Page 39 of Just Say Yes
‘A florist.’
‘Right. In you get, then.’
One part of me really wanted to sort this out for myself but he’d inarguably come up trumps with the catering and he certainly had local knowledge. Practicality – and my sad bank balance – won out.
‘As you asked so nicely…’ I said, opening the door, not missing the flicker of amusement on the handsome face before I disappeared inside.
‘Fiadh’s family have had this business for years, but she’s the one that’s really brought it on and dragged it into the twenty-first century. To be honest, I don’t think it would still be going if it wasn’t for her innovations and ideas.’
‘Sounds great. So you’ve known the family a long time?’
‘Forever. Fiadh was a few years below me in school. Here we are,’ Lorcan said, pulling up.
‘We could have walked that.’
‘Did you not notice the dirty great splash pool we drove through back there? I didn’t think you’d fancy mucking up your nice shoes wading through that and I’m sure as hell not going to carry you.’
‘And I sure as hell wouldn’t let you,’ I returned with a tight smile. ‘But thank you for thinking of my shoes. I assume this is it?’ I said, pointing at the shop in front of us and exiting the car before he could say anything else.
That distinctive scent of flower shops wafted over me as I stepped through the door, a small bell chiming as I did so. Greenery mixed with a myriad of different flowers and a hint of damp. Everywhere I looked, the blooms were perfect. From the outside it had looked like a typical village shop but inside it transformed into a stylish city boutique.
‘Morning. Is there anything I can help you with?’
‘You have a beautiful shop here.’
‘Thank you.’ The woman smiled. Her voice had the same soft lilt I was quickly getting accustomed to and what my mother would have described as kind eyes. They were bright blue and contrasted with the dark hair she had tied messily, but chicly, into a loose chignon at the nape of her neck, accessorised with a sunshine-yellow triangle headscarf. ‘Is there anything particular you’re looking… for?’ She faltered on the last words as behind me I heard the doorbell tinkle again. ‘Lorcan O’Malley, as I live and breathe.’ Her smile widened as she came around the counter and towards him, accepting the hug he offered.
‘Fiadh, my girl. How are you?’ He stepped back, holding onto her hands as he did so. ‘You look great.’
She glanced at me. ‘Always did have the right lines.’
I smiled and turned back to the flowers.
‘Are you together?’ she asked. ‘O’Malley, is there something you’re wanting to tell me?’
‘Oh! No. We’re definitely not together,’ I filled in quickly before Lorcan could say anything. ‘Well. We are, but not in that way. I’m planning Patrick Kelly’s wedding and Mr O’Malley is kindly helping out with some local contacts.’
‘I see,’ she said, smiling widely at Lorcan. ‘I’ve heard all about the wedding. I thought they were doing it over in Dublin though? Isn’t he marrying some rich American?’
‘He is,’ Lorcan informed her, leaning on the counter as I continued to study the flowers, feeling the velvety touch of rose petals and inhaling the intoxicating scent of lilies. ‘But the wedding planner let them down and the venue was gone.’
‘Oh…’ Fiadh’s eyes drifted to me.
‘No!’ Lorcan realised her thoughts at the same time. ‘Maddie wasn’t that planner. She’s the one that’s stepped in to try and rescue it all, thank God.’
I smiled, a little shocked at the compliment but feeling a warm rush of pleasure at the note of appreciation in his tone.
‘Lord. Picking up the pieces someone else dropped and trying to fit them all together for the same date can’t be the easiest job you’ve ever had, I’m sure?’
‘Definitely not,’ I said, grateful for her understanding. I already liked this woman. I wasn’t into anything like astrology or fate, but I had a sense for people – well, except for Lorcan, who refused to be sussed out – and I had a good feeling about Fiadh.
‘But if anyone can help Maddie do it, it’s you, Fiadh.’
She turned to me. ‘He’s a silver tongue, but it’s generally speaking the truth. Do you want to come back to the office? I’ll get us a cup of tea and let’s see if we can’t get Patrick and his bride their flowers.’
‘That’d be great! Thank you.’
‘Let me know when you’re done. I’ll come pick you up,’ Lorcan said, straightening from where he’d been leaning.
