by Judith Keim
“You’re welcome. Talk to you later. Congratulations to both you and Andrew. I’m thrilled for you.”
Em hung up wondering what their little girl would look like. The image of Nina came to her. She felt a pang of longing and quickly pushed it away as she punched in the number for her grandmother.
“Hi, Gran, I’m home! I’m so sorry about your fall and I’m here to help. I’ll meet you at the flower shop as soon as I can.”
“Oh, dear child, that would be wonderful! I’ll feel so much better knowing you’re here to help me. Marilyn does her best, but she isn’t you!”
Em was both pleased and worried by Gran’s words. She wanted to be there for her grandmother. She had a bit of time to get things settled before the first signs of spring would appear, but she also had her own tasks to do before then. If necessary, she’d talk to her mother about the difficulty of doing both.
CHAPTER TEN
When Em stepped into Rainbow’s End and saw her grandmother sitting behind the counter, her vision blurred. Now 76, Gran had always been full of energy, flitting from one end of the shop to another, but today she looked tired and ... old.
Gran struggled to her feet and stood as Em rushed to her and gave her a hug, careful of her body.
“I’m so sorry about your fall, Gran.” Her mother hadn’t mentioned to Em her grandmother’s cheek was bruised.
“It was black ice on the sidewalk. I never had a chance,” Gran said. “But I’ll heal fast now that you’re here. I’ve been so worried about the store. With all the competition I face, even one day closed can make a difference.”
“We’ll have to make sure we have a backup for when we can’t be here. Marilyn didn’t want to do it?”
Gran shook her head. “She’s a dear person but not great about handling a lot of details. She does the best she can with flower arranging, though. I have to give her credit for that.”
“Well, okay. Do you need me to go over the books for you? Is that it?”
“Yes. I made sure deposits were made, but we need to check inventory and place orders, if need be.” Gran’s eyes watered. “Guess this old lady needs all the help she can get.”
Em gave her a stern look. “No more talk about your being an old lady. You were doing just fine before I left, and you’ll be back to your old self soon.
Gran sighed. “You’re right. Guess I’m just feeling sorry for myself.”
“Mom told me a fall like yours can take a toll on anyone. Let’s chalk it up to that. By the way, I hear you went on a date. Was it with Michael Leaman by chance?”
Gran’s cheeks turned a pretty pink. “Yes, we went out for dinner. I thought I’d enjoy getting out with him, but I’m too old to change my ways.”
“You could have a change of heart,” teased Em.
Gran laughed and waved her hand in dismissal. “I doubt it, but you’re just the tonic I need. C’mon, let me show you the gifts you and I ordered for spring. They came in yesterday.”
Em grinned. “It always feels like Christmas when we get a new order. And, Gran, I want to add a whole bunch of lawn ornaments that can be used in my business.”
“Right,” Gran said. “You can set up an account through Rainbow’s End. I’ve earned quite a good discount with some of the companies I’ve worked with for years.”
Em grinned. Gran was sounding more like herself.
###
Gran sat while Em opened several boxes, carefully unwrapping ceramic rabbits, tin wall baskets for flowers, special containers for flower bulbs, and an assortment of items to be placed around the shop, transforming the feel of it from winter to spring.
Em grinned as she looked down at the gifts lying at her feet. “The shop is going to be so pretty. I love when we can change the décor.”
“Yes. I wouldn’t trust anyone else to do that. I adore your mother and your sister, but they don’t have the artistic talent you do.”
“I used to get teased at school because I wasn’t as smart as my big sister.”
Gran shook a finger at her. “You can’t always measure talent like yours in a mathematics class. You’re each gifted in your own way.”
Em gave her grandmother an impulsive hug. “You always make me feel so good.”
Gran hugged her back. “There’s every reason to feel good about yourself. Now, we need to get these things shelved and the boxes put away.”
“That’s the editorial ‘we,’ right?” teased Em.
Gran laughed. “You’ve got that right.”
###
Later, sitting at the dining room table at her mother’s house, Em’s head began to bob with fatigue. “If you don’t mind, I’m going up to bed,” she said, struggling to her feet. “I’m exhausted from the trip.”
“Of course, dear,” her mother said. “We appreciate your being home. It means so much to all of us.”
“Especially Gran,” her father said. “You’re her favorite. No doubt about it.”
“Wait until Elena’s baby comes along. I’ll be bumped out of that spot,” said Em smiling.
“It’s going to be fun getting ready for this baby. I just wish Elena and Andrew didn’t live so far away,” said her mother.
Em gave her parents a little wave. “I’m off to bed.”
It felt good to be home where she was loved and treated well. Her thoughts turned to Devin. He was alone in the world and had probably never known this kind of life. She thought of how many children grew up without the basic things of a roof over their heads, food in their bellies, the opportunity to learn. She promised herself that she wouldn’t give up on the idea of adoption.
###
The next morning, Em tiptoed across the cold tile in the bathroom. She longingly recalled how warm Florida had seemed to her and wrapped her robe tighter around herself. She’d have to get used to the cold all over again. Floridians sometimes complained about the humid heat of summer, but right now it sounded pretty wonderful.
Downstairs in the kitchen, she poured herself a cup of hot coffee and wrapped her hands around the ceramic mug. The heat in the house, she knew, would be turned up shortly, but now the space contained a chill enhanced by a cold wind outside that rattled the windows. February usually produced a winter storm. It appeared one was on its way.
She was sitting at the kitchen table when her mother walked into the room. “The weatherman says it’s going to be a nasty day tomorrow. I’m glad you made it home before bad weather struck.”
“Me too,” said Em. “It’s a good day to do some work at the shop, and I intend to drive over to the condos. Even though the official inspection is later this week, I want to get a good look at my place.”
“Want company?” her mother asked. “I’m very curious to see how it turned out.”
“Sure. You can help me add to a list I started of all the things I’ll need. I’ve got some stuff from the old apartment, but I know I’ll have to buy furniture. I have enough in my budget for the major pieces, but will probably have to wait for the rest.”
“The town’s rummage sale takes place in April. That might be a good way to pick up some things.”
“Right. Craig’s List will be good source for me too.”
“It’s amazing how the internet has taken over so many aspects of our lives,” her mother said, shaking her head.
“You sound like an old lady,” Em teased.
Her mother straightened with indignation and then laughed along with her.
The thought of having her own place was enticing. Her parents were generous and tried to make everything easy for her, but Em longed for the privacy she’d been lacking. And she was long past the time to be treated like a kid.
###
Driving into the Green Meadows condominium complex, Em felt a great sense of pride. She’d been very careful about saving her money while working in the city. And then, because she’d bought into an apartment with Kat and two other women in a neighborhood with increasing property values, she’d made money when she sold
her share of it to a friend—enough to put a down payment on the condo.
Though construction was still going on and would for a while, she could easily envision how the area would look when spring came, and plants surrounded the buildings, and the trees that had been planted earlier leafed out. Butted up next to a wooded area near the river in town, the complex was designed to fit in with nature with clapboard and stone exteriors in neutral colors.
Em parked in front of her building. With four units in each of eight three-story buildings, she was pleased to have been able to secure an end unit with extra yard space along the side of it, a space she intended to use for a private garden.
“The complex is looking very nice even with snow on the ground,” said her mother, smiling her approval.
“Wait until you see the inside. It looked great when I last saw it. I can’t wait to see the finished product.” Em got out of her car and hurried to the lockbox attached to the handle of the front door. She punched in the code to unlock it, lifted the key out, and held it up for her mother to see.
As the key slid into the lock and turned with a smooth twist, Em felt as if this was the beginning of more than a new life; it was the beginning of the new person she hoped to be.
She ushered her mother inside and stood a moment, studying the area in front of her. The entry hall bypassed a half bath and a small nook and led into an open space that contained a large family room with a fireplace on the outside wall. White book shelves lined the walls on either side of the fireplace. Beyond that space, one could clearly see the modern kitchen that Em knew held ample storage, a pantry, and a large eating area next to a bowed window that would one day look out onto the side garden. Between the living area and the kitchen, a sliding-glass door led to the outside where a small concrete pad had been poured. Behind the kitchen was a combined laundry and mud room that led to the two-car garage.
“They’ve done a wonderful job with the finishing touches. The wooden trim, painted white, looks fabulous with the pale gray walls,” her mother exclaimed. “Let’s see the upstairs.”
The second story contained the master suite, and two smaller bedrooms separated by a Jack-and-Jill bathroom.
The third floor was more like an attic with sloping ceilings, lots of storage along the inner walls, and a small, open room off to the side that Em intended to use for her office. The wide window in that area would, she thought, allow her good light for sketching and studying color schemes for her work. Best of all, the built-in window seat was a good place to perch and think.
Em twirled in front of her mother. “Here’s the future office of Living Designs, my new company.”
Her mother clapped her hands. “How exciting! Love the name!”
“I’ve checked online for the name, and it’s clear. Before I came home, I filed with the state to form the company. I should be able to be in business soon.”
Her mother lowered herself onto the window seat and patted the space next to her. “We haven’t had a chance to talk. The other day, Dad and I were speaking about maybe having you buy out Gran’s flower shop. How would you feel about it? Gran knows nothing about this and would be furious at us for thinking she can’t handle it, but the truth is, she’s approaching the time when it’s going to be way too much work for her.”
Em sank onto the seat beside her mother and stared out the window, giving her time to settle her racing thoughts. Finally, she turned to her mother. “I can’t make any such commitment right now. I need to get my business up and running, and then maybe I’ll be able to take a different view of it. Besides, after being at Seashell Cottage, I learned how much I like a warmer climate.”
Her mother gasped and placed a hand on her chest. “What? You’d move to Florida?”
“I didn’t say that, but it’s something I’ve been thinking about lately. That, or having time to travel there in the winter months.”
“Is it Devin? Is that why you’re talking like this? I thought you said you were only friends.”
Em patted her mother’s arm. “We are only friends. That’s all.”
Her mother’s sigh whispered in the air. “Elena was hoping you and Devin would connect, and Devin would move to New York. I guess she’s as much of a dreamer as you.” Her mother’s smile was loving. “Devin is a fine young man. I liked him immediately when I met him. He’s so kind, so thoughtful. Do you remember how sweet he was when he asked me to dance at the wedding?”
Em shook her head, feeling like a fool all over again for focusing her attention on Jared when Devin was around. She thought back to Devin’s remark about not being able to see her with a guy who couldn’t dance.
“Was he a good dancer?” Em asked her mother.
“Very good. Why?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. He said I deserved to be with a good dancer, not someone like Jared.” A chuckle bubbled out of her. “Jared was an awful dancer.”
“Jared was wrong for you for so many reasons, but you wouldn’t see it.”
“I know. I’ve learned a lot about myself just being away for a while.” She faced her mother. “How did you know Dad was the one for you? The kind of man who would always be there for you?”
“First of all, we were friends, then lovers. That gave us enough time to really know one another. Today, so many young people skip that first part that they end up being hurt. Lust can happen right away, but love takes time, and good, lasting love even longer.”
Em thoughtfully nodded. “Okay, I get it. Maybe while I’m here, I’ll start dating again.”
She knew her mother’s look of relief had a lot more to do with the idea of Em sticking around than having her start dating again.
As they were heading down the stairs, Barbara Arnold, the real estate agent in charge of the complex, called up to them. “Emerson? I need to talk to you.”
“Hi, Barbara!” Em said, and introduced her to her mother. “I’m so excited about closing and moving in.”
“Yes, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. For a few days, you’ll be the only person living here at the complex. The construction team will be here during the day, and the real estate company is hiring nightly security, but I wanted to warn you in case you’d be afraid to stay here by yourself.”
Em’s mother frowned. “Oh, hon! I don’t think it’s a good idea ...”
“I’ll be fine,” said Em, giving in to her desire to be more independent, even as she fought a sense of unease.
“Okay, I’m technically off until Friday when we sign the papers,” said Barbara, “but I saw your car and wanted to check on you. You have a beautiful new home. It’s become one of the favorites with the colors you’ve chosen, along with the extras you’ve added.”
“Thanks.” Em walked Barbara to the door. “We’ll leave now too. I’ll see you on Friday.” She handed Barbara the key. “Thanks for your help.”
As Em and her mother walked to her car, she could sense her mother’s concern, hear the clucking of her tongue in her mind. Em was worried too about being here alone even if it was temporary, but she couldn’t start off her so-called new life of independence unable to move into her new home because of fear. Besides, her unit and all the others were wired for security. That would protect her.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Gran was already behind the counter when Em arrived at Rainbow’s End.
“Hi, Em! Just in time. We’re about to start on the weekly business orders. The country club is holding a mid-winter dance, and in addition to the bouquet for the center hall, they want us to do arrangements for the ballroom. And then we have one anniversary bouquet and one birthday garden arrangement.”
“Good news,” said Em, loving the idea that her grandmother had built up such loyal clientele over the years. But then, Rainbow’s End provided outstanding arrangements—classic to unique.
As Em hugged her grandmother, Marilyn Fields emerged from the back room. “Hi, Em! Am I glad you’re back! I need your expertise for our new orders.”
“Glad to help,” Em said cheerfully. She liked having a lot to do, and after seeing the flowers in Florida, she was inspired to try some new things. When she went to hang up her coat in the office, she saw a lot of paperwork on the desk and realized Gran had left a lot of office work for her too. She told herself to take a deep breath and not worry about it.
As Em tried to explain to Marilyn about the use of small, green plants and succulents for the garden baskets, it became clear to her that Marilyn was good at following directions but lacked enough creativity to come up with her own designs. Em sighed inwardly. They’d have to hire additional help as Em’s business took off—something Gran was always reluctant to do.
Em quickly drew a design for the anniversary bouquet and left Marilyn to work on it while she checked paperwork in the office. As Gran had told her, the deposits had been made. But invoices needed to be paid and all information put into the online bookkeeping system.
First, she had to check the order book and determine what flowers they might need. Several years ago, Gran had arranged for a fellow florist to make the trip into New York City to the flower market in Chelsea to buy flowers for her. When she lived in the city, Em had worked in tandem with him, discovering the wonderland provided by flowers from all over the world. Of all the family members, she was and had been the most involved with the flower shop, working there after school and on weekends in high school, taking design, art, and horticulture courses in college, and helping Gran now.
Em quickly made a list of flowers to use for the upcoming week and then, with Florida in mind, added a few new greens for experimentation.
“What do you think, sweetheart?” Gran said, holding up the anniversary bouquet Marilyn had made.
“Nice. I want to add a touch or two, though. I’ll ask Marilyn to help me.”
“Good. I thought you’d say that.” Gran hesitated. “I think we should put an ad in the paper announcing spring and your return to the shop.”
“Let’s hold off for a while. I need to see how everything is going to work out on the move to the condo and setting up my new business.”
