A Single Daffodil [Harry Styles]

A Single Daffodil

I took a long sip from my Columbian coffee, the strong flavorful mouthful of smoky sweetness overpowering my tastebuds. The warmth spread throughout my body instantly, my fingertips tingle awake.

It was another typical Monday morning at Jane's Flower Shop. Slow, quiet, and dull. I had to get here by 7 am to sign off on the weekly shipment from our Greenhouses. Because business was slow on Mondays, we usually reserved them for all the mundane tasks. So with sleepy eyes and a high messy ponytail, I got to work straight away. 

I unloaded the boxes of flowers into their display cabinets and fridges, checked inventory, ordered more flowers for consideration weddings and impending funerals, followed up with our hotel clients, consulted with Wedding planners, and even switched up the window displays.

By noon, I was more than just exhausted. I was wiped out and ready to drop. Not even the last of my coffee could give me the extra boost I needed for the remaining four hours of my shift.

While Maggie worked in her office, I manned the front, sitting on a wooden stool and lazily watching pedestrians walk by. There was nothing left to do except wait for customers and to daydream about how my lovely warm bed was patiently waiting for my return.

"Vita!" Maggie emerged from the back room, cradling a vase of roses in her hands. She set the vase down by the register and smiled at me. "Why don't you go ahead and take your lunch break."

"Oh!" The sound of a break instantly woke me up. "Are you sure? I don't mind waiting until Ronnie comes in—"

Maggie waved me off. "Go take your break! I'll see you in an hour."

"You're a gem, Maggie!" I exclaimed, hopping off the stool. I flattened out my black high-waisted skater skirt before walking to the back. "I'm going to go pick up some Chipotle. Do you want anything while I'm out?"

"No thank you, dear!" She replied. "I have my Whole Foods salad waiting for me in the fridge!"

I said goodbye to Maggie and grabbed my purse from the office before going out to my car. The thought of devouring a burrito bowl with extra sour cream sounded like an absolute dream right now.

Just as I jumped into the car and pointed all the air vents at me—it was supposed to reach 100 degrees outside today. Fuck me, right?—my phone started buzzing in my skirt pocket. When I looked at the screen, I reeled back with surprise.

Dwayne Wade calling.

"Never seen that before." I muttered to myself before I pressed the 'Accept' button. "Hello?"

"Lil' Spo!" Dwayne sounded frantic and out of breath. "What are you doing? Where are you?"

"I'm just about to take my lunch break," I replied, slowly slipping the seatbelt over my torso. My heart rate quickened slightly when my brain registered his voice was traced with alarm. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

"You have to come down to the arena immediately." He responded quickly. "We have an emergency."

"What's wrong!?" I repeated my question, my heart now racing. "Did something happen? Is my dad okay?"

"It's Lebron." Dwayne rushed the words out. "Everyone is freaking out, man. He just came into practice and told us he's leaving the team."

"He's WHAT!?" I screamed the last part. I balanced my phone between my shoulder and ear as I put the car in reverse. My tires screeched against the tarmac as I slammed on the break, and pushed the lever into drive. "What do you mean he's leaving? What the fuck is going on!?"

"Just get over here fast. Help us talk him out of it before your dad finds out!" Dwayne continued. "He's talking crazy, Spo. He's talking about going to the...New York Knicks."

The sound of my car engine accelerated as I pushed harder on the pedal.

"I'll be there in two minutes!" I yelled, frantically swerving through traffic. "Don't do anything crazy! We'll talk him out of it, alright!? Just make sure my dad doesn't find out yet. Jesus Christ, the media will have a fucking field day with this if anyone finds out!"

"Hurry!" Dwayne insisted. "Meet us in the arena!"

He hung up before I could even form a response. My mind was buzzing and my heart was beating like mad.

"Oh, fuck me." I moaned loudly, swerving around the corner and turning onto the Causeway. The cars behind me honked furiously.