted to the ground. Peter lifted her chin with one finger. 

“I’ll be back as soon as I can. I promise.”

She nodded, but tears filled her eyes, and he almost changed his mind and stayed, just so he could dry those tears and wipe that forlorn expression from her face. 

He climbed into the car and backed out of the lot. Then he waved to her and she waved back as he pulled away. 

 Peter made good time and arrived at the bank a little before one o’clock. He pulled on the tie and jacket lying across the back seat before he strode into the building and rode the elevator to the top floor. 

As he walked to his office, he took time to greet staff, and before he entered his office, his administrative assistant welcomed him back with a broad grin. 

Peter closed the door and went to work, pulling together the information he needed for the meeting with Eleanor, the vice president. At three he made the trip to the other side of the floor. After being waved along by her assistant, he knocked.

“Come in.”

Peter entered to find Eleanor, a stylish older woman with completely gray hair, seated behind her desk.

She observed him from above the glasses lowered on her nose, her eyes dropping to the folder in his hands. “Hello, Peter.”

“Hi, Eleanor.”

She set down her pen and relaxed in the leather chair, observing him as he sat in front of her. 

“Well, you asked for this meeting. What can I do for you?”