The shop wasn’t just flowers. They had a nice range of potted plants and at Christmas, you could order a live tree from them, if you wanted. They also did evergreen garlands and wreaths.
Paige already had plans to do her place up for Christmas. She smiled, thinking about the book club Christmas party she’d behosting, if things continued to go well. She would turn her tiny home into a wonderland. Maybe even have the party catered.
Why not? She had plenty of money. She’d previously set aside money for Randi and her grandson, Liam, and Randi and her husband were doing well for themselves. Liam’s college fund was set.
Paige inhaled, loving the natural perfume of the flowers and plants. Being surrounded by such beauty made her want to take something home for herself, but she had a workout to get in. Fresh flowers wouldn’t last in the golf cart and she wasn’t sure leaving a potted houseplant in her cart was such a great idea.
Maybe she’d come back after the lecture.
“Good morning. Can I help you?” The saleswoman gave Paige a quick smile. From her age, Paige wondered if the woman lived in the Colony as well. It wasn’t uncommon for the shops and services to be partially staffed by residents.
“I’m looking for a nice bouquet for a friend. Something that says I’m here if you need me.”
The woman gestured to the tall, glass-fronted display cases behind her. “All of these were made fresh yesterday.”
And the three largest ones contained lilies, which Paige found too funerial for this occasion. “I need something cheerier, and without lilies.”
“Ah. Does the recipient have a cat?
Paige shook her head. “I don’t know. What does that have to do with anything?”
“Lilies are extremely toxic to cats.”
Paige made a face. “I had no idea. Thank you for that information.” She’d have to remember that if she ever sent flowers to Cece.
“Well, if you’d like, I can make something up special.”
“That would be perfect.”
“What’s your budget?”
Paige had been about to say there wasn’t one, then realized such an open-ended statement could get her into trouble. Walking into Althea’s with something that looked like it belonged draped over the winner of the Kentucky Derby wouldn’t do. “Let’s say no more than a hundred and fifty. And in a vase. It’ll need to be golf cart-stable, too, as I plan on delivering it myself.”
That should get her something tasteful but impressive. Enough to show Althea she really cared.
“I’ll get started immediately.”
Paige browsed while the saleswoman worked. She found a stunning orchid in bloom that she instantly fell in love with. The tag on the hanging basket said it was a Vanda orchid. The bright, watermelon red called to her, even at eight-five dollars. And she had room for a hanging basket on her screened porch.
She went up to the counter where the saleswoman was working away on a very nice arrangement. “That Vanda orchid in the hanging basket? I’d like to purchase that, too, but I won’t be able to pick it up until later. Can you hold it for me?”
“We can. I’ll put a sold tag on it as soon as I ring you up.”
Ten minutes later, Paige walked out with the perfect bright bouquet in a squat ceramic vase of ivory crackle that was in no danger of tipping over, thanks to the box it was secured in. She carefully set it on the floor of the passenger side of her golf cart.
Driving slower than usual, it took longer to get to Althea’s than she’d hoped, but she was pleased to see a car in the drive.
Purse over her shoulder, she took the flowers and went up to the door to ring the bell.
Althea answered looking tired and worried, clothes rumpled. Not a great sign. “Can I help you?”
“Althea, it’s me, Paige. I invited you to the book club? I don’t want to bother you. I just wanted to drop these flowers off for you and see how Lester is doing.”
“Oh, Paige. Of course.” Althea took a deep breath. “They’ve kept him.” She stared at the porch floor, her gaze distant. “They’re running more tests. Being cautious.”
“That’s a good thing, don’t you think? Better to have him where they can keep an eye on him.”
She nodded. “I suppose. Do you want a cup of tea?”
