A Walk Apart (Episode 4: All In)

Chapter Four

"Okay, careful." Simon coached Brie as she trimmed a lilac plant. This was a delicate procedure and it took a lot of patience. Something Brie somewhat lacked. Abundantly. She opened the shears, drew them toward the plant and...snipped the head off. The bunch of pretty, purple flowers dropped to the ground, lifeless. Simon silently mourned his lovely creation. "A little more careful next time."

Brie frowned at her crime scene. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay." Simon picked up the remains and examined them. "We'll just start over."

Brie placed the shears in his hand. "I think I should just leave it to you. I wouldn't want to kill every plant you have left." She backed away from the flowers to assure she wouldn't do any more damage, while simultaneously almost knocking over a pot of orchids.

Simon put the pruning shears down and removed his gloves. "What's wrong?"

Brie explored the greenhouse in awe. The glass room abounded with the gorgeous sights of nature. Roses, poppy's, carnations, and bundles of other flowers she never knew the names of. It was amazing. The Hand of God. "Look at this place. It's beautiful."

Simon eyed her inquisitively. "And that makes you upset?"

"No, it makes me feel inadequate. You're a genius florist, and I have no idea what I'm good at." She went to brush her finger against a bright pink hibiscus then decided against it.

"You are unprecedentedly efficient when it comes to studying. I bet they have some kind of tournament for that."

A laugh escaped Brie. His attempt at encouragement was deeply appreciated, but she hoped her life's meaning would involve something bigger than studying. "I don't want to win a trophy for reading books. I want to know my purpose. I'm going to school for business management next year, and I don't even know what that business looks like."

Simon reached for her hand. "Why not come work with me today? You'll be surrounded by purpose. It might inspire you."

"It would also be a very unsuspicious plan for us to spend more time together." She locked their fingers.

"Did it work?"

She smiled. "Of course."

"Win-win." Simon poked her nose with the dead lilac. Who knew pruning could be so romantic?

***

"Where have you been? I've been looking for you." Nathan snapped out of replays of his and Adam's conversation as Maddie bombarded him as he got off the elevator. Her red lips squeezed tight in anticipation as she folded her arms and bounced on the toes of her ankle boots. Her gold and gemstone headpiece jingled joyfully on her forehead. She had news.

Nathan black screened his phone and stuck it in his back pocket. "I had to take care of something. What's up?"

Her smile broke loose. "You are looking at the two judges for the Open Mic Night contest. It's like we're celebrities or something."

"Cool. What's the prize?"

"Only a collaboration with yours truly." Maddie tugged her sleeve up her shoulder, pretending to be blasé about it, but Nathan knew she was frolicking like a baby bunny on the inside. They were getting a small taste of the dream they were working toward. Inch by inch. It was exciting. "Santora loved our behind the scenes video. He wants us to write a song for the Crossing Oaks website and shoot a video for it. What do you think? Yay? Nay?" She searched his face, measuring his enthusiasm and whether it was enough for him to jump on board.

He assessed his black button down and jeans. "I might have to change. Not sure if this is judgy enough."

Maddison perfected the tilt of his navy fedora. "I think you're all set." She followed Nathan as he moved for the vending machine down the hall. "Do you remember our first time singing in front of a crowd?"

"School talent show. You were a natural and I was a nervous wreck." Nathan punched in for a bag of fruits and nuts and watched them tip over into the pickup slot. He picked up his snack and they headed back down the hall.

"But I believed in you." Maddie poked him in the arm. "And I was right to. We rocked that show."

"We did." Nathan ripped open the bag and offered her some.

She scooped a handful. "And look where we are now. Hopefully, some really good acts are brave enough to take the stage tonight. You never know what hidden talent we might find at Crossing Oaks."

Nathan crunched in silence as one potential candidate came to mind. Adam's video weighed heavy on the phone in his back pocket. He couldn't imagine having to sit there and watch him serenade his girlfriend. Suddenly, he wasn't so excited about this judging gig. Especially, if there was a chance Adam would be entering the contest. Judges were supposed to be unbiased and clearly, he wasn't a big fan.

***

Do you think Adam will brave the Open Mic stage? Stay tuned to find out!

-Love, Charly