Dancing in the Florida Sun (Completed)

13- FS Yellow Tulips

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     Brooke held it together up until she dragged her luggage into the apartment, then she couldn't stop the tears and the shaking. Grams set Noah on the play mat.

     "I'm so sorry, dear." She enveloped Brooke in a tight hug. "I've always had concerns about that Tyler. He's awful. I know it hurts now, but in the long run it will be so much better that you were spared from that relationship."

     They walked to the sofa and Brooke pulled back. "The funny thing is, I'm not hurt so much that I lost him, or a chance at a relationship with him. I'm more hurt because I'm angry that he would do that to me, and embarrassed that I let him treat me the way he did for so long. My mom raised me to know the difference, and after getting pregnant I so desperately wanted that perfect family I never had, so I overlooked it all. I was so stupid." She buried her head in her hands. "I guess I'm also disappointed, because I had hoped that Noah would have a home life that I never had, with two parents who love each other."

     "Now, now dear. If there's one thing I'm sure of, it's that you are not stupid. Children, and the hope to make their lives better, can sometimes skew our perspective on things, that's all. And he does have a good home life with someone who loves him. Don't forget that. The important thing is you didn't actually end up married to that jerk!"

     "Grams?!" Brooke smirked at the older woman. "I've never heard you say something so harsh about anyone."

     "Well. Jerk isn't a bad word, and it's just what he is; I couldn't hold back." Grams said seriously, but looking a little embarrassed.

     Relaxing back into the sofa, a beautiful bouquet of flowers on the shelf caught her eye, and she looked at her grandmother with a raised brow. "Secret admirer?" She nodded towards the flowers.

     "What? Oh, no," Grams said when she noticed what Brooke was looking at. "They came for you actually. Just before I left to pick you up."

     Brooke pursed her lips. "If Tyler thinks he can change my mind with flowers, he's got another thing coming." She walked over and ripped open the card that was attached. Her mouth dropped as her eyes fell to the sender, and she blushed as she looked up at her grandmother. "They're from Jacob." She tried to hold back a smile as she read the message. She had avoided texting him all day, out of frustration about how their call ended the night before, but was curious about what he had to say.

Brooke,

Sorry about the way the call ended last night, but if I had tried to keep talking, the guys wouldn't have let us have any privacy. Just know I was praying for you this morning as you met with Tyler. Please call me and let me know how it went.

Also, I hope you're free on Tuesday. I want to take you and Noah to our park and have lunch. I'll be back Monday night.

As for the flowers and greenery, they all have meaning: yellow tulips-sunshine in your smile; white hyacinth- loveliness, prayers; ivy-friendship; marjoram- joy & happiness , day lily-mother, lilac-joy of youth, chamomile- patience in adversity

Your friend always, Jacob

     She sighed. It really was a beautiful arrangement she thought as her hands traveled over the flowers, but there was that word again: friend. She wasn't sure why, but it bothered her.

     A few minutes later, Grams was heating up food for dinner, so Brooke texted Jacob, and included a picture of the flowers.

Brooke: I'm home now. We're getting ready to eat dinner, but will be done in about 20. You can call anytime after. Thanks so much for the flowers! Lovely!