Like I was close to the edge, and I was looking for a lifeline before one more life event pushed me off the deep end.
8
ELLIE
As I stepped out of the back room, the soft chime of the bell above the door rang out, drawing my attention. Penny strolled in with that signature bounce in her step, a wide smile on her face and her oversized tote slung over her shoulder.
We were just about to close for the night. She’d texted earlier, asking if she could stop by and grab the last of her things from the apartment above Petal Pusher. Now that I had the keys from Sandy, I could move in whenever I wanted. Penny had left a few extra boxes upstairs until she and Mac had settled into their new place.
They’d bought a sweet little Cape Cod-style house tucked down a quiet road on the edge of Faircloud. It was definitely a fixer-upper—worn edges and plenty of charm—but with Penny’s impeccable taste and Mac’s eager-to-please-his-woman attitude, they’d have it looking like a magazine spread in no time.
“Hello, my favorite flower shop girl,” Penny sang as she approached the counter, her voice warm and teasing.
She dropped her bag on the floor and hoisted herself up to sit on the surface like she lived here, which, to be fair, she sort of had for a while.
“Hello, my favorite small-town librarian,” I replied with a wink over my shoulder as I rounded the counter to start my closing routine.
Water bucket in hand, I made my way to the first floral station to check each arrangement, making sure they had enough to drink.
“That has a nice ring to it.” She leaned back on her hands, swinging her feet like a kid on a playground bench. “I know you probably want to head home soon, so Mac’s on his way. He had to finish up a few things at the bar before he could come help me pack the rest of my stuff.”
“No rush,” I replied, waving her off. “The only thing waiting for me at home is that book you forced me to borrow. And for the record, can I just say I actuallylovereading now?”
Penny laughed, her face lighting up. “See? Not so bad once you give it a chance!”
“How’s the house coming along?” I asked, moving to the next station.
She groaned and tilted her head back with a dramatic sigh. “So. Much. Construction. Dust. It’s in my clothes. My shoes. Mylungs. I swear, it’s following me.”
I chuckled. “You two are going to be so grateful when it’s done. It’s going to be everything you ever dreamed of.”
“I literally dream about it every night,” she said, bringing her hands together under her cheek like a pillow. “Peaceful sleep in a fully renovated home, with no paint fumes, no exposed wires, no surprise raccoons in the attic…”
Just then, the sharp whir of a drill buzzed through the walls, followed by the rhythmic pounding of a hammer. It was the first time I’d heard it today. I had to admit, Miles had gotten better about timing the noisy work later in the day, after most of our customers had cleared out.
I hated to give him credit for it, but… I was grateful.
Penny raised her brows. “Oh.NowI get what you meant.”
I’d told Penny all about the noise, about the parking spot stealing. Our group chat heard plenty of my aggression.
I offered a tight smile. “I may or may not have marched over there the other day and given him a polite slice of my mind. Just a sliver. If I gave him the full pie, he might think I’m unhinged.”
“That kind of noise would make anyone unhinged. And he stopped parking in your spot, too, right?” She pointed to the outside wall. “Because I noticed you’re parked there now.”
I nodded. “Another unexpected blessing. Small victories.”
When I finished checking the last of the arrangements, I carried the bucket back behind the counter and set it on the floor. Penny hopped down from her perch and turned to face me.
Penny grinned. “Maybe he thinks you’re cute.”
I rolled my eyes, but my stomach flipped just a little at the idea.So what if he thought I was cute? Then say that. Be a man and speak up.I wasn’tthatintimidating… was I?
“Well, he’s got a funny way of showing it,” I muttered.
Penny shrugged, the corners of her mouth twitching. “Heisfrom the city…”
I chuckled. “They are a different breed. Maybe that’s what I need. A city guy to make me forget about the small-town feelings.”
