“Is this someone you’re very interested in? The beginning of something, perhaps, or just a friend? And before you think I’m being nosy, all of that matters when picking the right flowers.”
He shuffled his feet a bit. “I didn’t realize it was that complicated.”
“Flowers hold messages. The wrong flower, the wrong message. Like if you gave red roses to a woman you only liked as a friend. Wrong message.”
Nodding, he looked inside the case of premade floral arrangements. “I’d say it’s someone I want to get to know a lot better.”
“Perfect. First date?”
“Fourth.”
“Great. We’ll start with what flowers she has in her garden and what her favorite color is. By getting something specific, you’ll show her that you remember things about her, and she’ll love the flowers since she has them in her own garden. Providing she has one, of course.”
“Sounds good. I know purple is her favorite color, and she loves tulips and hydrangeas.”
“Excellent. Do you know how many men don’t know that about the women they’re with?” She laughed and went to the cooler to gather the flowers and some greens. As she started putting flowers into a vase, she said, “The paper’s been printing that Dan Krutcher is also the serial rapist. I can’t believe I was in the same room with him all those times. You never know what goes on in a person’s mind.”
“That’s the truth. We’ve officially charged him with the murders at Cherry Vale and, once the DNA results come back, probably the rapes as well.”
“I wonder what his poor wife is going through. Can you imagine finding that out about your husband?”
“I heard she’s taking the kids and moving back to her hometown in Illinois.”
“I just can’t imagine it.” She added one last sprig of greenery and turned the arrangement to face the sheriff. “How do you like it?” The vase contained a beautiful and colorful assortment of flowers, greens, and ribbons.
A wide smile spread over Wexler’s face. “She’ll like that a lot. It’s very nice.”
After she rang him up and gave him his change, she said, “When you have a chance, pop in and let me know how she liked it.”
“Will do.”
The rest of the day was a blur as Hailey and the other employees worked relentlessly. When six o’clock came, Ellie quickly flipped the “Open” sign to “Closed” and pulled down the shades. “My feet are killing me,” she said as she came behind the counter.
“I never thought the day would end,” Carol added.
“I can’t believe how busy we were. It was too crazy. Let’s hope tomorrow isn’t as bad,” Hailey said.
“Aren’t you taking off?” Ellie asked as Hailey settled on the stool in front of the computer.
“Not yet. I didn’t have any time today to order all the stuff we’re out of, including the tea cups for Mrs. Spencer’s charity luncheon. And I have to go through dozens of e-mails and sift out the urgent ones from the not-so-urgent.”
“Do you need any help?” Ellie asked in a small voice.
Hailey smiled; she knew Ellie would be crushed if she said yes. “Go. I’m good.”
The two women left and Hailey began punching in the inventory numbers. When she was halfway through, her phone pinged. When she saw Goldie’s name, her stomach fluttered.I hope I’ll always be this excited when I see or hear from him.
Goldie:Let’s get dinner.
Hailey:I can go @ 10.
Goldie:WTF? U still at shop?
Hailey:Ya. Crazy day. Have 2 finish some work. Maybe 9:30?
Goldie:9:30’s better. U want me 2 pick u up?
Hailey:Ur sweet, but I’m good. Feel like Mexican. Alfonso’s?
