Page 4 of Taken By the Pack

“You closing early today?” he asks, his eyes shifting from me to the clouds.

“Probably. Don’t think many will be braving the weather for flowers.” Aside from my regular clients, I doubt anyone else will come.

Storms always cause trouble here, and no one’s out taking a casual walk when there’s one looming over the town.

He nods. “You can come over later, if you want. I got some new books in. Think you might like ’em. Or I’ll come pick you up.”

“I’ll think about it,” I say, leaning against the counter, flushed at the thought. “Is the mermaid book one of them?”

His ears turn red. “How do you…? It’s not… look, it’s just a story. Nothing weird.”

I laugh, enjoying his discomfort. “Relax, Jake. I’m just messing with you.”

“Yeah, yeah.” He heads toward the door. “You’re lucky I like you.”

“Damn right,” I say, grinning. “Thanks for this, by the way. Saved me from scavenging through the tea cabinet for breakfast.”

“Anytime,” he says.

A jingle sounds as he leaves, and the shop settles back into its quiet hum, allowing me to relax.

I glance at the clock. Thirty minutes until opening. Time to get things sorted.

I move through the shop, adjusting displays and watering the plants that need it.

The air smells like lavender and rosemary, a mix that always puts me at ease. My hands find their rhythm, trimming stems and arranging bouquets.

Mrs. Clarke will want her usual: daisies, yellow and white, with a sprig of baby’s breath. She’ll talk about her grandson’s latest art project and how proud she is.

Mr. Patel will come in around eleven, asking for something “bright but not flashy” for his wife’s birthday.

Every year, same request. I’ve got a mix of lilies and tulips ready for him.

The people in this town are predictable in the best way.

I glance at the storm clouds, darker already. They’ll probably scare off even my regulars, but that’s fine. I’ll use the downtime to prep for the weekend rush.

The bell jingles again, and I turn, expecting another early bird. Instead, it’s Claire, my neighbor from down the street.

“Morning, Grace,” she says, holding a steaming travel mug.

“Morning, Claire. Tea?”

“Coffee. Needed something stronger today.”

I laugh, nodding toward the storm outside. “Looks like it’ll be a good day to stay in.”

“Not for me,” she says with a sigh. “Got errands to run, and the kids are already driving me up the wall. But I thought I’d come say hello.”

“Hang in there,” I say and turn around to avoid her gaze. I know she’s been worried about me lately, but there’s no need. I’m fine.

I glance at the now-empty bottle of suppressants on the shelf behind the counter. Been taking them since I was sixteen.

Another routine, like brushing my teeth. They keep everything in check, and I like it that way. No surprises. No complications.

I reach for a small bundle of lavender and hand it to Claire. “Here. For your sanity.”

She peers at me for a second and then grins. “You’re a lifesaver. I’ll see you later, okay?”

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