The girl in pink

Flowershop-1

                                💐
Ana was the kind of person who left a mark on everyone she met. With her warm smile and gentle laugh, she seemed to radiate kindness. Her friends often described her as a "human ray of sunshine," and it was hard to find anyone in town who didn't adore her. As she worked in her local flower shop, arranging bouquets and trimming leaves, she brought a special touch to every flower she handled. Customers would come in just to chat with her, drawn to the way she listened so genuinely, like they were the only person in the room. She had a way of choosing blooms that seemed to match a person's mood—soft pastels for the sentimental, vibrant yellows and reds for the cheerful. Though she didn't seek recognition, her small acts of kindness, like saving certain flowers for regular customers or slipping a handwritten note into an arrangement, had made her a beloved figure in the community. For Ana, it was about more than just selling flowers; it was about brightening people's lives, one petal at a time. As Ana arranged vibrant bouquets in the shop, the bell above the door jingled, signaling a new customer. She looked up to find Cole Barkley stepping inside, a striking figure with sun-kissed skin and tousled dark hair. His rugged good looks and easy smile made him stand out, but Ana was focused on her work, determined not to let his charm distract her.

"Hey there, I'm looking for something special for Mother's Day," he said, leaning casually against the counter. His voice was warm and confident, but Ana kept her composure, treating him like any other customer. "I want something unique that really shows her how much she means to me."

Ana appreciated his straightforwardness and could tell he wasn't just looking for the typical bouquet. She thought for a moment, recalling the unique blooms she had recently ordered. "How about some orchids? They're elegant and represent beauty and strength," she suggested, meeting his gaze. "Or we could do a mix of wildflowers for a more personal touch. They remind me of the countryside."

Cole nodded, considering her suggestions. "I like that idea," he replied, a hint of excitement in his voice. Ana felt a sense of satisfaction knowing she was helping him find something meaningful for his mother. Though she admired his looks, her focus remained on providing him with the best service. As they talked about the different flowers, she felt a comfortable camaraderie with him, appreciating the moment without getting swept away by any overwhelming feelings.

                             -COLE-

As Cole stepped into the flower shop, the familiar chime of the bell above the door broke the quiet hum of the afternoon. The moment his eyes landed on Ana, he felt a spark of warmth spread through him. She was standing behind the counter, her long hair pulled back with a pink bow that perfectly matched her cheerful dress. It was a style that was undeniably her, radiating a lightness that seemed to brighten the whole shop.

Known as the most beautiful woman in town, Ana had an aura of kindness that drew people in. Her warm smile was like a sunbeam, and her laughter had a way of making even the most mundane moments feel special. As she moved about, carefully arranging the flowers, Cole couldn't help but admire how effortlessly she embodied grace and warmth. There was something endearing about the way she wore her signature banana socks—something quirky that made her even more charming. He had heard people affectionately call her "Ana Banana," a nickname that always made him smile.

As Ana began to create a special bouquet for Cole's mom, she carefully selected a vibrant mix of flowers, each representing something meaningful. While she worked, the atmosphere was relaxed, and their conversation flowed naturally.

"I think your mom is going to love this," Ana said, adding a pop of bright yellow daisies to the mix. "What's her favorite flower?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure," Cole admitted with a chuckle. "But she loves animals, so I thought something colorful and cheerful would suit her personality."

Ana smiled, intrigued. "Animals are the best! Do you have any pets?"

"Yeah, I have a dog named sir wagginton . He's a mutt, but he's the nicest dog. What about you?"

"I have a cat named Whiskers. He's pretty spoiled and thinks he runs the house," she replied with a laugh, carefully placing a few pink tulips in the bouquet.

"Sounds like every cat I have ever met  I bet he keeps you entertained," Cole said, leaning in a little closer as he spoke.

"He definitely does!" Ana responded, her smile widening. "But there are things we both can't stand. Like mustard. Ugh."

Cole grimaced dramatically. "Right? It's the worst! I don't get how people can enjoy it. And mayo—. It's just... gross."

Ana laughed, nodding in agreement. "Exactly! It's such a weird texture. I can't handle it either."

As they chatted and shared their dislikes, Ana felt a sense of camaraderie growing between them. There was something refreshing about talking so openly with him, and the shared laughter made the task of arranging the bouquet feel even more enjoyable. The bouquet came together beautifully, reflecting not just Cole's mom's vibrant spirit but also the connection that was quietly blossoming between Ana and Cole.

As Cole wrapped up his time in the flower shop, he felt a mix of satisfaction and reluctance. The bouquet Ana had crafted was perfect, and he appreciated the easy conversation they had shared. He stood by the door, glancing back at her as she arranged the final touches on another bouquet.

"Thanks for all your help, Ana," he said, a genuine smile crossing his face. "I know my mom is going to love this."

Ana looked up, her eyes brightening at his words. "I'm glad I could help! I hope she loves it as much as I enjoyed putting it together."

Cole took a step back, pausing for a moment. "I really appreciate it. You have a knack for this." He hesitated, wanting to say more but not wanting to overstay his welcome. "Anyway, I should let you get back to work."

"Of course! Thanks for stopping by, Cole. It was nice chatting with you." Ana gave him a warm smile, her signature bow bobbing slightly as she moved.

"Yeah, you too. We should talk more about mustard and mayo dislikes sometime," he said, chuckling lightly.

"Definitely! I'm all for a support group," she laughed back, her laughter like music in the air.

Cole turned to leave, feeling a bit lighter than when he had walked in. As he stepped out into the fresh air, he glanced back one last time. "Take care, Ana!"

"Bye, Cole!" she called out, waving.

With a final wave, Cole walked away, the warmth of their conversation lingering with him.
💐