Wedding Bear Blues by Meg Macy

Author:Meg Macy [Macy, Meg]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 2020-09-24T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Despite my yearning for coffee and something to eat, I crossed the street and headed to Mary’s Flower Shop beyond the Luxe Salon. A brass ironwork archway flanked the florist’s entrance. Large buckets and baskets of fresh, mixed bouquets in the bay window made a lovely display, and more filled the interior aisles. I walked in to tinkling bells, and waved to Norma Drake at the back. Mary Monroe stood near the cash register.

“Sasha, what brings you in? I told Maddie the flowers wouldn’t be ready to pick up until later.” At my confusion, she added, “The congrats bouquet for your mom.”

“Oh! Mads didn’t mention anything to me,” I said lamely, “but what a great idea. I’m here to order a small basket for my aunt.”

Flowers might cheer up Aunt Marge about her granddaughter, and cover the real reason for my visit. Mary Monroe resembled her brother Rusty, with thinning blond hair, gray eyes, and fair skin; they could be twins, with the same thin frames and mannerisms. But Mary’s smile was infectious, and she had a green thumb to envy. She loved making unique arrangements, and her floral teddy bears designed for new mothers were in high demand.

“I have a quick question,” I said and surveyed the shop for our teddy bears.

“How about if you choose the flowers first.” Mary led me to the back counter and opened her receipt book. “Is this a special occasion, or just a cheery pick-me-up?”

“Yes, a cheerful bouquet. I like that,” I said, pointing to a white basket filled with African violets. “But with fresh cut flowers that won’t last too long. My aunt won’t be able to take it with her when she travels again.”

“I bet she could, packed in a box, if they’re still blooming. How about gerbera daisies? They’re lovely with baby’s breath.”

“Add in some purple flowers, too.”

“There’s a finished arrangement back here,” Norma called out. She opened one side of the double-door floral cooling unit and brought over a woven basket with huge, bright yellow daisies, white carnations, and tiny purple flowers. “I made this today, so it’s fresh.”

“It’s perfect.” I rummaged through my Dooney & Bourke satchel for my wallet. “Can you deliver it for me? I’ve got a few errands yet, and I’d like her to be surprised.”

“Sure, no problem.” Mary handed me back my change. “Three o’clock is our next run.”

“That’s fine. Who was that guy, your last customer? The one who bought half a dozen white teddy bear bouquets.”

“Yeah, that cost him almost three hundred dollars,” Norma said, her eyes wide.

Mary straightened the till’s drawer. “You should have heard him complain about your shop. How unhelpful you were, and how he wasn’t able to buy the bears he wanted. I wouldn’t sell them without the flower arrangements, though.”

“So he asked for the bears by themselves,” I said slowly.

“Yeah, but I wasn’t about to take them apart. Plus he wanted a discount,” she added with a laugh. “Said he’d take them off my hands, since the holiday was over.

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