by Judith Keim
Devin got to his feet. “Mind if I accompany you? As long as we both understand the ground rules, it should be okay. We’re not going on a date. Right?”
“Sure.” Em flinched at the stab of disappointment that pierced her. “I’m going to change my clothes. I’ll meet you out front in fifteen minutes.”
“Deal.” They went inside, and he wandered into the kitchen, leaving her to admire the view.
###
When Em emerged from her bedroom, she saw Devin standing by the front door waiting for her. His dark hair was still wet from a shower and hung over his brow, tempting her to take her hand and brush it back. Wearing a golf shirt and slacks, he looked ... well, great.
“Ready?” he asked, studying her with a look of appreciation. “Let’s go to The Key Hole down the road. I hear it’s supposed to be good. Part of the Salty Key Inn complex.”
“Sounds fine to me. I didn’t get a chance to go there when I was in the area for Elena’s wedding.”
###
Sitting across from Devin at a high-top table, Em was well aware of the looks other women were giving him. He ignored them as he continued to answer her questions about the medical trip he’d recently participated in to help children. When he spoke about his work, his eyes glowed with a satisfaction that caught her interest.
“You love what you do,” Em commented.
“It was worth all the effort to get through med school, internship, and residency to be able to do it. My ex-girlfriend wanted me to open an office in an expensive part of her town, but that’s not what I wanted. The only way I got my education was through scholarships and other people helping me out. She didn’t understand I feel a deep need to pay back for all I’ve been given.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” she said.
He waved his hand in dismissal. “That wasn’t the only problem. A colleague asked me to go into practice with him in Miami. I’ve been working there for a while, but I’m not sure that’s what I want. I want to continue my work in other countries.” His gaze settled on her. “You say you’ve had bad luck in the past. I get the whole idea of not wanting to date for a while. I’m there with you. Too many other people are counting on me to help them.”
“I was worried about sharing the cottage with you. Now, I’m not,” said Em. “You’re a nice guy. I’m going to use this time here to work on a business plan so when I get back home, I’ll be ready to open a small landscape design business in tandem with working at Gran’s flower shop.”
“Sounds impressive,” said Devin, resting his gaze on her.
“That isn’t the only thing I’m going to do. I’m going to figure out how to bring a child into my life on my own. I don’t need a man to do that.”
He cocked an eyebrow and studied her with a grin. “It’s pretty basic science.”
She laughed. “I meant that in today’s world you can have a donor, do IVF, even adopt in order to have a child.”
“True,” Devin admitted. His lips curved into a teasing smile. “But you could be missing out on a lot of fun.”
“Maybe,” she said, “but being here has given me a lot of ideas for future plans. Plans I intend to put to good use.”
Devin gave her a little salute. “I say go for it.”
They smiled at each other. In that moment, Em realized she’d found a friend.
After sharing a tasty meal of grilled mahi mahi, the best coleslaw she’d ever eaten, and pineapple upside down cake, she patted her stomach, pleasantly full.
As they were about to leave, a couple approached them. “Hey, Devin! Long time no see,” teased an attractive redhead.
He laughed, got to his feet, and kissed her cheek. The tall, blond man accompanying her clapped Devin on the back. “Couldn’t stay away, huh?”
Grinning, Devin turned to her. “Emerson Jordan, meet two of my best friends, Allie and Doug Masters.”
“Ah, you’re the housemate at Seashell Cottage,” said Doug.
“Yes, just housemates,” said Em, wanting to make it clear. It felt good to say it. No expectations from Devin or her.
“Well, I see you’ve already paid the bill,” said Doug, eyeing the leather folder sitting on the table holding the tab. “I suppose we can’t ask you to change your minds and stay.”
“Thanks, but no,” answered Devin looking to Em for confirmation.
She nodded and turned to the couple. “Thanks for the offer. Nice to meet you.”
Devin took her arm, and they left the bar.
###
Back at the cottage, Em made a cup of tea. “I’m going to bundle up and sit on the porch for a while before going to bed. Care to join me?”
Devin shook his head. “Thanks, anyway. I’m going in to my room to watch a basketball game.”
Left alone, Em grabbed a blanket and headed outdoors.
A sliver of moon smiled down at her from the dark sky. Surrounded by twinkling stars, the moon seemed a good omen for her future. She liked the idea of being independent, of having plans of her own choosing. The townhouse she’d just bought held a small office she could use for her business. She’d taken an interior design course in college for fun, easy credits. That very course would now be a bonus in developing designs for outdoor gardens. Gran, she knew, would help her with information about plants. Marty Caster, one of Gran’s friends, owned a large landscaping business. She intended to talk to him about working together on various projects.
Sitting in the rocking chair, moving back and forth to the sound of the waves hitting the sand and rolling away, she felt a peace settle over her. Like Gran said, it was time for her to grow up and become a woman who knew who she was and where she was going with an open eye to others. Em silently thanked her sister for coming up with the idea of staying at Seashell Cottage.
###
The next morning, as Em trotted along the sand, she felt a new sense of purpose. The neighborhood’s wooden pier, an enticing pathway toward deeper water, lay ahead of her. She jogged to it, walked out to the end, and sat on one of the wooden benches. Three men were fishing, quietly throwing in their lines and reeling them in. It seemed such a peaceful scene. She let out a sigh of pleasure.
When her cell phone rang, still smiling, she picked it up. Gran.
“How’s my sunshine girl?” Gran chirped. “I miss you, but I’m glad you’re able to escape the latest snow. We got just enough to be bothersome.”
“It’s a beautiful morning here. I’m sitting in the sun watching men fish off the local pier. And, Gran, I’ve come up with plans for the future. Can you give me the cell number for Marty Caster? I want to talk to him about doing some design work for his clients.”
“Of course. Hold on. I’ve got it here in my office. Keep talking while I search for it. What else have you decided?”
“I’m going to set up an office in my townhouse but will continue to work for you as well.”
“Wonderful. Your floral designs have been sorely missed, but Marilyn is doing her best to duplicate what you showed her. And Nancy Norris wants you to help her with her garden. You promised you would come up with a design for it. How’s the housemate working out?”
“He’s fine. We’ve become friends.”
“That’s a good sign, Emerson. Sounds like you truly are on an independent path to happiness.”
“Thanks,” Em said. She wasn’t about to tell anyone about her desire to go ahead and have a child on her own. Thinking of children, she asked, “How’s Elena?”
“She emailed me a photo. She’s glowing like a woman about to have a baby. She and Andrew are so excited about it that it’s touching. Oh, a customer is at the door. I’d better go. Talk to you later, sweetheart. Love you.”
“Love you too, Gran,” she said with feeling. They’d always been close.
Em headed back to the house anxious to enjoy the rest of the day. Last night, she’d looked up information on the Florida Botanical Gardens, and she planned to spend several hours there. Now that she’d decided to continue to w
ork with plants and flowers, she couldn’t wait to see and read about as many as she could.
When she jogged back to the cottage, Devin was in the kitchen. Barefoot and wearing only Bermuda shorts, he looked like he’d just gotten up.
“Just made coffee. Help yourself,” he said. “What have you got planned for the day?”
“I’m going to visit the Florida Botanical Gardens. You’re welcome to come along if you want.”
He shook his head. “No, thanks. I’m going to veg out here, catch up on some reading. And then I promised to meet a colleague for dinner. She and I have worked together, and she’s now considering coming into the practice in Miami.”
“I thought you weren’t sure about working there.”
“I’m not. But I haven’t figured out a solution yet to how I can do both.”
“How about working in Costa Rica every fourth week, or five days a month, something like that, and having your new colleague cover for you. Then you’d be doing the work you love and providing service to others in both Miami and Costa Rica. Maybe your friend would be agreeable to something like that, especially if she’s new to the practice.”
Devin slapped his head. “My God! That’s so simple. Why didn’t I think of it? It’ll relieve my mind if we can figure out a way for me to do both.” He grabbed her in an impulsive bear hug and quickly let her go. “Thanks, Em.”
Surprised by the hug and her immediate sensual reaction to it, she barely managed to say, “You’re welcome.” Wow!
CHAPTER SIX
Before Em headed to the Botanical Gardens, she placed a call to her real estate agent.
“Glad you called,” the receptionist said. “Barbara is out of the office for a few days, but she wanted to let her clients at Green Meadows know that final inspections for Building B will be held in two weeks.”
“And then I can move in?” Em asked, excitement growing in her.
“It looks that way,” came the response. “Barbara said she could be reached in an emergency, but otherwise she’s taking a few days off. Family business.”
“No problem. I’m delighted. Please be sure to thank her for staying on top of this.” Em hung up the phone and raised a fist in the air. “Yes!!” For once in her life, things seemed to be falling into place.
On that optimistic note, she decided to go ahead and call Marty Caster. His AAA Landscape Company was the most prestigious in the area, and she wanted to be able to work with him.
When she reached his number, a recorded message told her the landscape company had closed for two weeks for their winter break, but the snow-removal operation could be reached through a different number.
She hung up, let out a sigh of disappointment, then told herself it would be better to talk to Marty after she got home. By then she hoped to have a written business plan. For now, she was off to learn more about plants and flowers in Florida and, more importantly, how professional designers at the gardens had put all the pieces together to create a compelling attraction.
###
As she drove to Largo, Em mentally reviewed what she’d read about the gardens. Founded in 1991, the Florida Botanical Gardens emerged from extensive planning with input from citizens, horticulturists, and plant societies. It wasn’t until the site was readied that design and construction of the gardens moved forward in 1997. It officially opened to the public in December, 2000, showcasing 10 gardens with 10,000 plants on 182 acres.
She shook her head. This was no small enterprise. She couldn’t wait to see it.
Em parked in one of the designated parking lots and headed out. She picked up a map and stared at it, wondering where to begin. She decided to head toward the Butterfly Garden. Butterfly bushes were popular in Ellenton. Maybe she could get some good ideas for designs there.
After viewing the garden and admiring the butterflies that fluttered inside the caged area like pieces of a rainbow tossed in the air, she moved on to the Native Garden. Here, she was enamored by the colors that abounded even though it was winter. Well aware of the limitations of a northern garden, Em took special notice of how greenery with varying shades and textures served as a design of its own and complemented the flowers and other plants.
It was late afternoon by the time Em decided to head home. She’d taken as many photos as her phone would allow without using all her battery power. Inspired by everything she’d seen, she planned to stop by one of the local restaurants for an early dinner. Tonight, she was going to write down her thoughts and glance through the armload of books she’d bought in the gift shop.
###
When Em arrived at the cottage after eating dinner at a nearby seafood restaurant, she was glad to be there. She needed a quiet time to sit and reflect on what she had seen that day.
Devin’s BMW was in the driveway. Her lips curved. She was eager to tell him about the gardens. She was still in awe of what she’d seen.
Em carried her books inside and stopped at the sound of voices in the kitchen. Curious, she went to see who was with Devin. She plunked the books down on the kitchen counter and turned as Devin called to her. “Em, come meet Su Lynn Wang. She’s the colleague I was talking to you about earlier.”
A striking woman with sparkling dark eyes smiled at her and held out her hand. “Hi, I’m pleased to meet you. Devin said you’re the one who came up with the plan for him and me to share time. I like it.”
Em shook Su Lynn’s hand. “Hi, I’m Emerson Jordan. Pleased to meet you.”
“You’re just visiting here?” Su Lynn asked pleasantly, but there was something in her voice that gave Em the impression Su Lynn was interested in Devin in more than a professional way.
Em quickly reassured her. “Yes ... just a little over a week left before I head north.”
Su Lynn’s smile lit her beautiful features. She and Devin would make a very handsome couple.
“Have fun! I’m off to do some office work,” Em said. “I’ve got notes to make, and then I’m going to work on my business plan.”
“You’re in business?” Su Lynn asked with an irritating look of surprise on her face.
“I’m setting up a landscape design business,” Em replied, loving the sound of it in her ears. “My grandmother has owned a flower shop for years. I’m taking it up a notch or two by offering design ideas to customers and hopefully working with a landscaper.”
“Sounds good,” said Devin. “You really are going through with all your new ideas?”
Em gave him a smile. “That’s the plan.” She lifted the books from the counter. “See you later. Nice to meet you, Su Lynn.”
As Em left the kitchen, she heard Su Lynn say to Devin, “You didn’t tell me that Em was so pretty.”
“Yeah, I guess she is,” he answered in a non-committal tone that let Em know he definitely wasn’t interested in her.
###
Em had seen enough business plans at work to know what needed to be done. As she walked the beach, bundled in a jacket and long pants to counter the cool wind off the water on this gray morning, her mind conjured up a mental list of points. Among the first things she needed to do was to prove that the business premise was a valid one capable of profit. That might be a problem.
Ellenton was a small town in upstate New York that wasn’t a typical suburb of New York City. Most residents did not commute to the city for work but had been living and working in the area for years. Neighbors knew neighbors, living was relatively simple, and there were no McMansions dotting the area. Sure, there were nice developments, but all were tasteful and not showy. Money was very much present, but understated.
Em sat down on a bench provided by the county next to a public walkway to the beach and lifted her face to the sun, warming her cool cheeks. Her goal would be to convince customers to spend money on upgrading their gardens for their own pleasure. Because winter was definitely a factor of life in Ellenton, spring, summer, and fall were months when residents reveled in being outdoors. That might work in her favor.
E
m’s mind raced. Maybe Gran’s house would be a good place to start. Em could easily imagine changing the look of the backyard from ordinary to stunning by adding a stone wall, a pathway through the wildflowers, and a garden bench beneath the maple tree. Things like a small pond, a gazebo, a waterfall, or other expensive items could be used for those who wanted it. But most of the people she knew would go for something simpler, especially those in the wooded areas near the creek.
She heard the sound of someone approaching and opened her eyes. “What are you doing up so early? I thought you and Su Lynn would stay out late having fun. She seems very nice.”
“Yeah, she is,” admitted Devin, taking a seat next to her. “She’s a very good physician. Last night, we called the head of my office group and talked to him about bringing Su Lynn on board. He was quite receptive to the idea. We’re driving over to Miami to meet with him today. Want to ride with me, see the scene there?”
She shook her head. “Thanks, but I’m going to stay here and work. Maybe before I leave, I can find the time to do that, but not now.”
He gave her a teasing smile. “No vacation for the new business owner?”
“Something like that,” she said. The truth was she was attracted to him and knew she’d fall back into her old habit of projecting a future with him if she didn’t stay strong and stick to her plans.
###
That afternoon, left alone at Seashell Cottage, Em felt a stab of loneliness. She lifted the phone and called her sister.
“Hey, there!” said Elena. “How’s the weather in Florida? It sounded mighty nice when I checked in with The Weather Channel.”
“It’s beautiful, but when it’s time to leave, I’ll be anxious to make my way back home.” She told Elena about her business idea.
“Sweet! That sounds perfect for you. You’re so creative. And Gran must be relieved to know you’ll continue working for her. She’s hoping to give you the business one day.”
“I’m not sure that’s what I want to happen, but it’s a very thoughtful idea.”