Invisible

Chapter 3 Failed Attempts

Breakfast at Al and Maggie's is always fun, if not a challenge. The kids want to play with me and I need to get to work. But not without a full, hot breakfast and a giant lunch packed, that I will never finish.

I thank her and run out, only a fraction of a second after Al leaves. I don't care if I'm a little late for work, being in a family atmosphere is such a breath of fresh air!

Tori glares at me over her station at the cash register as I clock in, right before the clock switches to 8:01, made it!

I smile sweetly at her as I throw on my apron.

Bill and Sam are talking in the far corner, something about the wedding.

I set to work, and soon I feel a tap on my shoulder. Mandy, one of the newer girls whispers, "staff meeting at 10."

I nod and thank her. As she moves away I see Tiffany standing at the entrance of the greenhouse, by the main building. She sees me, smiles and waves. I smile back, but inside the wheels are turning, If Tiff's here then something must not be going right with the wedding.

She rushes over to me as fast as her high heels will allow. "Did you get your dress?"

"Yes, it's beautiful."

"Isn't it though?"

"So," I dust my soiled hands off on my jeans, "what brings you to our fine establishment?"

Tiffany dodges a clump of dirt that fell off of my hand rake. Can't get dirt on designer shoes now can we?

"Oh just a problem with the rose order."

Uh-oh, that's a big problem... not mine though, and I am so glad.

She spots Sam and gets a determined look in her sharp brown eyes. "Excuse me. She maneuvers over to him, completely avoiding anything that could soil her mini dress.

I watch them kiss, no other physical contact because he's already been working. I wonder again how Sam managed it, she's nice, loaded, and for some odd reason really likes me.

Sam isn't rich, or much to look at but he is the sweetest guy, and he has the most expressive blue eyes. He got me this job and did so much when things were bad for me. Al too, the two have been the best of friends since middle school.

Sam, Tiffany, and Bill move to the office and I get lost again in the dirt, stems, and roots.

My ears pick up at the mention of my name in a conversation across the greenhouse. Tori is supposed to be finishing up orders, instead though, she's talking with Mandy.

"Yeah, she's trash. I mean come on! Wearing the same clothes two days on a row. I dare you to ask her where she slept last night!"

I blush and keep my head down. She is talking way louder than she needs to and she knows it. I try to ignore the conversation as it continues. Finally Donna, our supervisor, yells at her and Mandy and they shut up and get back to work.

When 10 finally rolls around Bill comes out of his office looking angry.

Thanks Tiff, for giving us an angry boss for our staff meeting.

He calls us and we all join him in the space by the register.

I hang back per usual. Out of the 50 odd people I only know the ones who I work around in the greenhouse, and the couple of crews I've been on projects with.

With Sam's wedding on Friday we've got a lot of prep work to do. The flower order for this wedding is the biggest one we have ever had, in the history of this business.