Page 33 of The Scent of Happiness

Lauren tapped the cover with her fingertips. “Because this is what you’re meant to be.”

* * *

Brooke wasn’t sure who owned the botanical gardens. It was some kind of partnership between the town of Cannondale, the university, and private donors. It was built in the 1920s, fell into disrepair during the depression, and restored in the 50s. The cycle had been repeated several times over. This was one of the good times, and through taxes or grants or the benevolence of rich people, the glass sparkled and the plants were lovingly maintained.

For five dollars, Brooke could stay as long as she wanted, wander through three different greenhouses, and breathe the gorgeously scented air. It was her escape from Midwest weather and her best thinking place any time of year.

Today, she hurried through the desert exhibits, past the bonsai display, to the big central greenhouse. It rose three stories high with a domed ceiling, an art deco confection that had no business in a Midwest college town, but here it was. The moment she was hit with that tropical air, her shoulders relaxed and her thoughts stilled.

Outside, everything was crisp air and ripening apples and turning leaves, but inside the botanical gardens, it was endless summer. The bergamot was blooming. So was the plumeria. The datura plants were overgrowing their containers and the mint was ready to bolt.

No one else was around, and Brooke enjoyed a moment of silence. She sat on a bench, closed her eyes, and let the fragrances wash over her. The entire greenhouse was like a friendly hug and she soaked it in for several minutes.

“They don’t make scent for us, you know.”

Brooke’s eyes flew open. Theo sat next to her on the bench, wearing a dark gray suit. His striped tie was loosened and his top shirt button was undone, exposing his throat.

“The flowers, I mean.” Theo looked straight ahead. “They put out scent so they’ll attract pollinators. The fact that we humans happen to like it? Completely accidental.”

Brooke copied his rigid posture, stiff neck, eyes front. “Did you read that on one of the educational plaques?”

“Yes, I did. If someone writes down information, I read it and retain it. That’s how I learn things.”

“I learn things by doing,” Brooke said.

“Reading is better. I’d rather not repeat other people’s mistakes.”

“You’re going to make mistakes anyway. Everyone does. I do.” Brooke was thinking about the way she’d insulted all his life choices the other night.

“It’s more fun to make original ones, though,” Theo said.

“True.”

“I thought it was a mistake to come here today, but then I ran into you.”

“If it was a mistake, why did you come here?”

“Because work was garbage and their policies are stupid. How about you?”

“Same,” Brooke said.

“I thought coming here would help me clear my head.”

“It will.” Brooke finally turned toward him. “So, no discussions of work.”

“Please.” Theo lost his stiffness as all his energy seemed to ebb away. His hands dangled between his knees. “And if it’s okay with you, I’d rather not discuss your legal case.”

“Because that’s work.”

“Correct.”

“That’s it then,” Brooke said. “Because there’s nothing else in the world to talk about. Movies, sports, travel, politics, food? There will be none of that. Silence, surrounded by beauty.”

“It is beautiful here.” He was looking at her now.

She felt her face flush. “Have you ever been here before?”

“Not since that field trip. What was that, fourth grade?”