A Tale of Two Florists by Brenna Bailey

Author:Brenna Bailey [Bailey, Brenna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781778186738
Goodreads: 63208401
Publisher: Bookmarten Press
Published: 2023-03-10T18:37:03+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

MINNIE

The tinkle of the bell sounded from the front of the shop. Minnie was the only one there, so she pulled off her gloves to help the customer. Her hands ached fiercely today. She glared at the copper bracelet she wore that was supposed to help with her arthritis; she was skeptical that it worked at all.

“Oh, Lorelai! Good morning,” Minnie said, greeting the mayor at the counter.

Lorelai leaned on the counter and yawned, her hair in a messy bun. “Sorry, Jesse hasn’t been sleeping the best lately. I’m heading to the bakery next for a coffee. How are you?”

Minnie nodded in understanding. “Good. Just getting things organized for the day. Let me know if you need someone to watch Jesse at all; I’m happy to help if I can.”

“Thank you, Minnie. I’ll keep that in mind. He’s staying with his sí:le—his grandparents—today so Jordan and I can get some work done. Anyway, I wanted to let you know that Jeff, the distillery owner I reached out to, emailed me back and said he’s got six barrels for us. He’s giving us a 50 percent discount because he said the Sunflower Festival is a highlight of the year for his family.”

“That’s wonderful!”

“It is.” Lorelai straightened and adjusted her bun. “I’m going to ask Malcolm if he’ll pick them up tomorrow, but I wanted to let you know first because the barrel arrangements were your idea.”

“Thanks. You know, I could pick them up tomorrow. Wednesday is our slowest day, and I can call Rashid in to help Daphne if she needs it. It might be nice to go for a drive.” And to get away from her troubles for a bit.

“That would be perfect. You could take Eleanor with you! It could be fun, and you could explain your vision for the barrels so she can help you set up. She told me how grateful she was for you introducing her to people around town.”

The smile froze on Minnie’s face. She wanted to get away from her troubles, not bring them with her. But Lorelai looked so pleased with the idea, and Minnie had no real reason to say no.

“Alright,” she managed to say, barely opening her lips. “I’ll ask if she’s free.”

Lorelai placed her warm hand on Minnie’s cold one. “Sounds like a plan. Thanks again, Minnie. I’ll email you the address.” She swept out of the store, leaving a faint scent of the prairies behind her.

As soon as the door closed, Minnie let out a long sigh.

She went through their emails and recorded the day’s orders as she waited for Daphne to come in, then she went over to Thistles and Stems. She hadn’t been inside since it opened.

A man walked out of the store just as she was walking up, and he held the door open for her. “Thank you kindly,” she said, nodding to him.

The inside of Thistles and Stems was not at all what Minnie expected. The walls were covered with a light wood—cedar, probably—and there was more greenery here than flowers.

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