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One of the drawbacks of living in such a small town is that there were only so many options for employment. At least three-quarters of the jobs required a college degree, which I didn’t have, and all the rest had set hours that would cut into my shifts at Brooks’.
I growled at the screen, earning a side eye and a “shh” from the older man sitting at the computer next to me playing solitaire. After mouthing ‘sorry’ to him, I continued scrolling, hoping that something, anything would appear. I was just about to log off and give up, maybe console myself by perusing the romance section for a new book, when I saw it.
HELP WANTED
Part-time assistant needed at Rose Over Bros flower shop
Job duties include helping customers, watering plants and keeping the shop clean
Monday through Friday 9:00am to 3:00pm and some weekends
Starting pay $15/hour
No experience necessary, all training provided
Please contact Gemma Moon for more information
“Yes!” I bounced in my seat, earning me another “shh” from my neighbor. After mouthing another ‘sorry,’ I clicked the print button and logged off, practically running to the ancient printer that sat at the end of the row of computers.
I’d never been in the town flower shop before, a single mom on a budget didn’t usually have a need for fresh flowers. However, I’d talked to Gemma when she came to Brooks’ to eat. She was always kind and left great tips.
Gemma was a strict vegetarian, something she’d said had been ingrained in her since childhood. You’d think that a barbecue restaurant would be the last place a vegetarian would ever eat but Brooks kept these special meat-free hamburger patties in stock just for her. It was a reminder that small towns always took care of their own, something I loved about living here.
Paper in hand, I decided to walk the few blocks to the flower shop instead of taking the bus, it was a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky. I said a silent prayer as I gripped the locket around my neck, hoping that this was the break I needed. Taking care of Miles was my only priority and I’d do whatever it took, sacrifice anything to make sure he was safe, healthy and provided for. If working two jobs was the answer, then that’s what I’d do.
4
GAGE
“Would you say that I’m a red velvet cupcake or a blueberry muffin?” Roe asked from the corner of the reception room where he was lying sideways in one of the chairs meant for clients. He had a magazine in one hand and a hot pink Sharpie in the other.
Things were slow today. When Jesse needed someone to cover the phones while she picked up lunch, I’d volunteered. She was a good kid, already holding the job longer than anyone before her. With her eclectic fashion sense and messy desk covered with a rainbow of toys and stationery, you’d think she’d have a hard time fitting in. The only color this office usually saw was when Gray’s wife, Lily, came in with their daughter, Daisy, who had a never-ending supply of multi-colored outfits herself.
I scanned the darkening sky from where I stood at the window, it looked like we were in for a surprise Texas rainstorm. I was glad she’d grabbed an umbrella on the way out just in case.
“What kind of question is that? And why are you out here annoying me, don’t you have work to do?”
“Actually, no, I finished all my schoolwork like a good boy. Found this bad boy in the men’s room at the YMCA.” Putting his finger on the page to mark his place, he flipped the magazine closed to show me the cover. An actress of some kind was lounging seductively on a pool float. “I asked around but nobody claimed it. I’m taking the quiz to find out what my love language is. I think I’m a blueberry muffin, cream cheese frosting is fucking disgusting.”
Ignoring him, I returned my gaze to the window just as the rain started. Across the street, a woman was running down the sidewalk, purse held over her head. By the time she reached the flower shop that was directly across from us, she was drenched head to toe. When she was under the safety of the shop awning, she lowered her bag and twisted long auburn hair over her shoulder to wring it out.
I knew that hair. Straightening from where I’d been propped against the wall, I moved closer to the window, squinting to try and get a better look at Mia through the streaming water. What was she doing at Gemma’s store? I’d never seen her over there before.
Mia’s schedule was set in stone. She wasn’t due to work until this evening. Maybe she was running errands? There’d been a time or two when I’d seen her at the grocery store, but I would have remembered if she frequented the store that was directly across from my office. I had an advanced degree in Mia Delgado.
Roe continued his commentary while I soaked in the unexpected sighting. Gemma opened the door, ushering Mia inside with a smile. I could just make out their silhouettes moving around the store. They stood for a few minutes before disappearing into the back room. Huh, that was interesting, customers didn’t usually go back there.
Jesse burst through the door, surprising me. I hadn’t even seen her coming, I was so focused on Mia.
“Man, it’s really coming down out there,” Jesse shook out her umbrella, it was clear with a white cartoon cat with a pink bow in its hair, before setting the wet bag of food on the desk. Even though I’d been starving when she left, my appetite was taking a back seat to my obsession. No way was I missing Mia’s exit.
“Physical touch!” Roe shouted, not surprising me in the least. I’d had a lot of practice tuning him out. “I knew it! I told you that I needed cuddles every hour for my health.”
“That’s not a thing,” Sam replied, walking out of the hallway that held our offices and helping Jesse pull sandwiches out of the bag. “I’ve warned you about taking advice from a magazine that’s only purpose is to convince women that buying a push-up bra and a certain color of lipstick will help them find true love.”
“Good thing I’ve already found my true love, there’s no way I could pull off a coral lip. And in case you were wondering, your love language is words of affirmation.”
Sam cocked her eyebrow and sent Roe a glance that would have most men’s balls shriveling into raisins. He wasn’t deterred, however, and he jumped to his feet, wrapping her in a tight hug. The sandwich she’d been holding was trapped between them and the paper crinkled in protest.
