“Oh, my goodness! Are you, okay?” the woman asked with panic in her eyes.

“I’m okay,” I admitted with a hand over my chest.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I was on my way around to the front when you came out. My name is Sapphire. Becka down at the daycare told me to come talk to you about a job. She told me you were looking for help a couple months ago. Are you still trying to fill the position or has it been taken?” she asked curiously.

“No, it’s available. Are you able to stop by tomorrow around nine-thirty?” I questioned.

If I hadn’t locked the shop already, I would’ve taken the time to ask her a few questions right now.

“I am. I’ll see you tomorrow. Thank you!” Sapphire squealed in excitement.

I couldn’t help but return the energy and give a smile of my own. Getting my hopes up was something I tried not to do, but I couldn’t shake the good feeling.

Lord, please send me the perfect fit.

FOUR

Mccoy

“Ma, I don’t wanna talk to her right now. I don’t want her having my number and I don’t want her thinking that we even have a chance at rekindling,” I explained.

My mom had just informed me that Carmen stopped by her house a little while ago. Apparently, Carmen was so distraught that my mother made her sit for a while before letting her leave. None of that moved me. If anything, it pissed me off that she was even doing all of this.

“I know, son. I told her that I was staying out of y’all’s business. I’m not saying you’re wrong for how you feel, but space can do wonders for a relationship.”

“Yeah, the permanent space will do us well,” I responded sarcastically.

“Don’t get smart now.”

“I wasn’t, Ma. I’m just saying this isn’t some phase. As bad as I was feeling, I have no desire to be back with Carmen.”

“Hold on, sweetie, your sister is snatching the phone from me.”

“What’s up, punk? How come you didn’t answer my call earlier?”

“Hey, Stacey. I was busy and meant to call you back, but momma ended up calling me before I got around to it,” I answered honestly.

Stacey had called when I was in the flower shop helping Saturn. My plan was to go in and pay for the roses with one last apology, but my mind was on its own track. Leaving with a coffee date wasn’t my intention, but a part of me needed more of Saturn. I needed to know everything about her, even if it led to nowhere. Saturn had my head gone and I knew she felt the same about me. Before my mom called, I had been watching the time and waiting for the right moment to call her. The sign on the front door said the shop closed at six, so I planned to call her around seven-thirty. That was more than enough time for Saturn to get home and settled.

“Mmmhmm. Well, what you been up to? You’re not causing trouble in that sweet little town, are you?”

“Not at all. I stay to myself if Justin isn’t out here.”

“Yeah, he told us that he was getting ready to move out there. I’m a little surprised. Justin is a city boy through and through. I give it a year and he’ll probably be back in Gwendal,” Stacey said.

My sister’s statement had crossed my mind, but Justin was talking like he was ready for a change. Going through the process of buying a house wasn’t a cake walk, so I hoped he’d be serious about the move. Even if his mind were to change down the line, he could rent the house out for extra income.

“I don’t know. I think this move might be what he needs. There’s only so much fun you can have until it starts to get old.”

“That’s true. Maybe he’ll come out there and find someone who will sit his ass down.”

“Stacey, watch your damn mouth,” my mother yelled in the background, making both of us laugh.

“My bad, Ma. It just be coming out sometimes. But anyway, what are you up to for the rest of the night?”

“Nothing too much. I have a call to make in a few minutes, but I’m in for the night,” I admitted.

“What call you need to make this late in the evening? A business call?”