New Beginnings at Seaside Blooms

by Jessica Redland

  ‘Shh! I promise I’ll tell you every last detail but you have to be quiet.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘I don’t want my parents to know yet. Mum will tell Auntie Kay and she’ll start planning the wedding. I just want a bit of time to enjoy being with him without the family drama.’

  ‘Okay. I’ll zip it, but don’t blame me if something accidentally slips out.’

  ‘Can I have this please?’ A short woman in her mid-twenties placed a soft pink bunny on the counter.

  ‘Aw. It’s so cute.’ Clare shoved me aside. ‘Will you be wanting this for a special occasion?’

  The woman beamed proudly. ‘My cousin’s just had her first baby.’

  ‘Congratulations. Now I don’t wish to be stereotypical, but would I be right in thinking the pink means she’s had a girl?’

  ‘Bethany Lily.’

  ‘What a beautiful name,’ Clare gushed. ‘Have you bought a card yet as we have a lovely selection of unique cards at fabulous prices.’

  ‘Well, I…’

  ‘Let’s just leave this little fella here and I’ll show you. No obligation, but you might as well look. Stay in the warmth a bit longer. And I tell you what else would make this gift even more special…’

  By the time the customer left ten minutes later, she’d also bought a card, an expensive gift box, a photo frame and a bouquet for the new mum because, as Clare put it ‘baby gets showered with gifts and poor mum who’s done all the hard work and is absolutely exhausted gets forgotten’.

  I gave Clare an appreciative round of applause. ‘You could sell ice to the Inuit.’

  ‘I keep telling you, watch and learn. But I admit I am good. Very good. In fact, that’s why I was named as Prime’s PR person of the year last night and received a rather fat bonus to say thanks. Hurrah for me.’

  ‘Clare! That’s fantastic. No wonder you’re so giddy this morning.’

  ‘It might have something to do with it.’ She looked down the shop towards where Cathy and Mum were still busy with the flower delivery. ‘Seeing as you won’t tell me about your night of passion with your man Nick, I’m going to see if your mum or Cathy have anything interesting to tell me. And I think it’s about time you did some work. I don’t know, just because you’re the boss, you think you can spend the day mooning after your new man and everyone else will do all the hard work.’

  ‘I’m not mooning and I’ve not stopped all morning but I’m sure Mum and Cathy would appreciate your help. Just don’t tell them about Nick.’

  Less than ten minutes later, my plan to keep Nick a secret was well and truly scuppered. I was making a bouquet for a waiting customer when the bell tinkled.

  ‘Special delivery for Ms Sarah Peterson. Who can take it?’ I looked up to see a young girl wearing a uniform from The Chocolate Pot, holding a large box tied up in cellophane with a big red ribbon round it.

  ‘Ooh, what is it?’ Mum asked.

  My heart thumped as she took the box and peered at the large card on the front. She frowned, then smiled, then looked across at me. I could almost see the question marks spinning round her like in a cartoon. Cathy, Clare and Jade also gathered round the box, whispering and giggling.

  ‘Hand it over,’ I said the second my customer left with her bouquet.

  ‘“I can’t send you flowers so here’s the next best thing. Thinking of you. Nick,” plus lots of sloppy kisses,’ Clare read. ‘Who’s Nick, Sarah?”

  ‘Yes, sweetheart, who’s Nick?’ Mum asked.

  ‘Nobody.’

  ‘Doesn’t sound like nobody,’ Mum said.

  ‘Is it Nick Derbyshire?’ Cathy asked.

  ‘It might be. Hand them over.’

  Mum passed me the box.

  ‘Ooh, Kay will be delighted.’ Cathy turned to Mum. ‘Your sister always thought Nick and Sarah would make a perfect couple.’

  ‘Do I know him?’ Mum asked.

  ‘I don’t know,’ I said. ‘Maybe when he was little. His grandma lived next door to Auntie Kay.’

  ‘She’s turned pink,’ Clare said. ‘I think our Sarah’s pretty smitten.’

  ‘Are you going to open it?’ Jade asked.

  ‘Not with you lot watching.’

  ‘Aw, go on,’ Clare said. ‘Don’t be such a meanie.’

  Scowling at her, but inwardly delighted that Nick cared enough to send me something, I turned my back to them and put the box on the counter. I carefully unfastened the ribbon and peeled back the cellophane. Inside the box were two compartments: one filled with cupcakes with flowers decorated on the top and the other filled with beautifully iced flower-shaped shortbread biscuits. They looked and smelled divine. What an absolute sweetheart.

  ‘Don’t be a spoilsport. Turn around and show us,’ Clare said.

  I turned round, rolled my eyes at her and then lifted up the box so they could all see. ‘Who’s for elevenses? And then, if you’re all nice to me and we’re not too busy, I might tell you about Nick. But it will be very brief.’

  ‘Don’t panic, everyone,’ Clare said. ‘I’ll get the unabridged version out of her later and text you all.’

  Clare followed me into The Outback. ‘Are you going to phone this Nick to thank him?’

  ‘I might. Why?’

  ‘I wondered if you might like to invite him along tonight.’

  ‘Really? You wouldn’t mind?’

  Clare shook her head. ‘I’d like to meet the guy who you’ve given up on Steven for because he must be pretty damn special.’

  I blushed again. ‘I think he might be.’

  Clare smiled. ‘He can only come on one condition: strictly no PDAs. You know I hate it when people are constantly snogging and pawing each other.’

  ‘It’s a deal. No PDAs. Are you absolutely sure?’

  ‘Stevie and Rob will be there so it’s not like I’ll be a gooseberry so, yes, I’m sure. I can’t wait to meet your new non-Steven.’

  Almost as soon as I brought the drinks and goodies out, things went crazy in the shop. My mug of tea went cold and it was two hours before a lull allowed me to take a bite of my cake.

  Around mid-afternoon, two women stepped into the shop and I recognised one of them immediately. ‘Skye! What a lovely surprise. How are you?’

  ‘Really good, thanks. I’m sorry to turn up on a Saturday but there’s something I want to ask you. I don’t suppose you can spare ten minutes?’

  I nodded. ‘You’ve actually timed it perfectly. We’ve hardly stopped all day and it’s just this minute calmed down.’

  ‘I know,’ Skye said. ‘We passed about an hour ago and the shop was packed so we went to The Chocolate Pot for a cuppa instead. By the way, this is my sister, Kate.’

  ‘Hi, Kate.’ I smiled at her. The family resemblance was striking but Kate had short blonde hair instead of tumbling curls and wore a smart black shift dress with a cerise pink belt around the waist; very chic in comparison to Skye’s flowery maxi dress.

  ‘Hi Sarah, good to meet you.’ Kate offered her hand and shook mine enthusiastically. ‘There’s something I wanted to speak to you about too.’

  ‘Really? Sounds intriguing.’

  We moved away from the counter, leaving Cathy and Clare in charge of customers, and wandered to the end of the shop.

  ‘I know you’re busy,’ Skye said, ‘so I’ll be really quick and, if you like the sound of it, we can talk some more when the shop’s closed. I’m organising an arts and crafts exhibition in The Ramparts Hotel over the Easter holidays. The theme is “Less is More” and it’s all about simple but beautiful crafts. I wondered if you could create some modern minimalist floral displays to complement my paintings and jewellery which I will, of course, pay you for, but could you also create some arrangements to sell?’

  ‘Wow! That sounds amazing. Yes, please.’ The Ramparts Hotel was Whitsborough Bay’s only five-star hotel and was huge. Events like this were very well-attended.

  ‘I’m the manager at The Ramparts,’ Kate said. ‘The floristry cont
ract is up for renewal. Our current florist has served us well but we want to move in a different direction, creating displays that wow rather than just look pretty. I’ve been keeping an eye on your work and I’m impressed.’

  ‘Thank you.’ My head was spinning. I’d only been in The Ramparts a couple of times but I remembered there being flowers everywhere. A contract with them would be extremely lucrative.

  ‘As an independent hotel, we like to work with local suppliers so you tick that box. I personally work off a combination of gut-feel and talent. Early indications are positive. If you’re interested in pitching for the contract, let’s set up an appointment for the New Year. If you can meet our needs at the right price, I won’t approach anyone else for a quote.’

  ‘No pressure then,’ Skye said, laughing as she gently nudged her sister.

  ‘Wow again! I don’t know what to say. That’s an amazing opportunity. Thank you.’

  The shop had filled up again and we were getting jostled. Kate reached into her jacket pocket and handed me a business card. ‘If you call my PA on Monday, she can set up a meeting for the New Year.’

  ‘I will. Thank you again, both of you. This is amazing.’

  Kate smiled. ‘You’re very welcome. We’ll let you get back to your customers.’

  I walked them to the door and stepped out onto the cobbles. ‘Can I ask you something, Kate?’

  ‘Of course.’

  ‘I’m flattered and excited to have this opportunity, but I’m curious as to what made you think of me. I thought most businesses would have wanted a more established florist for something like this.’

  ‘That’s a good question, but someone sang your praises so highly that I felt I had to come and see for myself.’

  I grinned at Skye. ‘Thank you. I think I owe you a drink or two.’

  Skye shook her head. ‘It wasn’t me.’

  I frowned. ‘Then who?’

  ‘It was Skye’s friend Nick,’ Kate said.

  My heart raced. ‘Nick? Really?’

  Kate nodded. ‘He was designing a new brochure for us and he asked who supplied the flowers. I told him the contract was up for renewal so he asked if I’d considered you. I told him I was aware that Seaside Blooms had changed hands and I wasn’t going to give such a big contract to a new business but he nagged me for days and I realised he wasn’t going to shut up until I agreed to visit your shop. Once I’d seen your work I knew it was exactly what we wanted so I think it’s Nick you owe a few drinks to.’

  The door opened and Jade poked her head out. ‘Sorry, Sarah. Mum needs you for a minute.’

  ‘Be right in,’ I said.

  Kate shook my hand again. ‘I look forward to seeing you next year. I think this could be the start of a great partnership.’

  As they set off down the cobbles, Skye turned round, gave me a thumbs up and mouthed the words, ‘It’s yours.’

  Back inside, I dealt with Cathy’s query then picked up my mobile, smiling widely.

  ✉︎ To Nick

  Skye & Kate have just been to the shop. You might have just won me a huge contract at The Ramparts. I owe you so much thanks that I don’t think words will cut it… I may have to show you my appreciation later xxx

  I hesitated as I re-read it. It was quite brazen for me. Oh, what the heck… send.

  ✉︎ From Nick

  So pleased for you. I knew you’d wow her. I’d say you don’t have to thank me… but on re-reading your text, perhaps you do! Can’t wait xxx

  The shop continued at a steady pace for the next couple of hours but at 5 p.m., things finally slowed down so I gathered my team round me. ‘Thank you all for working so hard today. The rush is over so I want you all to get your coats and bags, grab another cake, biscuit or both, and go home early. Clare and I can cope, can’t we Clare?’

  ‘I can,’ she said. ‘Not sure about Sarah, though. I think she may be the weak link in this otherwise extremely strong chain.’

  They all protested about leaving early, but I insisted. Five minutes later it was just the two of us.

  ‘I don’t know about you,’ I said. ‘But I’m definitely ready for a relax and a few drinks tonight.’

  ‘Now you’re talking,’ Clare said. ‘I thought my job was demanding but I don’t mind admitting that it feels pretty easy compared to today. How do you cope?’

  ‘By turning my hobby into my career. Yes, it’s busy. Yes, it’s physically exhausting but it’s mine and it’s a success and I love it. And, if I can secure that contract—’

  ‘Which sounds like it’s in the bag.’

  ‘Fingers crossed. The future for Seaside Blooms is looking pretty good.’

  ‘That’s more like it. Does this mean you’re relaxing and enjoying the experience more?’

  I nodded. ‘I appreciated the pep talk. Helped me get my act together.’

  ‘I think this town and this shop complete you,’ Clare said. ‘You have a glow about you.’

  ‘That’s a lovely thing to say.’ Tears pricked my eyes. ‘Would you mind holding the fort? I trashed the stock cupboard earlier looking for a teddy. I feel an urge to re-organise.’

  She nodded. ‘Any excuse to play with the soft toys.’

  As I stood on the small stepladder, re-organising the cuddlies, I heard the bell tinkle in the shop and felt a cold breeze around my ankles as the door opened and closed.

  A loud male voice exclaimed, ‘Oh my God! Clare Siobhan O’Connell. I came to see Sarah, but this is an unexpected added bonus. I haven’t seen you since graduation. How the devil are you?’

  My heartbeat quickened. Surely that’s not…?

  ‘Andrew Steven Kerr,’ responded Clare. ‘I thought you were in Dubai. What the hell are you doing here?’

  I froze. Andrew Steven Kerr? Steven. Oh my God! Why didn’t I think of that before?

  26

  ‘Let me see if Sarah’s free,’ Clare said. ‘Can you be trusted not to steal out the till while I’m gone?’

  I gripped the stepladder with one hand, the other clenched around a teddy bear.

  Moments later, Clare poked her head round the doorway. ‘You’ll never guess who’s just turned up.’

  ‘Andy?’ I squeaked. ‘What’s he doing here?’

  ‘I’ve no idea but I don’t think he’s here to buy flowers.’

  ‘What should I do?’

  She frowned. ‘Come out and say hello of course. I thought you two were friends.’

  ‘We are. But…’

  ‘But what?’

  ‘You said it yourself, Clare.’

  ‘Said what?’

  ‘His name.’

  ‘Andy?’

  ‘His middle name.’

  ‘Steven? Jesus! Steven! You don’t think…?’

  I sighed. ‘I don’t know what to think.’

  The bell jingled again. ‘Well, you can’t hide in here forever,’ she said. ‘You’ve got a customer and an ex-boyfriend wanting you. And can you put that poor teddy down before you rip his head off?’

  I looked down. My knuckles had actually turned white. Releasing my grip, I gently placed him in the crate. Focus, Sarah! You have a business to run and a friend to face. Neither of them are scary prospects. ‘Can you see to the customer while I see to Andy?’

  ‘I’ll have to steal you back if they want flowers.’ She leaned over and gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. ‘Time to face your past. It’ll be grand.’

  She headed back into the shop and I took a few deep breaths before following.

  ‘Andy! Long time no see.’

  ‘Sarah!’ He gave me a kiss on the cheek then moved in for a hug. ‘It’s been too long. It’s so good to see you.’

  I hugged him back but pulled away laughing when he held on a little too long, muttering something about PDAs scaring the customers and Clare away. I could tell from the hug that he was carrying a little more weight these days but it suited him. Gone was the floppy fringe from university, although his hair was still thick and dark. A very tann
ed face – out of place in a northern seaside town a few days before Christmas – highlighted the years spent living and working abroad.

  ‘Welcome back to the UK. But what are you doing here?’

  ‘I said I wanted to take you out for a catch-up when I got back from Dubai so here I am. You look fantastic, by the way.’

  I blushed. ‘Thank you. When did you—?’

  But the bell jingled and yet another customer came in. And another. And another. So much for the last half an hour being quiet.

  ‘I can see you’re busy.’ Andy headed towards the door. ‘What time do you close?’

  ‘Half past.’

  ‘I’ll be back then.’

  I was about to protest that I had plans, but he’d already gone and an elderly lady was wittering something about chrysanthemums. Or was it christenings?

  ‘What did he want?’ asked Clare when the shop finally emptied.

  ‘To have a catch-up.’

  ‘What? He came all the way back from Dubai for that?’

  ‘He’s back in the UK,’ I said.

  ‘London to here is still a trek. I take it you weren’t expecting him.’

  ‘Definitely not.’

  ‘Then why’s he turned up out of the blue? People don’t travel several hours without warning just to catch-up with their ex. Hey, do you think he’s about to tell you he made a mistake by letting you walk out of his life eight years ago and he wants you back?’

  My legs felt quite weak at the prospect. I leaned against the counter to steady myself, hoping Clare wouldn’t notice.

  But Clare missed nothing. ‘Sarah! I know that look. What are you thinking?’

  ‘Nothing.’

  ‘Sarah!’

  The bell jingled and another couple of customers came in. I quickly made up a bouquet for one of them while Clare sold and gift-wrapped a teddy bear for the other. The unfinished conversation hung heavily in the air.

  ‘Okay,’ she said the minute the shop emptied again, ‘start talking now. What’s going on in that head of yours? You don’t seriously think he wants to try again, do you?’

  ‘I don’t know. I always thought Andy and I would get together again one day but the timing never seemed right. Now he’s back in the UK for good, I’m not with Jason anymore, and he’s called Steven.’