The Promise of Summer: the new heartwarming and uplifting romance for summer 2021

by Bella Osborne

  Ruby shrugged. ‘He said there was nothing he could do. He got a taxi home and I drove back to mine.’

  Kim knew she was giving her a schoolteacher look. ‘Was any of what happened with Lewis, Curtis’s fault?’

  ‘Noooo,’ said Ruby, sounding remorseful. ‘Now I feel awful. It was just that it was Curtis who revealed what Lewis was really like. And a little part of me – the stupid part – didn’t want to know. I wanted Lewis to be the lovely guy I met on the train, the one who was besotted with his girlfriend and had planned this amazing proposal.’

  ‘But he never was that person.’

  Ruby pursed her lips. ‘I know that now. I did text Curtis this morning and he said he was fine.’

  ‘Is that likely after what’s happened?’

  ‘No. I’ll call him.’

  ‘Excellent idea,’ said Kim, leaving Ruby and going to flip over the shop sign.

  The first customer through the door was Dean and he hovered around, waiting for Ruby to get off the phone. ‘I left a message for Curtis,’ she said to Kim before putting her phone away and giving the customer her full attention. ‘Dean. Just the person I need to see today.’

  ‘Yeah?’ Dean gave a little swagger. ‘What can I do for you?’

  ‘Tell me all about your latest girlfriend. I need to know that romance is alive and well.’

  ‘Sure thing. I want to do something for our anniversary. Can you do me five single red roses, individually wrapped. One for each week we’ve been together and add one of your messages to each one.’

  Ruby sighed. ‘You see, this is what I need,’ she said, choosing the best of the blooms. ‘I need a man like you, Dean. Someone who values women and treats them well.’

  ‘That’s me.’ Dean preened himself. ‘You know, Ruby, you’re a fine-looking woman. I might have room for you.’ His eyebrow puckered suggestively.

  Ruby turned around slowly with the roses in her hand. ‘How do you mean, Dean?’

  Kim sensed this could end badly. ‘I’m sure you’re joking, Dean. You already have your hands full. Am I right?’ said Kim.

  ‘Oh, yeah.’ Dean laughed. ‘I’m messing with you, Ruby. I have enough on my plate if you know what I mean.’

  Ruby seemed to relax and began putting the roses into individual wraps. She counted out five cards. ‘Tell me five things you love about her?’ She had her pen poised.

  ‘I love her eyes. I can tell her mood by the look she gives me.’ Ruby wrote out the first card. ‘And she’s fun to be around. You know what I’m saying?’

  ‘Got it,’ said Ruby, jotting something on a second.

  ‘She’s positive. She sees the good in everything and it makes me look at things differently. I love that about her.’ Ruby finished the next card. ‘She’s beautiful. I could look at her all day like a painting.’

  Ruby completed another card. ‘Okay. Last one.’

  Dean seemed to have to think about it. ‘I trust her. Like I trust her completely.’ Ruby was nodding. ‘I mean I have to, right. If she told my wife that would mess up everything.’

  Kim noticed an almost imperceptible shudder go through Ruby before she scooped up all five roses and began beating Dean about the head with them.

  ‘You cheating, no-good, scumbag arsehole,’ she said as she battered him with the now limp-looking flowers.

  ‘Hey! I thought you knew!’ shouted Dean, trying to dodge the onslaught.

  Kim dashed over and intercepted the roses. ‘You all right?’ Kim asked them both. Dean shrugged. Ruby nodded. ‘Coke break?’ Kim suggested to Ruby, tipping her head towards the back room. She could see she was fighting back tears.

  ‘Okay,’ said Ruby, and with a death stare at Dean she left them.

  ‘Man, that was some over-reaction,’ said Dean. ‘But the cards look cool. If you get me some new flowers, I’ll be outta here.’

  ‘No,’ said Kim.

  ‘I’m not reading you?’

  ‘No. Ruby is right. Men like you are total scum. You are no longer welcome in my shop. Please leave and don’t come back or I’ll tell your wife.’

  He held up his hands in surrender. ‘Hey. Isn’t there some code of practice that says you can’t do that?’

  ‘We’re not doctors, you moron. Now clear off.’ She shooed him out of the shop with the limp roses.

  In the back room, Ruby was sobbing and a sorrowful-looking Boomer had his head on her knees. ‘Come on,’ said Kim. ‘He is definitely not worth tears.’ Kim wrapped her in a hug.

  ‘It’s not just him, or Lewis or Curtis.’ She sniffed as she got the tears under control. ‘It’s all of them. There’s no such thing as romance. It’s all a lie peddled by Netflix and publishers. I really believed it, Kim. I thought if I searched, I’d find it. But the world is full of Deans and Lewises.’

  ‘There are also Curtises and Adrians too. And there will be someone for you. I’m sure of it.’

  Ruby shook her head. ‘I’m done. I quit love. It’s a big con and this time I’m done with being the fool.’

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Ruby’s Saturday improved a little. She was cross at herself for losing her temper with Dean but it had been the proverbial last straw. All the times she’d written messages for him and each one had been for a mistress. It made her shiver. She felt that somehow she’d colluded in his deceit. Being battered with roses was too good for him, although she did feel bad about the poor flowers.

  They had a break for lunch. ‘Thanks for backing me up with Dean. I know he’s a good customer.’

  ‘We’ll survive. Women have to stick together.’ Kim gave her a hug. ‘Have you tried Curtis again?’

  ‘I’ll do it now.’ She pulled out her phone and dialled his number while she unwrapped last night’s tiramisu – it would have been a shame to waste it.

  ‘Hello Ruby,’ said a distinctly female voice.

  Had she misdialled? A quick look at the screen told her she hadn’t. Ruby swallowed her spoonful of pudding quickly. ‘I was after Curtis.’

  ‘He’s busy right now.’

  ‘Uh. Okay. Sorry, who is this?’

  ‘It’s Cordelia.’

  Ruby froze with her spoon at her lips. ‘Cordelia, hi. Is Curtis all right? I’ve been worried about him, what with Harry passing away.’

  ‘That’s kind of you, Ruby. I got the last train up from London to be with him. You really don’t need to worry. I have everything in hand.’

  ‘Right. Um …’ Ruby wasn’t sure what else to say.

  ‘Was there anything else?’

  ‘Can you tell him I called and … I’m sorry about … Actually, just tell him I called.’

  ‘Of course. Bye.’

  The call ended before she could say the same.

  ‘Problem?’ Kim was watching her closely.

  ‘No. I think everything is as it should be. Cordelia is with Curtis and that’s good. Right?’

  Kim nodded.

  ‘I don’t need to worry about him any more.’ Ruby nodded so much she felt her neck twinge. Who was she trying to kid? Curtis was, without doubt, the most unusual person she’d ever met but he was also the most genuine. He never pretended to be something he wasn’t. Yes, he was blunt, reserved, and lived his life in black and white but at least she knew where she was with that. He was also driven, loyal and funny – although often unintentionally. She’d been so focused on finding the fairy-tale man she hadn’t noticed the reference book one right under her nose. She scooped up a spoonful of tiramisu and promptly dropped it in her lap. Yeah, everything was just great.

  Kim turned the sign to closed and let Boomer have a trot around the shop while they finished up. The afternoon had been steady and they had all been lovely customers but Ruby’s mood hadn’t improved. She was sure Boomer could sense it as he followed Ruby around with his rubber chicken in a vain attempt to cheer her up.

  ‘Look, I’ll finish up here. Why don’t you get off?’ suggested Kim.

  ‘And do what?’ Ruby shrugged. ‘Sorry,
I’ve only got another long evening on my own stretched out in front of me. The highlight of which will be if Seymour pays me a visit and even those have become less common. I’m sorry, I’m on a bit of a downer.’

  ‘Can I do anything?’

  Ruby shook her head. ‘No. I need to sort my life out. But that’s easier said than done.’

  ‘Why don’t you take these to the nursing home?’ Kim handed her some mixed roses.

  ‘They’re perfectly fresh,’ said Ruby, eyeing the tight blooms.

  ‘I figure sometimes we should all experience the best life has to offer, instead of settling for cast offs.’

  ‘Thanks, that’s really kind. I will.’ She got her bag and took the flowers. ‘Night, Kim.’

  Kim held on to Boomer’s collar while Ruby exited the shop. She’d barely shut it again when there was a tap on the glass. She turned to see Adrian peering inside. Her stomach flipped at the sight of him.

  ‘Hi,’ she said. ‘Come in.’

  Boomer seemed to recognise him as he leaped about wildly. ‘Hey, boy. You’re looking well.’ He gave the dog a fuss.

  Kim watched them for a moment. ‘Sorry, Adrian, but I was shutting up. Was there something?’

  Adrian stood up quickly. ‘Yep, sorry. Look please say no if this is bang out of line. I don’t want you to think I’m taking advantage. But you popped into my head and I couldn’t think of anyone else.’ Kim’s heart started to race. He took a step closer and her skin prickled with anticipation – or possibly a flush, but she wanted to believe it was the former. ‘I need you—’

  ‘Yes,’ said Kim without thinking.

  Adrian’s head shot up. ‘… to do me a huge favour.’

  Kim licked her lips. She was no longer sure where this was going. Her imagination had swept her away on a torrent of happy feelings and now she’d hit a dam. ‘Sorry?’

  ‘Actually, it’s Hayley really. Her florist has gone bankrupt and the wedding is on Friday. Can you help?’

  ‘Er …’ was all Kim could manage.

  ‘I know it’s difficult after everything. But she’s distraught and I didn’t know what else to do. But if you’re too busy or it’s too weird, just say.’

  Kim gave herself a mental shake and went into professional mode. She was the bigger person here and she liked the idea of coming to Adrian’s rescue even if it meant helping his scheming daughter too. ‘What’s she after exactly?’

  Adrian pulled out a handwritten list. ‘Essential,’ he read out. ‘Bride’s bouquet. Three bridesmaid’s bouquets. One flower girl posy. Wedding party buttonholes and corsages for eighteen. Top table centrepiece.’ He looked up and gave her a fleeting smile before carrying on. ‘Desired but not essential – twenty-two table centres, baskets of petals to throw instead of confetti, bouquet to toss, church flowers … There’s quite a long list after that including arrangements for the altar and pews et cetera.’

  ‘Let me check the diary.’ She was glad of the distraction of being able to scroll through their orders. Her pulse began to settle – what a fool for thinking he was there to patch up their friendship. ‘I’ve got a wedding on Saturday but Friday is clear. We do most of the work the day before anyway. That’s assuming she’s happy we stick to the essentials list and I’d suggest she reuses the altar spray for the top table and throws the flower girl’s posy – less likely to take an eye out. What colours and flowers does she want?’

  ‘Um.’ Adrian scanned his list. ‘Doesn’t say. I think at this point anything you can conjure up would be wonderful.’

  ‘I can call my wholesaler now and see what he’s got coming in. We usually order at least a week in advance.’

  Adrian threw his arms around her and squeezed her tight. She froze. ‘Kim, you’re a life-saver. Hayley will be over the moon.’ He released her and she let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding in. Adrian seemed to realise how intimate his gesture had been and returned to making a fuss of Boomer.

  ‘Will she?’ queried Kim, remembering the last time they’d met and thinking about the blatant lie she told her father about being hit in the eye.

  ‘Of course. She needs wedding flowers.’

  ‘Did you tell her you were going to ask me?’ Kim fixed him with a stare.

  ‘No, she actually asked me not to ask you but there is literally nobody else.’

  ‘Thanks, Adrian – way to make me feel special,’ she said with a chuckle.

  ‘Sorry. I’m sure she’ll be able to see past your disagreement.’

  ‘Hmm I’m not sure she will. But I’ll leave it to you, Adrian. The offer is there if she wants to take it up. But I’ll need to know tonight so I can order the extra fresh stock from the wholesaler in time. We need them in store two days before to recover. We’re running out of time. Why not give her a call now?’

  Adrian ran his bottom lip through his teeth and looked a little awkward. ‘Okay.’ He pulled out his mobile and made the call. Kim continued to pack things away while keeping a discreet ear tuned into Adrian’s conversation. ‘Hayley, I’ve found a florist who can do the essential flowers for the wedding.’ He pulled the phone away from his ear as she excitedly screamed her reply. ‘And you can have a chat to her now about what she can do. And it’s Kim,’ said Adrian, his voice speeding up at the end. He quickly passed his phone over.

  Kim took the phone to hear Hayley was still talking. ‘Dad, seriously? Is this a joke? There must be someone else.’

  ‘I doubt it,’ said Kim. ‘I can do what you want though I can’t promise specific flowers and colours, but if you tell me what you had planned, I’ll do my damnedest to get it as close as possible.’ There was silence. Kim and Adrian waited. ‘Hayley, I need to know now because I have to order the stock otherwise it’s whatever I can cobble together from shop leftovers.’ She gave a shrug for Adrian’s benefit.

  She heard Hayley sigh. ‘The bridesmaid’s dresses are pale sage, so all the arrangements and bouquets had a lot of foliage, white roses and lots of very pale blush pink flowers but I don’t know what type they were. Mine was going to be a beautiful …’ Hayley paused and Kim heard her sniff.

  ‘I know how important wedding flowers are, Hayley. How about I find out what I can get my hands on and I’ll bring my catalogue over to your dad’s tonight and we can work out what we can do?’

  She heard Hayley take a deep breath. ‘Thanks, Kim.’

  ‘No problem.’ She handed the phone back to Adrian who was blowing her kisses and making her heart melt. Maybe this was a step to them being friends again. She very much hoped so.

  Kim rang Vince and explained why she couldn’t see him that night. He was quite annoyed at being fobbed off – apparently, he had something his solicitor needed her to sign. He said he felt she was blowing hot and cold and not taking his situation seriously but before she could protest, he ended the call. Oh well, she’d deal with him tomorrow. For now, she was focused on coming to Hayley’s rescue, although it was clear who she was really doing it for.

  Kim showered and changed into a plain summer dress she’d found in her wardrobe, something from her ‘one day I’ll be slimmer’ collection and she was thrilled that it fitted her again. She did her hair and make-up. She told herself it was because she wanted to look professional for Hayley but that was a big fat lie. After being away from him for what felt like ages Kim realised she had feelings for Adrian. Big obvious heart-a-flutter feelings for him that wouldn’t go away.

  She left Boomer with a carrot. She’d only be gone an hour and he was getting better at being alone. Hopefully he’d sleep. She checked there was nothing obvious he could eat, chew or destroy before she explained where she was going and how long she’d be. He concentrated on his carrot.

  It was a short drive to Adrian’s and she had to keep reminding herself seeing him wasn’t the main purpose of her visit. Adrian let her in. ‘Hayley’s a bit delayed but she’ll be here soon.’ He seemed on edge. He showed her through to the living room where they settled uneasily on separate chairs
and looked at each other. Kim put her albums of photographs and catalogues on the floor. Adrian checked his watch. ‘I’m not sure what we do to keep ourselves amused while we wait.’

  ‘I could take my clothes off,’ said Kim, trying to lighten the mood. Adrian appeared to tense up in alarm. ‘Because the last time I was here … Well, I had the dressing gown on but …’

  Adrian clicked his fingers and seemed to relax. ‘I remember, yes.’

  They both emitted something like canned laughter and returned to looking awkwardly at each other. ‘Tea!’ said Adrian, making Kim jump. ‘Would you like a cup?’

  ‘Yes, please.’ The relief was palpable from them both. Kim sank back into the chair. What had happened to the easy friendship they’d had? She could hardly believe she was here to help out the very person who had destroyed it. Ruby was right: she was too kind for her own good. She got to her feet and had a little snoop around. Nothing intrusive, she was simply interested in the many photographs dotted about. She had a good look at all the happy family pictures and wondered if in a parallel universe that could have been her and Vince. If a child would have stopped him from straying.

  A key in the front door had her dashing back to her chair. She caught her toe in the rug and stumbled in an ungainly fashion towards the chair, getting there just before Adrian entered the room.

  She hastily sat down and took the tea that Adrian was clutching. ‘Thank you,’ she said in a small voice. That was close.

  As Hayley appeared behind her father, Kim was relieved that she wasn’t meeting her in a state of undress this time. ‘Hello, Hayley, how are you?’

  Hayley was looking from her father to Kim and back again. She too seemed surprised to find Kim fully clothed.

  ‘Hello, love. Tea?’ asked Adrian.

  ‘Okay,’ said Hayley, taking a seat on the sofa, her eyes still flicking around the room.

  Once Adrian had left, Kim felt she needed to set out her stall. ‘I’m here in a professional capacity so—’

  ‘This doesn’t change anything, you doing the flowers. I stand by what I said – it’s too soon for Dad,’ said Hayley in a low voice.

  ‘Hayley, I don’t want to get into that again. And I think you’re well aware that your little stunt has had the desired effect. Our friendship is over because your dad thinks I’m some sort of violent harpy.’