Page 17 of The Floral Arrangement

“So what are your plans for the farm?” Matt asked.

Tension in my chest released at the change of topic.Thank god for Matt.

I’d take talking about farm strategy over Olivia and my non-existent dating life any day of the week. Fingers crossed Mom would forget I’d said anything about her.

CHAPTERSEVEN

OLIVIA

Humming a tune,I pushed open the door to Novel Gossip and walked inside, pulling the cart of flowers and candles behind me. The mouthwatering scent of caffeine and baked goods hit me.

George rushed over from the counter to hold the door.

“Morning!” I said, grinning at her.

“Hey! I love the purple flowers!” George exclaimed as I parked the cart and we began to unload the bouquets and place them on the café’s tables.

“They’re hyacinth. They’re gorgeous, aren’t they?”

A pang of sadness gripped me as I remembered Jim dropping off the hyacinth last week, his final delivery as owner of Red Tractor Farm. He’d been so proud of them. I sighed. Jim had been an amazing mentor and colleague. At least he’d moved into Sapphire Springs, so we’d be able to keep in touch. But I’d miss working with him.

“Do you have time for a coffee?” George asked.

I glanced at my watch. It was only 8:15 a.m., and I didn’t usually open Sapphire Blooms until nine. “That would be great!”

We finished unloading the flowers and candles, and then I leaned against the spotless wooden counter as George made a latte for me and an Americano for her.

“It must be a huge relief about the sale,” George said as she frothed a pitcher of milk.

“It all happened so quickly—Jim has already moved out and the new owner has moved in. I’ve been meaning to go over and introduce myself once she’s settled. I know we’re unlikely to have the close relationship Jim and I had, but hopefully we’ll get along well enough. The fact she’s keeping the farm running makes me like her already.”

“Well, she seems to be the main topic for gossip here,” George said. “I don’t want to alarm you, but apparently Roslyn Kennedy is a little intimidating.” George began pouring frothed milk into my cup.

“In what way?” Frowning, I straightened a pile of leaflets on the counter, advertising an upcoming paint and sip night George was hosting at the café.

“It sounds like she’s a straight shooter and very much focused on the numbers. One of the teens who works at the petting zoo told me she cross-examined him about which animals were underperforming.”

“Underperforming? What the hell does that even mean?” I wrinkled my brow.

“He thinks she wants to get rid of the less popular animals as a cost-cutting measure, so he gave a vague answer about how they were all loved.” George handed me my latte. “She glared at him and stomped away. Oh, and she also asked him if the cows could be rehomed.”

My eyes widened. “Not Thelma and Louise!”

George cupped her Americano in her hands and took a sip. “Don’t worry, Liv. I’m sure she’ll be fine. The kid probably misunderstood. She has an MBA from Harvard and was a partner in a top consulting firm, so I’m sure she just has a bit of a different style from Jim that’ll take some getting used to.”

My frown deepened. “So you’re telling me she’s totally unqualified to run a farm as well as an unpleasant person to deal with? Shit.”

I’d been so focused on the fact she was going to keep the farm running that I hadn’t thought to ask about her personality or farming credentials. I should give Dana a call and find out what was going on over there.

I took in a slow breath. I didn’t need to be friends with this woman. I didn’t even need to like her. As long as she kept supplying me with flowers, I’d be fine. Totally fine. And I hoped to god all the animals would be fine too.

I sipped my latte and closed my eyes. Thank goodness for George and her amazing coffee.

My phone pinged. I pulled it out of my pocket and frowned. It was a notification from the app I’d installed last night.

Complete your profile to start dating!

“Is everything okay?” George asked.

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