Skies & Florets

Chapter 18

LILAC

The sun peeks through the curtain of my bedroom, casting a warm glow across the room, as usual; signaling the start of another day. I pull the covers off and stretch, feeling the familiar excitement tingling in my veins.

Today, I need to get to Heavenly Florets early; there's a big delivery arriving that I want to sort out before the customers start streaming in!

I throw on a simple white blouse and a pair of light jeans, pulling my long wavy hair into a loose ponytail. With a quick swipe of my favorite lavender lipstick, I glance at myself in the mirror, my heart racing at the thought of the day ahead.

Grabbing my woven basket, I rush out the door, the smell of blooming flowers surrounding me as I step into the fresh morning air. The world feels alive, b u s t l i n g with energy, and I'm determined to be part of it.

As I hurry down the street, my mind dances between thoughts of today's deliveries and the customers I'll greet. I glance at my watch, noting that I'm already running late. Picking up my pace, I barely notice the world around me, lost in my thoughts.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, I collide with someone.

The impact sends me stumbling back, and I hear a gasp as a cup of steaming coffee splatters across a crisp white polo shirt.

"Oh no! I'm so sorry, Mister!" I exclaim, my cheeks burning with embarrassment as I watch the dark liquid soak into the fabric.

The guy stands there, shock etched on his face, but he quickly recovers. "It's alright, really!" he laughs, brushing the coffee off his shirt. "I probably should've watched where I was going."

I take a moment to look up at him, my breath catching in my throat.

He's tall, easily towering over me, with a strong build that suggests he's athletic. His blonde hair, slightly wavy, is tied back in a casual bun, and his pointed nose and striking features make him look almost like a model. His eyes are a deep shade of blue, sparkling with humor, and I can't help but feel drawn to him.

"Are you sure? I feel terrible," I say, my voice softer as I study his face, which is now breaking into a charming smile.

"It's just a shirt, Miss," he reassures me, shaking his head as he glances down at the stain. "I'll survive. But I might have to find a coffee shop and grab another cup."

"Let me buy you a coffee to make up for it!" I blurt out before I can think. It's not like me to be so spontaneous, but I feel a strange connection to him already.