by Ginny Gold
He slowly scanned her from naked toes to blond ponytail and whistled his approval. “Wow. You look incredible.” He grinned. “You might want to put some shoes on though. I told you I would give you a ride. Don’t you remember?”
Lily fidgeted and blushed. “Oh. I made other plans since you have a friend visiting.”
“Jennifer?” Ryan chuckled. “My sister? Is that why you’ve been avoiding me?”
Lily felt her face get hotter and hotter. She stuttered and stammered, feeling like a complete fool, which was how Ryan Steele usually made her feel. “Iris is picking us up. I’ll meet you there?” was all she could manage to say in a somewhat strangled voice.
Ryan leaned close to Lily’s ear. “You look absolutely beautiful. You should dress up more often.” He straightened back up and winked. “See you there. Oh, and by the way, try not to get your dress caught in the door when you slam it. I’d hate for someone else to have to rescue you.”
Lily watched him walk to his car. He was never going to let her forget their first encounter when she so clumsily slammed her car door catching her skirt and making her trip and fall. His scent lingered and she silently gave herself a good kick for jumping to the wrong conclusion about Jennifer.
Daisy tapped her arm. “What just happened? Was that Ryan?”
Iris drove in honking which saved Lily from having to make an explanation to Daisy. They piled into the back of her VW bug and headed to the museum. Marigold Harris was in the passenger seat, happily looking around as though she could actually see what was out the window. Being blind didn’t slow her down at all.
It was a short half mile drive to the Misty Valley Museum. The street was lined with cars and people were making their way into the main entrance. Iris swerved her bug into a parking spot between two big SUVs, almost taking off her front fender. “How’s that for maneuvering?”
Marigold responded with two thumbs up. “I didn’t hear any metal crunching so it’s fine by me.”
Iris helped Marigold out of the car, holding her left arm and giving a running commentary about what was happening. Marigold had her white cane in her right hand tapping along the sidewalk. Daisy and Lily walked behind.
“Wait up you guys.” Lily turned around to see Melinda Biotchi and Jack Weaver hurrying to catch up. “Can we sit with you?”
“Of course.” Lily asked Jack, “How is it going at the greenhouse?”
Jack looked content. “I couldn’t be happier. It’s much better than working at the Misty Valley Country Club.” He looked at Melinda. “I think Tamara is even starting to like me.”
Lily laughed. “Wonders will never cease.”
They entered the museum and were greeted by Elizabeth Stevens who was standing next to Lily’s arrangement and the floral painting. “Hello. Hello.” She leaned toward Lily and whispered, “Everyone loves your flowers. How daring to put blue and orange together, and the mirror makes the flowers and the painting sparkle from the lighting. Ms. Barry is extremely pleased with how the whole show is looking. She’s looking forward to meeting you.”
Lily beamed. “Thank you. I’m curious to meet her, too.”
“I’ll find you when she has a moment. Oh, and Nina Baldwin will be taking photos. Be sure to have her get one of you next to your flowers.”
Lily glanced at Daisy to see if she heard that exchange. Daisy nodded slightly. Iris and Marigold were already ahead so Daisy pulled Lily away from Elizabeth and they hurried to catch up.
Iris was describing the paintings to Marigold and letting Marigold guess what flowers were used in the arrangement based on the scent. She did an excellent job figuring it all out and seemed to enjoy it more than Iris even though she couldn’t see anything. Lily smiled as she watched the two older women. Iris was so content ever since Marigold moved in with her. It gave Iris a focus away from her two daughters, which was good for all of them. And Marigold was thrilled to be out of the nursing home.
The museum was stunning with all the flowers. A trio of violin, cello and piano played classical music at the side of the main staircase. The mixture of flowers perfumed the rooms. All in all, it was perfect.
Lily felt a gentle touch on her arm. Elizabeth was pulling her away from her family and pointing toward an elderly woman standing off to the side. She whispered, “Ms. Barry is free and wants to meet you now.”
Lily was surprised to see how tall and straight Marion Barry was. She looked elegant in her black dress with a dark red shawl draped around her shoulders. Her silvery gray hair was cut stylishly just below her chin. She smiled warmly as Elizabeth escorted Lily over and introduced them. She was much warmer in person than how the artist captured her in her portrait.
Ms. Barry extended her hand to Lily. “I’m so glad to meet you Ms. Bloom. I’ve heard a lot about you from Elizabeth and she was absolutely right when she said you would put together an arrangement to complement my newest painting. And it’s wonderful that Misty Valley finally has a flower shop. If you ever need anything, let me know.”
Lily was having trouble finding a reply to this generous offer. Suddenly the lights went out. Several seconds of silence were broken by screaming and scuffling. Lily felt a weight fall against her chest. She held on, confused about what was happening. Crashing sounded from the main entryway.
What felt like forever actually only lasted for a few minutes before the lights were back on. Lily saw that she was holding Marion Barry. Iris and Daisy appeared at her side. They both looked wild eyed. “What just happened?”
Lily gently lowered Marion onto an antique Queen Anne chair nearby. “I have no idea but we need to get help for Ms. Barry. Call 911. Is Ryan here yet?” She looked around frantically but couldn’t see him through all the chaos.
Elizabeth hovered, wringing her hands and sobbing. “Oh dear. Oh dear. Is she alright?”
Lily looked at Elizabeth and shook her head as she felt for a pulse on Marion Barry’s wrist. She felt like she was going to faint. “I think she’s dead.”
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