A Arrangement for Rose

by Michelle Rene

He smiles at my reaction, “Hello Rose. Please, call me Alek. I hope it’s okay that I stopped by.”

  “Yes, of course. Did you need to place an order?”

  He casually strolls toward the counter while shaking his head. “No. Honestly, you’ve been on my mind since you left my dressing room last night. I was wondering if I could take you to lunch.”

  “Oh, I don’t know, I have some deliveries to make and…”

  “She’d love to,” Janet says as she steps through the curtain and begins to untie my apron.

  An amused smirk appears on Alek’s face, as I try to rebuff my nosy employee, “But…”

  “But nothing,” she insists. “You need to eat, and this handsome gentleman is offering to take you to lunch. The deliveries can wait until you get back.”

  One glance in Alek’s direction confirms that he is fighting back a laugh. I slip the apron over my head and hand it to Janet. “Well, it appears I’m available for lunch after all. Let me get my purse and I’ll be ready to go.”

  He smiles victoriously and winks at Janet, “Great.”

  I step back into the workroom and hurry to the mirror to check my reflection. Giving my hair a fluff, I grab my purse, take a deep calming breath and step back through the curtain. I walk around the counter, my focus solely on Alek, “Okay, ready to go?”

  He sweeps his arm out in front of me, “Please, lead the way.”

  “Call if you need anything,” I call back to Janet over my shoulder.

  “You know I won’t,” she singsongs in reply as Alek opens the door allowing me to walk through first.

  When we get out on the sidewalk, Alek stands beside me, “Where to?”

  “There’s a little café down the street that makes a great cranberry chicken salad.”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  We begin walking down the street, silence stretching between us, before we begin to speak at the same time.

  “I hope you don’t mind me stopping by.”

  “What are you doing here?”

  We both begin to laugh, and Alek apologies, “I’m sorry, please, ladies first.”

  I smile and shake my head, “I was just wondering what you were doing here? I didn’t expect you to still be in town.”

  “Ah, well, I have another performance tonight.”

  “Oh, I didn’t realize that.”

  “It’s not advertised, but it is my favorite part of the tour. I schedule time at local hospitals during my tour to perform for the patients, children specifically. Sometimes we recruit the local high school band to accompany me.”

  I turn to look at him, a sense of pride stirring inside me that this man would be so ready to give back to a community he’s not part of. “What made you start doing that?”

  “I spent a lot of time in the hospital as a child. They had a “Healing with Music,” program, that’s where I learned to play violin.” He shrugs nonchalantly, “It’s my way of giving back.”

  “That’s really sweet.”

  He brushes off my compliment, “I don’t know about that.”

  We stop in front of the café and I turn to face him, “I do. And I’d venture to say that the patients and families you perform for think so too.”

  His eyes find the ground before shyly meeting mine, “Thank you for saying that.” He pulls the door open and motions me inside, “Shall we?”

  “Yes, I believe we shall,” I say as I smile and pass in front of him to walk through the door

  Chapter 4

  Alek

  The line moves swiftly in the quaint little café, and before long, we are standing at the counter placing our order. I hand my card to the cashier to pay for our lunch, not missing the curious glances between Rose and me. I remember her saying this is one of her favorite places and I’m sure she will have questions to answer the next time she comes in. The cashier hands back my card and promises to bring our order out shortly.

  I place my hand at the small of Rose’s back and guide her to a table in the corner. Leaning forward, I whisper in her ear, “I’m sorry.”

  She turns quickly, bringing her face dangerously close to mine. Her breath catches and her gaze drops to my lips, before catching my gaze again and taking a step back. “Um, what are you apologizing for?”

  Her voice is just above a whisper and holds a bit of breathlessness. I'd be lying if I said I wasn’t affected by it. I clear my throat and pull out a chair for her, “We received some curious looks, I’m afraid you are going to be interrogated the next time you are in here.”

  She smiles as I take a seat across from her, a bit of pink tinting her cheeks, “It’s fine,” she says with a shrug. “It’s one of the hazards of living in the same town all your life.”

  “Charleston is a fairly large city surely you don’t know every resident?”

  Her smile is easy as she accepts my teasing. “No, not all of them. I did practically grow up on this street, though. And the business owners tend to support each other.”

  A feeling of melancholy washes over me, “It must be nice to have that sense of community.”

  Rose tilts her head as she studies me, “Surely you have the same thing with the musicians you play with.”

  “I did when I played in the orchestra, but now that I tour solo…”

  She finishes my statement with a touch of sadness in her voice. “You spend most of your time alone.”

  I shrug nonchalantly, “Hazard of the job I suppose.”

  Before our conversation goes any further, a server arrives with our order. Rose had said the chicken salad was her favorite, so I decided to give it a try as well. I bite into the buttery croissant and savor the mixture of flavors.

  “You were right, this is delicious.”

  She takes a sip of her sweet tea, “Now you know why it’s my favorite.” She raises her sandwich for another bite, and then lowers it. “Alek, why did you ask me to lunch?”

  I sit my sandwich down, and debate with myself about how honest I should be. Knowing it’s all or nothing, I look her in the eye as I give her my answer. “Last night when you were in my dressing room, I felt some sort of connection between us. It’s not something I experience often and I wanted to see if it was, perhaps, mutual.”

  The blush on her cheeks gives away her reply before she voices it. “I felt it too.” She covers her face with both hands and laughs embarrassingly. “I can’t believe I just admitted that.”

  “Why is that?”

  She lowers her hands and shakes her head. “Because this is not my life Alek. My life is a train wreck. Handsome men do not appear out of the blue and attempt to sweep me off my feet.”

  I can’t stop the grin from appearing on my face. “You think I’m handsome?”

  She smiles as she rolls her eyes at me, “Like you’ve never been told that before.”

  “Not by anyone that mattered.”

  Her eyes drift from mine and her voice is soft, “And you think I matter?”

  I reach across the table and cover her hand with mine. “I think we could matter a great deal to each other, given the chance.”

  To my surprise, she doesn’t pull away nor does she refuse to pursue what’s happening between us. “Alek, I… I don’t know how this would work. I mean I live here, in Charleston, and you’ll be on to the next city forgetting all about me.”

  My head falls at the thought that she may be brushing me off. She’s partially right though, we do live different lives, but of one thing I’m certain, she would not be easily forgotten. I lift my head, capturing her gaze once again, “Honestly Rose, I don’t know how this will work either, and I’m not here to make you empty promises. But I would like to spend time with you while I’m here, see how it goes, and then maybe; we can figure the rest out together.”

  “I could do that.”

  “Really?”

  She giggles and her whole face lights up, “Yes. I still have a business to run, but I think I can manage to take some time off and show you around.”


  “Yes, of course, I wouldn’t want to interfere with your business.” There’s still one thing I need to ask her, and now that she’s agreed to spend the next few days with me, I hope she’ll agree to this too. “I do have one more request.”

  “Kind of pushing your luck, aren’t you?”

  Her tone is teasing, and I’m hopeful she’ll say yes. “Maybe, but as you’ve learned I’m very persistent.” I wink at her and she blushes, “Anyway, I was hoping that you would come to my performance tonight, at seven, as my guest of course.”

  “Oh, I didn’t realize you had two performances scheduled.”

  “This is the one at the hospital, I mentioned it earlier.”

  “I remember, and I would love to go.”

  We finish our lunch and I walk Rose back to the flower shop. Stopping on the sidewalk, Rose glances toward the shop before turning her attention back to me. “Thank you for lunch.”

  I smile at the shyness she emits, “It was my pleasure. I’ll see you tonight?”

  “I wouldn’t miss it.”

  She walks to the front door, turns and waves before going inside. Lunch with Rose was like spending time with an old friend. We had only met the night before, and briefly, at that, yet it was as if we had known each other all our lives. From the moment I found her in my dressing room, she captivated me. Now I only have a few short days to convince her that what we both felt is worth the chance. And maybe, just maybe, it will turn into something more than either of us expected.

  Chapter 5

  Rose

  I walk into the shop, and thankfully, Janet is with a customer giving me time to put my purse away before the inquisition begins. I place my purse in the desk drawer, and check for any new online orders that need to be processed. I gather all the florals needed for the arrangement, and begin to put it together. I’m halfway finished when Janet walks into the workroom.

  She pulls up a stool and sits across from me, arms leaning on the counter, “Okay, tell me everything.”

  I try to hide my smile, as I continue working on the arrangement. “We had a very nice lunch and he wants to see me again.”

  Janet squeals and claps her hands, and I can’t help but laugh at her excitement. “So how did you meet him?”

  “Remember last night, when I delivered a gift basket to the performing arts center?”

  “Yeah,” she draws out, unaware of where I’m going with this.

  “Well it turns out; he was the one I was delivering it to. Alek Berringer, classical violinist.”

  “Wait, so he performed a concert last night, here, in Charleston?”

  “Yep.”

  “And he didn’t leave immediately afterwards?”

  “Nope,” I say, making the word pop before I continue. “He has another engagement in town tonight and asked me to join him as his guest.”

  Janet places her hands down flat on the counter, jaw slack as she leans in. “Please tell me you said yes.”

  I look up at her and grin, “I said yes.”

  Another squeal splits the air, as this time Janet adds a little dance of excitement to the mix. All of the sudden her face takes on the most serious expression I’ve ever seen. “We’ve got to get you out of here! You need to get ready for your date!”

  “What? No, I have things to do here first, and it’s only one-thirty. I know it’s been a while since I’ve been on a date but I don’t need five hours to get ready.”

  “I didn’t say you did, but are you…prepared, if something happens tonight?”

  I scoff a laugh, “Nothing is going to happen tonight.”

  Janet crosses her arms and argues, “You can’t be sure of that.”

  “Oh, but I can. Besides, I just met him; I’m not going to jump into his bed on the first date. I mean, what kind of impression would that give Alek?”

  “But what if there isn’t a second date?”

  “There will be,” I reply softly not wanting to get her too excited.

  Janet leans in, “What was that?”

  I sigh in resignation, “He asked me to spend a couple of days with him while he was in town.” I shrug casually, “You know show him around Charleston.”

  Shock once again registers on Janet’s face, before she shakes her head and waves her hand. “So let me get this straight. Last night you made a mundane delivery to the performing arts center, where you met the featured performer. He’s so taken with you, that he tracks you down this morning, asks you to lunch, and asks you to spend a couple of days with him?”

  “First of all, I wouldn’t say he’s taken with me.”

  “Of course you wouldn’t,” she retorts with a roll of her eyes.

  I give her an annoyed look before I continue, “Second, I think he’s lonely, and I know what that feels like.”

  Janet’s voice is filled with compassion as she comes to stand beside me. “I know you do. Promise me something?” I look up at her waiting to see what promise she wants me to make. “Promise me you’ll keep an open mind the next few days. I think this guy may surprise you and if anyone deserves happiness, it’s you.”

  “Thanks Janet. I promise I’ll try.”

  At three-thirty, Janet began reminding me once again, that I needed to get ready for the performance. I didn’t bother to tell her that the performance was at the hospital, though I did plan to change into a casual dress instead of the khakis he’s seen me in the past two days.

  I clean up the workroom, and pull my purse from the desk drawer before walking into the store. “Okay Janet, I’m heading out now. Orders are caught up and I’ll open in the morning, if you are sure you don’t mind closing again tomorrow.”

  She waves a dismissive hand, “Please, if it means getting you out of here to have a real life, I’ll close every night.”

  I know she means every word of what she says and instead of a sassy reply, I simply smile, “You’re the best Janet. See you tomorrow.”

  “Have a great time,” she calls as I head for the door. “Remember, I want to hear everything!”

  I laugh as I open the door, “Bye, Janet.” I’m still laughing as I climb into my car, start the engine and head for home. Not only is Janet the best employee I have she’s a great friend as well, and more like family than I’m willing to admit.

  I pull into the driveway, turn off the engine, and take a deep breath to calm my sudden case of nerves. Opening the car door, I walk up the steps to the front door, and slip my key into the lock. Silence greets me as I open the front door, before locking it behind me.

  If anyone had asked me if I would have been divorced at this point in my life I would have said no. The future I planned with Todd included a happily ever after with at least two babies by now. As they say, even the best-laid plans can fall apart.

  I head up the stairs to my bedroom and drop my purse and keys on the bed. Stepping into the closet, I flip through my dresses finding one perfect for tonight. I pull the light blue and white striped dress from the closet and hold it up as I stand in front of the full-length mirror. “Yes this will do nicely.” Laying the dress across my bed, I head to the bathroom to freshen up.

  After a quick shower, I reapply my makeup, and add a few curls to my hair courtesy of my now heated curling iron. Slipping the dress over my head, I adjust the top so it sits off my shoulders and step into a pair of white strappy sandals. I add the necklace that my grandmother gave me and finger brush my hair leaving it to fall in soft waves over my shoulders. Taking a small clutch from my closet, I toss my wallet, phone and lipstick inside. I pick up my keys and head down stairs. When my hand lands on the knob I take a deep breath and blow it out slowly. I do a final check of my reflection before I walk out the door and remind myself, “Just breathe Rose, you’ve already had lunch together, and it’s not like you’ve never been on a date before.” I blink at my reflection, “Ugh! Obviously I need to get out more since I’m talking to myself,” I mutter before walking out the door.

  Chapter 6

  Alek

&
nbsp; The atrium is filling up quickly as the hospital staff escorts the children that are well enough to leave their floor down for the performance. My eyes dart around the space as I wait for Rose to arrive.

  Vince steps up beside me and claps his hand on my shoulder, “Looks like a great turnout for this one.”

  “Yes it is,” I reply as the seats continue to fill up.

  My eyes make one more pass around the room and my breath catches at the sight of Rose standing in the doorway. Her hair is loose and she nervously tucks it behind her ear as she steps into the room. She spies me across the room and a soft smile appears as she gives me a small wave, careful not to draw too much attention to herself.

  Vince follows my line of sight and squeezes my shoulder, “Now I understand why you want to stay in town a few extra days.”

  I glance over at him and smile, “I’ll be right back,” I say as I start across the room to greet her.

  As I reach her my smile widens, “You’re here.”

  She looks up shyly and returns my smile, “I wouldn’t have missed it.”

  I lean towards her as we make our way to the edge of the stage, “You look very beautiful.”

  A light blush colors her cheeks at my compliment, “Thank you.”

  I see Vince standing by the edge of the stage, “There’s someone I want to introduce you to,” I whisper before taking her to her seat. “Rose McDaniels, this is my manager, Vince Cornetti.”

  Vince offers his hand and she immediately accepts, “It’s nice to meet you Mr. Cornetti.”

  “Please, call me Vince, and the pleasure is all mine,” he says as he gives me an approving wink. “Looks like it’s time to get started, are you ready?”

  “Yes, give me just a minute.” I turn my attention back to Rose, “Let’s get you to your seat, shall we?”

  “Yes, please.”

  I offer her my arm and she threads her arm through mine as I escort her to the back row, center stage, a seat I reserved especially for her so she would be in my line of sight during the show. We stop beside her seat, “Thank you again for coming tonight.”