Him & I

- CHAPTER 25 -

- FLOWER MARKETS -
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Hamish
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I shut the front door softly behind me, creeping down the front steps towards my car. I sat in silence, waiting for the windscreen to heat up as I de-misted the foggy window. I was soon off down the silent road. Nothing in sight moved, it was totally empty.

It only took about fifteen minutes before I was parked outside the giant warehouse. All the doors were open and I had a clear view of the sheer quantity of flowers held within. I was awestruck. Every colour imaginable laid before. It was too early and my eyesight isn't the best, so I couldn't draw upon details, however, I did know that once I got closer, I'd be met with a breathtaking sight. I can't have been gawking at the flowers for long when there was a quick succession of knocks on my window. I smiled as soon as my eyes fell on Rebecca, greeting me with an equally friendly grin.

"Morning morning." She openly greeted when I climbed out to meet her.

We briefly brushed cheeks in greeting before turning towards the markets. It was so much better than what I could see from the car through a mist-filled window. I was stuck in a blissfully unaware dream, gazing at the intricate petals and bright colours. There was a huge contrast of beauty versus panic. The panic of florists trying to buy the most youthful flowers while surrounded by flora and fauna. I felt strangely at peace not knowing a thing about floristry. I didn't know who was making mistakes on the flowers they were buying, or which flowers were the most sought after. I could just relax and enjoy the spectacle, not having to worry about a single detail.

Rebecca on the other had...now that was another story. She made a lap of the markets before doing anything, writing notes in a tiny little book that she had pulled from her back pocket. She analysed every stall, slightly squinting as she thought about each flower she laid her hands on.

It was like a switch was flicked in her mind as she got back to the entrance. Making a beeline towards an elderly man, flowers were clearly the only thing on her heart. I followed swiftly and silently, wanting to see her in her natural habitat.

"What have you got for me today, Oliver?"

"Morning, Rebecca - brought a friend, have we?"

Oliver's voice was deep and gentle, inviting with a homely type of warmth.

"Hamish, a pleasure to meet you, sir" I smiled, offering out my hand.

His worn and calloused hands gripped mine, tugging me closer as he leant across the table.

"She's a good one, Hamish - don't let her out of your sight." He whispered lowly.

As he released his grip, retreating back behind his table he winked at me and I smiled knowingly back, then stole a glance at the woman next to me who was now utterly focused on the delicate blue flowers resting in her arms. After paying Oliver, I was dragged behind Rebecca towards the next stop on her list.

"And that's the last of them." Rebecca huffed in accomplishment as she slammed the doors shut on her van. "Did you enjoy that?"

"I loved it! I can't believe you get to see that every day!" I exclaimed, moving my hands with wild gestures of wonder.

She laughed, placing a soft hand on my arm and squeezing very lightly. My body stilled at her touch and I made a fateful glance down towards her lips. We held each other's gaze for a short while and I laid a hand on the side of her jaw, leaning in ever so slowly.

"Hamish-" She whispered, causing me to stop inches from her lips, "-I can't. Not right now. I'm sorry." Her head fell on my chest and I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath.