Page 82 of Almost Always

Sniffling, Daisy shook her head. “It’s not your fault. There were these girls who made fun of me. It just made everything worse.”

“Who are these girls?”

“They’re not important. Did I disturb you?”

“Never,” Nonna said with a soft smile. “I just finished making a pie for dinner. But why don’t we go for a walk?”

“It’s okay. I’m going to read for a bit.”

Nonna pouted playfully. “Come, I want to show you something.”

Even though her bed and books were calling to her, Daisy didn’t argue further. She waited for Nonna to grab her things and the two of them set off down the street. The whole way, she talked about growing up in a big Italian family and what it was like to find the one thing she was passionate about. It was only once they reached a gorgeous flower shop that Daisy knew where Rafferty got his love from.

“Wow, this place is beautiful.”

“Mrs. Ames, it’s so good to see you!” A brightly dressed woman stepped out of the shop and held her hands out to Nonna. “What brings you by?”

“I wanted to show my little girl my old haunt.”

My little girl. Her heart warmed at the effect of those three simple words. Smiling at the woman, she followed them into the shop. At first the scents were overwhelming, but as she walked around the space, it calmed her down.

“I opened this flower shop after I got married,” Nonna said, looping her arm through Daisy’s. “Poppy was my only investor, but I ran it for a few years then handed it over to someone who had more time.”

“I love this. Is this where Rafferty gets his flowers from?”

Nonna laughed. “Of course. He works here sometimes after school, insisting that the flower shop should stay in the family. We both know he’ll forget about it once he starts working with his father.”

“I think he might surprise you.”

The older woman offered her a smile and hummed as she showed her around the shop. She pointed out and named all the flowers, telling her about her favorites. Just like Rafferty did on the mornings after his shift at the shop. By the time they left, Daisy was feeling lighter. Other than flowers she saw at the park, she’d never been around so many types or colors before. And ontheir walk back, she could still smell and feel every single one that she’d come in contact with.

When they got home, Rafferty was sitting on the front steps, fingers tugging at his hair. He jumped to his feet when he saw them, mouth open to speak, but caught himself. From the corner of her eyes, she could see Nonna gesturing for him to calm down.

“Where have you been?” he asked softly.

“Nonna took me to her flower shop. What’s wrong?”

“I heard about what happened today. I hurried home and you weren’t here.”

Nonna patted her arm and kissed Rafferty’s cheek before going up the stairs and into the house. Daisy shrugged at the look Rafferty shot her and she sighed heavily when it was clear that he wasn’t going to let it go.

“I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine.”

She scoffed. “Thanks.”

“No, shit. I mean…you’re wearing someone else’s clothes and your eyes are red. What happened?”

“It was a bad day, nothing else.”

“Hero,” he said, searching her eyes. “Don’t lie to me.”

Blowing out a frustrated breath, she shrugged. “I don’t know what you want me to say, Raff. I started my period and stained my clothes and everyone made fun of me until Mrs. Travers helped me? Sounds really pathetic.”

“Not pathetic. I’m glad Mrs. Travers was there.”

She sighed and played with the ends of her braid. “I’m fine, okay? Seriously. It was just a rough day.”

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