Destinty

Part 2

Richie was waiting at one of the tables in the café where they had lunch. Without waiting to be welcomed, Becca went straight in front of Richie and handed over the bouquet he had ordered.

"Here's your bouquet. Precisely 5 tulips, 6 white roses, and a sunflower. What's with that number?" Richie just chuckled and didn't answer anything. He was used to her complaints.

Not getting any answers, Becca asked about the important information Richie had mentioned on the phone. "So what important information were you talking on the phone about?"

"Relax sis, let's eat first." Richie handed the menu book to Becca, and himself chose the food from the other.

"Richie, please." Becca was impatient with Richie's behavior of trying to make her curious. "Come on, what information?"

"I'll tell you everything when we finish eating. I promise." Richie's serious face convinced Becca to believe him. Richie handed Becca the menu book again.

It doesn't take long for Becca to choose a menu. She always orders scrambled eggs with sausage and vegetable stew and also orange juice. Richie ordered an American breakfast and a cappuccino. They ate leisurely and talked about their activities, including the upcoming case Becca was going to handle. But Richie didn't mention any important information in particular, making Becca even more curious.

Finished with their meal, Becca bombarded Richie with the same question, "So Richie, what important information did you overhear from Papa? Don't make me wonder and regret coming here to see you."

"Oh, sis, so you agreed to have lunch with me only for information. How sad," Richie put on a pretend sad face.

"Of course not, but you've really intrigued me since morning. Come on Richie, what information?" Becca urged Richie again.

"Okay, so yesterday Papa was on the phone with someone I don't know who, and discussed the case you will be handling. From their conversation it sounds like it's not a small case because Papa sounded very serious. I also overheard that it looks like the case will involve a private detective agency," Richie recounted the information he had overheard from his father. Richie continued, "I didn't hear which agency, because it seems to be a secret. And Papa hung up as soon as he found out I was there. So that's the only information I got."

Becca pondered the information provided by Richie. Based on Richie's story, it sounds like the case she's about to handle isn't a small one. Becca suspects it's not just a matter of violent complaints and the disappearance of young children, this case is much bigger. However, Becca doesn't know exactly how much bigger it is.

Becca became quiet after getting the information, which Richie realized, "It's okay sist. I'm sure Papa won't let you handle a big case alone, not even a dangerous one." Richie tried to calm Becca who looked so serious after hearing his information.

"Then, what's with the bouquet you ordered? What is the meaning of the quantity of flowers you ordered?"

" No particular reason. It's only for fun. I think you've been single for too long, and you should start opening your heart. And the florist is very sweet, I'm sure you'll like it, so I asked you to buy flowers there."

Becca shyly smiled, unable to cover her feelings. Richie, who caught the change in Becca's face, began to tease her.

Becca was struck again by the sweet smile of the woman she met this morning. The image of her soft, caring face and sweet smile couldn't leave Becca's mind. She would make excuses to go there often for flowers.

***

Becca didn't go straight home, she decided to stop by the bookstore. She planned to buy a new novel and some other light reading. She also planned to buy law books related to violence cases. She thought she needed some additional knowledge to handle her new case.

Practically speaking, this was her first prominent case. Up until now, she had only assisted her father or other senior lawyers. She had never handled a full case on her own. Though she was still under her father's supervision in this case, she was the lead lawyer. She will give her best to ensure that she doesn't disappoint her father.

Tomorrow is the first meeting to discuss the case. Becca will get detailed information about the case, including what the client expects and what strategic actions to take.

While sorting books in the legal section, Becca recalls her conversation with Richie. Wild assumptions began to swirl in Becca's mind, including the private detective Richie had mentioned. All this time, her Dad had never been involved in a sensitive case that would jeopardize his law firm, so the information Richie provided was quite surprising to her. However, that was all Becca knew, and she herself wasn't sure what to think, as she had only handled minor cases and had never been involved in a major one. Perhaps, her Dad did not involve Becca in a major case because he was not completely sure of her capabilities or he wanted to protect her.

She was lost in her thoughts and didn't realize it was already late. She rushed to the cashier and paid for the book she took.

Outside the bookstore, Becca found Freen closing up her florist shop. She approached and greeted, "Hi, we meet again."

Freen who didn't realize Becca's presence was startled a bit, "Oh, hi. You're the one from this morning. Are you going to get some more flowers? But it's about to close. Maybe you can order first, I'll prepare it tomorrow and you can pick it up."

"Oh, no, no. I was just passing by. I just finished buying books." Showing the book she bought. Becca saw it as her opportunity to find out the florist's name, "We weren't acquainted this morning. I'm Becca." Becca extended her hand to introduce herself.

"Freen." replied Becca's hand.

"Freen," Becca murmured, repeating Freen's name. "A beautiful name, just like the person."

"Sorry...," Freen didn't exactly hear Becca's words.

"Oh, nothing. Can I have your business card, I might need to order some flowers later?" It was only Becca's excuse to get Freen's phone number.

"Oh, wait a minute, I'll get it." Freen went inside the shop to get a business card, and handed it to Becca when she returned.

Becca looked at the business cards Freen had given her, and said thank you.

" Do you manage this flower shop alone?" Becca asked in curiosity.

"Yes, I used to love flowers and got the opportunity to open a flower shop. A profitable hobby, you could say" Freen wasn't entirely lying.

Becca nodded as she listened to Freen's explanation.

" Do you need a hand to close the shop?" Becca asked, looking for an opportunity to spend more time with Freen. Unfortunately, she refused, "No, it's okay. I'm fine. But thanks for the offer."

Becca nodded, trying to hide her disappointment. She excused herself and left Freen to finish closing the store.

Not far from the flower shop, Becca looked back to watch Freen completely finish her activity. Without realizing it, Becca smiled slightly, then continued her steps.