Persephone

2. Lillies ✔

Persephone

I woke up the next morning and went straight to the hospital to see Mama June. To be honest I am scared, beyond scared straight. I am not ready to lose Mama June, not yet.

I arrive at the hospital at 07:20, I have less than an hour before I must open the shop. As soon as I enter the reception, I am greeted by Hermes, Mama June's gorgeous-looking nephew, he was fine, the curly blonde hair, bright blue eyes, a chiseled jawline, and a body to die for and not forget that deep, sultry voice, that makes my legs weak.

"Persephone, I'm glad you're here," he smiles weakly.

"Hey, Hermes," I give him a hug and a nervous smile, "How is she?

I watch as his blue eyes fill up with tears and to be honest, his whole demeanor says it all. He has bags under his eyes, he is usually messy, his curls are messier than usual, and he has a five o'clock shadow but when does he ever not looks a mess?

I frown, "That bad huh."

He nods, "I don't know what to do Persephone, I can't lose her, grandpa can't lose her."

I pull him in for another hug and he wraps his arms around my waist and begins to sob quietly.

Girl, he is crying on your shoulder.

I want to jump up for joy, but I cannot.

"Hermes, why don't you go home and get some rest?" I suggest.

He pulls away from me and smiles faintly, "I think that would be a great idea."

I give him a pat on the back, and he kisses my cheek.

"Thank you, Persephone, for being here for our family, it means a lot," he says looking into my eyes.

I blush and nod, "It is the least I could do."

Hermes kisses my cheek again, "Let me take you to Mama June."

We walk through the passage and into an elevator, he presses the elevator button that takes us up, and the elevator dings, and we step in.

"How are things? Anyone special in your life?" He asks, looking at me expectantly.

"Life is okay. Can't complain and no, I'm still single," I look away, embarrassed.

"Don't be embarrassed Persephone, you and I are the same," he chuckles lightly.

I look up at him, "Really?"

He nods as his face turns crimson.

The elevator doors open, and we step out and walk to the first door. Hermes knocks and Papa June opens the door.

"Persephone," he smiles, I hug him and he too looked tired."

"Hey Papa June, how is she?" I whisper, not wanting to wake Mama June.

"She's okay," he nods, "Doctors say it's normal at this age."

I nodded in agreement, "I'm glad she's okay."

"Me too", he sighs, "Persephone, I want you to run the shop for a while."

"That's okay."

He pulls me in for another hug, "Thank you."

"I need to get going, I have an order to deliver."

He kisses my head and pulls away, "Of course."

I said goodbye and left the hospital. It is a good thing I had gone to load the flowers first before coming to the hospital. I pull out of the hospital parking lot and drive to the venue.

15 minutes after I arrived at the venue, two men came out of the recreational center and stood beside my truck.

"You must be from Mama June's flower shop," the brunette man says with excitement.

I nod, "Yes I am, I'm Persephone."

The man standing next to him smiles, "James and this is my partner, Colton."

"Nice to meet you both," I smile.

James and Colton helped me get the flowers inside the venue to the back garden and set up the event, after two hours, we were done. The place looks beautiful.

"Thank you so much, Persephone, the flowers are absolutely gorgeous," James says excitedly.

Colton nods, "We knew we had picked the right florist."

"Who's a wedding is it anyway?" I ask curiously.

"Ours," both replied.

I brim with joy, "Oh my gosh, Congratulations."

"Thank you so much dear," James smiles.

"Most people in this town are disgusted by such," Colton frowns.

I shake my head, "Not me, I'm in total support of the gay community. Love is love, no matter what people say."

Colton smiles, I had not seen him smile that much since I met him.

"That means a lot to hear you say that."

I check my watch and sigh, "I have to get going guys, good luck, I wish you joy and happiness in your marriage."

I jumped into my truck and closed the door.

"Thank you so much for the flowers," James says, "Our wedding is perfect because of you. I pray that when you get married, everything will be just as perfect."

"I am only doing my job and thank you, James."

"Keep doing it. You're the best in the business," Colton winks.

I start the engine and wave goodbye and drive off.

I drive back to the shop to find a man leaning against the door, he is dressed in a black suit and had tattoos on his hands and neck, he had green eyes and chocolate brown hair, a muscular build, tall and so fine, it's the man I saw in the picture last night, did he figure out that I was in his house last night, you're going to jail, Persephone.

"Morning sir, I'm so sorry to keep you waiting," I say as I unlock the door.

"It's alright, I haven't been waiting here long anyway", he replies in a deep hoarse voice.

That voice is so, so goddamn sexy, deep, and just mesmerizing.

"Oh, hmm okay," I stutter.

I open the door and we step inside, "I'm Persephone."

"Mr. Wilson," he replies, keeping a straight face.

So uptight though.

I place my flower baskets down and walk behind the counter.

"How can I help you?" I ask politely.

He looks at me and gives me a smirk, "I heard you were the best florist shop in town,"

I chuckled proudly, "Yes we are."

"And I was wondering if I could ask for your assistance," he says, "I need someone to tend to my roses."

I look at him for a moment, "So you need a gardener?"

"No, I have that already, I just need a professional rose caretaker."

I am confused but what the heck, "Okay, let's discuss the details."

"I want you to do it," he commands.

"Mr. Wilson I- "

"No discussion, meet me at this address at 17:00, and don't be late Persephone."

I froze, "How did you know - "

"Your name?" He adds.

I nodded.

"You'll find out soon," he winks, leaning closer to me and I cannot help but feel tempted to lean in, but I keep still, and he places a chaste kiss on my lips and my mind instantly goes back to the underground house and I gasp but when I open my eyes he is gone.

Who is this man?