LILAC
The afternoon sun streams through the windows of Heavenly Florets, casting a golden glow on the m y r i a d s of flowers that surround me. The shop buzzes with activity—customers come and go, each one greeted by my warm smile as I help them find the perfect bouquet. Today feels particularly busy; the sweet scent of roses and lilies fills the air, mixing with the subtle notes of fresh greenery.
I'm in the back, wrapping a bouquet of colorful gerbera daisies for a cheerful customer when I hear the bell chime, announcing a new arrival. I glance over my shoulder, expecting to see another customer in need of assistance, but my heart skips a beat when I see Wren walk through the door.
He looks effortlessly stylish in a casual black t-shirt and faded jeans, his blonde hair tumbling loosely over his forehead. A hint of mischief g l i m m e r s in his blue eyes as he scans the shop, and my heart flutters unexpectedly.
"Hey, Lilac!" he calls out, a bright smile breaking across his face.
I quickly tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear, suddenly conscious of how messy I must look. My apron is smudged with dirt from the flowers, and I'm sure I have a slight sheen of sweat from the busy afternoon. "Oh, hey, Wren! Sorry about the mess—I wasn't expecting company," I say, my cheeks warming.
"You look great!" he insists, waving off my concern. "All this flower chaos just adds to your charm. There's something alluring about a little disarray."
I can't help but laugh, feeling a warm flush creep up my neck. "You really think so?"
"Absolutely," he replies, stepping closer. "It shows you're passionate about what you do. I admire that about you."
His words wrap around me like a w a r m embrace, and I can feel my confidence blooming as I brush off my apron, trying to appear more put-together. "Uh. . . w-what brings you here today?" I nervously ask, hoping to divert attention from my less-than-perfect appearance.
"I wanted to show you something," he says, reaching into his backpack. My curiosity piques as he pulls out a canvas wrapped in cloth. "I just finished this painting and thought you might like to see it."
With a flick of his wrist, he uncovers the canvas, revealing a stunning painting of lavender tulips, their vibrant purple hues capturing the light beautifully. The brush strokes are delicate yet bold, a dance of color that brings the flowers to life.
"Oh, Wren, it's beautiful!" I gasp, stepping closer to admire the details. "You captured them perfectly!"
YOU ARE READING
Skies & Florets
RomanceShe has built a quiet life in her small-town flower shop, surrounded by the blooms she's always loved. But as the years pass, the memory of her childhood friend-the boy who once promised to be by her side-lingers like a ghost among the petals. Now g...
