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On my way home, Ray asked me to drop off a couple of orders that the delivery guy wasn’t able to pick up because he was busy on the big order run. The first was to a grandmother from her granddaughter for her birthday. I even sang her “Happy Birthday,” which made her day. The other was to a mom of four, who was also celebrating a birthday. The husband and kids all crowded around her as we sang “Happy Birthday” to her. I felt so special to be included in these moments that I could see myself working in this floral business for longer than just a step to the next journey in my life.
When I got home, I pulled out my key, but Becca opened the door as soon as my key touched the keyhole.
“Look what you got!” She opened the door wide, and my eyes almost popped out of their sockets. Inside were six dozen roses of all shades and colors. The smell alone was intoxicating.
I gasped. “What?”
“That’s what I’m wondering too. There’s a card with it. I didn’t open it, but here you go.” She handed me a little envelope just like the ones Ray had at the store. Opening it up, Ray’s handwriting jumped out at me.
Jill,
I know we didn’t get off on the greatest footing, and I take full responsibility for that, but I would really like to get to know you and was hoping you would accept my sincerest apology and have dinner with me tonight.
Luc
He had signed his number under his name, and I stared at the card until Becca gave me a hug so tight I almost couldn’t breathe.
“I knew it! He likes you!” she announced.
“I told you, Becca,” I said, handing the card to her, “I’m not interested in being with a guy right now and he stood me up quite grandly the last time. And if you forgot, he kept me under house arrest yesterday.”
“Yes, I do remember that.” She sighed. “Do you want me to call him? I can let him down easy.”
“Please do.”
I went to the kitchen while Becca made the call. Thankfully, she walked to the bedroom so I couldn’t hear the conversation. I wiped a tear from my eye. The yearning I felt for Luc was not gone, but I really wasn’t ready. It was too soon after Rich.
* * *
The next day, Ray handed me a letter with someone else’s handwriting on it and one rose.
Jill,
I know I did you wrong by not going with you to the ball. I own that mistake, and I wish I could do it over. I would dance with you all night. I could have prevented what happened, and I will never forgive myself for not being there for you.
I feel a strong connection with you. I will beg, if needed, for a chance to take you out again. This time it won’t be just for ice cream, though. But if that’s what you want, then I’m happy with that too.
Say yes, and let me take you to dinner tonight.
Luc
I slipped the note into my pocket and didn’t say anything to Ray for the rest of the day, just took the order slips and made the flowers until it was time for me to go.
“Jill,” Ray said on my way out, “you should know he hand-delivered the note to me this morning when I opened the shop.”
I turned to look at Ray, feeling little goosebumps forming on my arms. “He did?”
“He was already here, waiting. He wanted to make sure you got it.”
I looked down at my hand, which was hidden in my pocket and currently touching the note. Rich had been like this when he first met me, too, sending me love letters and wooing me by doing all the right things. How did I know if I could trust Luc?
“I know Luc. Grew up with him, you know. He was always the one helping out wherever he could. He’s a good man.”
“Oh . . .” I wasn’t sure what I should say, though I could feel a bit of a crack in my resolve. “I’ll think about it.”
“Goodnight, Jill.”
“Goodnight, Ray.”
