Forget Me Not

by Crystal B. Bright

  Gideon remained quiet. He smiled and almost laughed off her assumption about his health. To stall for time, he said, “Mom, I got checked out by the team’s doctor. I’m fi—”

  “Don’t lie to me. I apologize for interrupting.” She pointed down. “I know you haven’t developed a strut in your walk after twenty years. What’s going on with your leg?”

  Gideon glanced over to the cashier area. When he noticed a couple of customers looking at him and whispering, he kept a cool head while talking to his mother.

  “I love you, Mom. I’ll try to be by your house later for dinner.” He kissed her forehead.

  “Love you, baby.” She patted his shoulder. “Remember to go see Janelle if you need anything, understand?”

  Gideon nodded. He would have to school his mother on having public conversations about him. He had seen too many real and fake stories about him in the press. For once, he wanted to control his image.

  As though on autopilot, Gideon got to Pick ’N Clip in record time. He parked in the back like he used to when he’d worked alongside Queen Elizabeth. Once he got out of the car, he realized very quickly that he no longer had keys to access the store from the locked back door. After his mother made him and his brothers sign power of attorney forms for her business, she’d tried giving him a set of keys to the store. Believing that holding the keys meant something bad would happen to Elizabeth, Gideon had refused. Now he would have to get that extra set while he stayed in town.

  “Damn.” He circled the standalone store to get to the front door.

  Nothing had changed about the place. Gideon’s mother had a way of making every place, including all of her stores, feel like home. The front of the all-white store with a black shingled roof created a great frame for the black wrought-iron trellis that surrounded the front door. His mother had ivy creeping up each to give the place a garden appeal.

  As soon as he opened the door, a fragrant bouquet greeted him. As he scanned the inside, he realized not much had changed in here either. Roses, daisies, and lilies remained housed in lit glass cases. Vases lined the shelves behind the bouquet-making counter. Streamers of different colored ribbon came off rolls on both sides of the counter. His sneakers squeaked over the brick-colored tile floor.

  “Oh, great. You’re here.” Victor put his hand to his chest as he came from the back room.

  Except for the sprigs of gray hair, Victor looked exactly the same. The diminutive Filipino man embraced Gideon before taking a step back.

  “The shipment came in.” Victor pointed to the storeroom.

  Gideon glanced around but noticed that the glass cases and shelves still looked bare. “Did you have a good sales day or something? I don’t see any merchandise.”

  “I received a shipment two days ago, and I put it all in the cases like usual. I didn’t know the thermostat stopped working.” Victor rushed over to one of the cases and opened a door. “Feel.”

  Gideon strolled over to him. He put his hand in the case to feel the temperature. Hot air surrounded his digits. “That’s too hot.”

  “No shit.” Victor covered his mouth. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to curse in front of Queen’s boy.”

  “Don’t sweat it. I’ve heard worse in the locker rooms.”

  “I’m sure you have. I’m used to you being a little kid.” Victor put his hand up to his waist to illustrate Gideon’s height when he’d first started working with his mother at the store. “Anyway, I think one of the delivery drivers must have knocked the thermostat out of whack when they were putting away the merchandise. I didn’t discover it had been messed up until today. Every flower and plant in the cases has open buds or worse.” He went to a nearby trash can and picked up a long-stem rose.

  It drooped down. To illustrate Victor’s point, a petal fell from the bud.

  “I can’t sell any of these. Your mother has very high standards.” He slammed the stem back into the bin. “What am I going to do?”

  Gideon put his hands on Victor’s shoulders. “First thing’s first. Have you called an electrician or heating and cooling tech to fix the thermostat? No use restocking it if it still doesn’t work.”

  Victor shook his head. “No. Your mother keeps this place in tip-top shape. Any maintenance she’s done, she’s kept me out of the loop.” He pointed to her office. “There’s only a few things in her office that I can touch. I don’t go in the drawers.” He shuddered and shook his head.

  “I’ll contact her to see who she uses.”

  Victor gripped Gideon’s arm. “No, don’t. If your mother finds out that I couldn’t handle something like this, she’ll freak out. She’ll never trust me to run the store for her again.”

  Gideon cocked his head. “You can’t believe that. You’ve worked for her for years. You’re like family. She would understand.”

  He shook his head. “I let thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise get destroyed. I love Queen, and I know she loves me. But to let all that money go down the drain is something even I couldn’t forgive.”

  Gideon found it hard to believe that his saint of a mother would be that irrational. Then again, Victor did have a flair for the dramatic.

  “Okay, I’ll go in the office and see if I can find a number for someone to fix it. If I can’t, I’ll find someone to do it. Can’t be that hard.” He patted Victor’s shoulder. “Next, we’ll need more plants and flowers.”

  “That’s the other thing. I called the vendor. They won’t be able to get us more flowers for two days. He said he may be able to bring something tomorrow, but it would be late.” Victor ran to the front counter and held up some papers. “We have orders that have to be fulfilled today.” His eyes widened as he stared at Gideon. “Maybe you can call them and tell them who you are—the great Gideon Wells, Super Bowl champion—and they’ll make an exception.”

  Gideon counted in his head, a second time within twenty-four hours, before he addressed Queen Elizabeth’s employee. “No. I don’t work that way. You’ve been around my mother long enough to know that. We do things the right way every time.”

  Victor shrugged. “Suit yourself. In the meantime, we’re out of everything, and one of Queen’s biggest clients is expecting their order tomorrow.”

  “Let me see the orders. I’m sure there are plenty of greenhouses around that would be willing to help us out.”

  Victor shook his head. “You’re going to have to make a miracle happen to get them to give up their stock. You know what time of year it is, right?”

  Gideon slipped his hands in his pockets. A brief thought hit him to go to as many florists as he could to get what he needed. What his mother didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her. He had never betrayed her trust, and he wouldn’t be starting now.

  His fingers brushed over a card. He pulled it out and read it. “I think I have an idea. I’ll be right back.”

  Chapter 5

  Janelle decorated the front window of the store with vases filled with red roses and white baby’s breath. Nothing said stereotypical Valentine ’s Day bouquet like roses.

  “Pretty.” Penny nodded as she arranged the greeting cards on the rack by the counter. “Anyone ever tell you that you should do this for a living?”

  Janelle snickered. “Maybe once or twice.” She put her fists to her hips as she scanned the store. “I think we’re ready.”

  “Ready for romance?” Penny sprayed the counter and wiped it down.

  “Ready for more business. It’s been a bit slow. I’m hoping now that football season is over, men will be more attentive to their wives and girlfriends and get some flowers.” So that she didn’t worry her friend, Janelle smiled.

  Janelle heard the front door opening before she heard the bell over the door ringing. “Welcome to—” She stopped her standard greeting when she saw her other employee, Thelma, approaching her.

  “Thelma, what are you doing here today? You know it’s your day off.” Janelle moved closer to the older woman.
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  When she caught Thelma’s standoffish vibe from her sour expression and the way she kept her arms crossed over her chest, Janelle stopped.“What’s wrong? Your team didn’t win last night or something?” She laughed.

  When Thelma kept her stoic expression, Janelle stopped laughing.

  “Can we talk?” Thelma glanced over at Penny. “In private.”

  “Uh, yeah. Of course.” Janelle led her to her office.

  With the two of them inside and the door closed, the space seemed so cramped. Janelle didn’t keep a lot of items in her office, just a desk, her rolling swivel chair, a chair across from her, and a plant in the corner. Without a window, the office felt more like a closet sometimes.

  “What did you want to tal—”

  “I’m quitting, effective immediately.” Thelma leaned back in her chair as though waiting for a fight.

  Janelle felt her bottom jaw unhinge and nothing coming from her mouth. After Penny, Janelle had hired Thelma based on her years of experience working at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. She had a love of horticulture like Janelle did. Besides that, the older African-American woman reminded her of what a real mother should act like.

  The nurturing woman would dispense good advice to her and treat her like a daughter. On occasion, Thelma would bring in plates of freshly baked cookies.

  After collecting her thoughts, Janelle managed to muster enough strength to say one word. “Why?”

  Thelma took in a deep breath through her wide nostrils and on the exhale said, “You’re in trouble, baby. I’m going to go before I see this place get shut down.”

  Janelle shook her head. “What are you talking about? You’re always paid and on time. I’ve never said—”

  Thelma cut her off. “You’re a great boss. One of the best I’ve ever worked for. When I retired and decided to do some fun part-time work, I knew I would love working here, and I have. You make it a joy to come here.”

  Janelle’s throat started to tighten and her eyes stung from the impending tears. She never wanted to show weakness in front of anyone, let alone her employees. They looked to her to be a strong leader. How could she portray that if she cried at the drop of a hat?

  Janelle clasped her hands together and sat them on her desk to give off the air of authority. “So again, why?”

  She lowered her tone to almost a whisper despite the door being closed. “I saw the disconnection notice for the light bill, and I paid it.”

  Damn it. She wouldn’t crack. She wouldn’t break. Janelle ground her teeth together to harness her feelings. Bosses didn’t weep in front of their employees.

  She covered her eyes and lowered her head. Damn if she didn’t feel defeated.

  She didn’t expect to feel an arm wrapped around her shoulders. She turned her face away from Thelma before she pushed her chair back to create a wedge between the two of them.

  Janelle cleared her throat. “I’m so sorry you felt obligated to do that. I never wanted—”

  “You don’t owe me any excuses.” Thelma’s confused expression showed her bewilderment at Janelle’s distant demeanor. “You’ve created a fine business.” She retreated back to her chair. “When you get yourself turned around, and I know you will, call me if you’re in need of more help.”

  Janelle nodded. “I’ll take that into consideration.” Talking like a boss would remind her of her position. She owned a business. She had employees, well, an employee under her. Without any money, she would lose it all.

  “Thank you.” Thelma smiled. “You run a beautiful flower shop.”

  Janelle tried smiling to show some level of control. “I wish you wouldn’t go.”

  Thelma moved closer to the door. “I’ll say good-bye to Penny.” She shook her head. “She’s good people but horny as a devil.”

  That assessment made Janelle laugh. “You are right about that. She’s been that way for as long as I’ve known her.” She straightened herself up and brought the serious countenance back to her face. “You leaving might make her worry. I don’t want her fearing she may lose her job.” Janelle put her fists to her hips.

  “I’ll tell her that I’ve decided to retire for real this time. If she doesn’t know about the problems, she doesn’t have to know.” Thelma opened the door. “Thanks for hiring this old lady.”

  “Thanks for working for me. You made this a better place.” Janelle took a couple of deep breaths.

  “No.” Thelma pointed to Janelle. “You make this place. It has Janelle Gold all over it. Now go make your mark. I’ll be rooting for you.”

  Janelle fought the urge to put her arm around the shorter woman and, instead, patted her shoulder and walked her out to the main store.

  “Penny, you be good to Janelle.” Thelma walked toward Penny with her arms outstretched. “I’ve decided to retire for good this time.”

  “What? You’re leaving?” Penny hugged Thelma. “Who’s going to bring in hot cookies?”

  “Maybe you can learn to bake.” Janelle tried hiding the frustration in her voice, but she knew it crept out anyway.

  Penny shivered as though Janelle had suggested she bake with severed kitten heads.

  “Don’t be a stranger.” Janelle waved to Thelma as she walked out of the store.

  She wanted to break down and cry, but business owners didn’t do that.

  Janelle turned her back on the front door and faced Penny. “It’s a big loss for the store, but we’ll manage.”

  Penny nodded. “Yeah. I’ll miss her though.”

  Janelle would also. Not only would she miss the woman, with her leaving it became clear she had a failing business. She couldn’t take another loss.

  “Oh, wow.” Penny’s eyes became wide as she stared at Janelle, or rather something behind her.

  “What?”

  The door opened again before Janelle heard the bell over it ringing.

  “Welcome to—” She stopped her introduction again as soon as she came face to chest to a wall of a man.

  Janelle had to take a step back to see his face. When she did, she wanted to take another big step back away from him.

  Gideon Wells. As she lived and breathed. She’d imagined him showing up to her store one day to whisk her off her feet, tell her that he had been the one to kiss her that night at the dance so many years ago, and that he’d thought about her every day. She had to get her head out of the clouds.

  The tall man had a hard expression on his face until he stared at Janelle. Then it softened. His blue eyes drew her in like the stare that had mystified her so many years ago when she’d dared to look her mystery kisser directly in his eyes before she’d run home. Pretty soon, he started to smile a bit. What power this man had. As soon as she caught his pleasant look, Janelle’s heart stuttered.

  Maybe he had remembered her. Then reality hit her. What the hell had happened to her no-man rule? How had seeing this god caused her to imagine romantic possibilities? She needed to ground herself, root herself in reality.

  Janelle tugged at her sweater. No way could he find her attractive. She dropped her gaze for a millisecond to take inventory of her outfit.

  She had on her standard uniform of droopy sweater, well-worn jeans, broken-in sneakers, and a turtleneck. Gideon, on the other hand, looked like sex on a stick in his T-shirt, jeans, sneakers, and a leather jacket.

  He had his hair pulled back into a ponytail like Janelle had seen in pictures online. His stare bored a hole through her soul. If he asked her to drop her panties, she might do it, a strange reaction considering she had only heard of him yesterday.

  “Um, hi.” Janelle’s voice broke when she finally addressed him. She had her hands to her hips at first, but thought the stance looked too aggressive and so lowered them to her side. Damn, now she looked like a stiff-armed mannequin. “How can I help you?”

  “Yeah, you need a bouquet for a young lady?” Penny came around the counter and stood next to Janelle. “Or maybe you need som
ething for your brother Gunnar?”

  Janelle whipped her head around to Penny. Under her breath, she whispered, “How do you know that?”

  “Google,” Penny replied through her smile to Gideon. “We heard about the shooting yesterday. How awful.” She poked Janelle on her side to get her to speak.

  “Uh, yeah. Horrible. Hope they catch who did it.” Janelle nodded. “Good that you rushed back home. That was very, very—um—sweet.”

  Penny groaned and lowered her head.

  “Thanks.” Gideon’s deep voice rumbled over Janelle.

  Her stomach twitched as soon as she heard him. Yep, definitely a panty-dropper type of voice.

  “I’m looking for Janelle Gold.” He pointed to Penny. “Is that you?”

  Penny started to nod when Janelle pushed her friend away. “I’m Janelle. I own Flowers Galore. Penny Lister is one of my employees.” For now, she could say that with some authority.

  Penny held her hand up to Gideon. “Hi.”

  Despite Penny positioning her hand in a way that begged for Gideon to kiss the back of it, he, instead, held it like a gentleman and shook it. She slipped out of his grip and stared at her hand like an oddity.

  Penny leaned over to Janelle and whispered, “I’m never washing this hand again.”

  “Good to know.” Janelle patted her friend’s back and nudged her back to the counter. Then she turned back to Gideon. “You’re looking for me?”

  “Yes, my mother said that if I got in a bind at her store to come see you.” He moved in closer to Janelle.

  She stood her ground. No way would she run away from someone within her own establishment. Plus, once she smelled his musky scent, she wanted to take it in more. Gideon smelled like what a man should smell like. Earthy yet fragrant, like a cherry blossom tree. His aroma mixed well with the flowers in her establishment. Although she didn’t want to admit it, he fit.

  “Oh, yeah? Who’s your mother?” Janelle couldn’t imagine who would refer Gideon Wells to see her.