Care Package

Stop Light

OTM

The soft chime of the bell above the door announced another arrival, drawing my attention momentarily from the kaleidoscope of blooms I was carefully arranging. It was none other than Beyoncé.

The sun streamed through the glass storefront, illuminating her features and catching the bright colours of her beachy, breezy outfit. It felt both familiar and exhilarating to see her, a delightful surprise in the midst of my day.

Just three days ago, we had met, our conversation buzzing with laughter and tiny shared stories that beckoned for a deeper connection.

"Hey!" Beyoncé greeted, her voice warm and playful as she approached the counter adorned with roses and lilies.

I couldn't help but smile back, my heart doing a little flip as I noticed the way her sun-kissed hair danced around her shoulders. "I guess I'm starting to wonder if you're stalking me now. Seems like we keep running into each other at every stoplight in town." She chuckled at what I had spoken.

Her laughter was infectious, and I found myself laughing along, a hint of shyness creeping in.

"Maybe I am." She teased back, brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear as I felt my cheeks warm. "I'm actually here on important business."

"And that would be?" I asked, going back to fixing the bouquet I'd started.

"I have this surfing event on the beach and need some decorative flowers. Then on top of that, I need bouquets for gifting." She listed off.

I grabbed a pen and jotted down the details of her request: arrangements for a huge surfing event coming up. As I listened to her, my mind raced with ideas. Sunflowers, vibrant oranges, and deep blues to evoke the colours of the ocean and the warmth of the sand—this could be a fun challenge.

"I want it to feel like summer." Beyoncé continued, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "You know, to embody the spirit of the beach and the waves."

Exactly what I was already planning.

I could see the passion radiating from her, a reminder of the free spirit I had sensed during our first conversations. There was something about her that felt so refreshing, like a gentle breeze on a warm day, and I wanted to capture that essence in flower form.

"How about a mix of bright gerbera daisies and some tropical foliage?" I suggested, sketching a quick draft on a notepad.

My heart fluttering with the thought of how much I enjoyed her company, even in this professional setting.

"And we can add some of those striking blue delphiniums to mimic the water." I glanced up at her as I spoke, catching the way her eyes sparkled with admiration.

"I don't know what any of that is, but I'm sure it'll be great." She chuckled.

"It's ok. I'm the only one that needs to know." I murmured, concentrating.

She leaned over the counter to peer at my sketch, her shoulder brushing against mine. "Wow, you're really talented. I can't wait to see it in person." Her praise sent a warm wave of satisfaction through me.

It felt good to be recognised, especially by someone whose presence brought an exciting buzz to my routine. There was a slight thrill in knowing that we were connecting, even in the midst of blooming petals and calming scents.

"Here, let me give you my business card." I said, reaching for the stack I'd printed just a few days prior.

As I passed it to her, our fingers grazed, a spark igniting between us that left me momentarily breathless. I couldn't ignore the subtle tension hanging in the air—something enchanting that lingered just beyond our playful banter.