The Florist

Every late afternoon, Richard sits behind the counter of his flower shop to watch dust particles blown by the western Pacific breeze. Across the street, in an office building, an accountant named Jacqueline works and loves rainy days and reading books in cozy spaces. They've seen each other a couple of times at different cafés but never made anything of it.

On this particular afternoon, Jacqueline planned on celebrating the end of the week by buying a bottle of wine and a flower arrangement as a gift for herself. It was five in the afternoon and that meant closing time for Richard. By the time she reached the shop, it was already closed. Richard was sitting in his car answering messages before he headed home when he noticed her standing outside the store.

“Hi, can I help you?”

“No, they 're already closed” answered Jacqueline in a frustrated tone.

“I know someone who can help you with that,” said Richard as he pulled the keys from his pocket.

“Oh, you own the store?!” 

“Yes, it was my mom's; she loved flowers” 

“She passed?” 

“Yes, they both did three years ago, first my mom then my dad four months later ” 

“I'm sorry to hear that,” 

“ I made sure to enjoy them while they were alive.”

“ So, what's it going to be?” 

“Do you have peonies?” 

“Of every color, it's my favorite kind,” 

Jacqueline didn't think about it but she definitely felt something.

They remembered each other from before but this encounter felt different.

The next day Richard remembered to pick flowers from the store for his parents' mausoleum. When he got there Jacqueline was waiting for him to open.

“Hi, so you do open on weekends” said Jacqueline.

“No, I just forgot something but I'm glad to see you. I didn't get your name yesterday.”

“I'm Jacqueline, and you?”

“ Richard”

Her eyes glimmered as she looked at him.

“I didn't stop for flowers this time. I remembered I'd seen you before and wanted to give you my number.”

As she looked into his eyes she couldn't help but bite her lip.

“I was going to ask you for it on Monday actually. Do you have something to do today?” 

“No, what do you have in mind?”

“I know of a beautiful place with a terrace overlooking the city I'd love to take you.” 

“I would love to”

“Pick you up at seven?”

“Sounds perfect”

By 6: 50 pm, Richard was already at her door. 

You're just in time; let me show you my apartment. Now before I show you around let me clarify I wasn't robbed haha! I just don't like having many things. 

“Its beautiful, This woman is perfect for me” he thought

After showing him the place they headed for the restaurant. They were quiet the whole way but it wasn't awkward; they deeply enjoyed each other's company.

 The restaurant atmosphere felt different for Richard. Jacqueline couldn't help but stare at Richard wondering what was it about him that made her feel so complete and comfortable.

"So, do you have kids Richard?"

Nope, no kids.

“But you have practiced right?” She said in a flirty tone.

Hahaha yes, I have.

"The last relationship I was in lasted eight years and the guy cheated on me left and right. It was foolish of me to think that if I loved him enough he would change but I finally gave up and moved on."

“Have you ever prayed, Richard?”

“I did but, what if I'm wrong about God."