So this… this had to be normal.
“Flowers,” Emily said. “I can do that.”
“I have a list I made,” I said. “Just need you to make a list of your own. Just so things balance out.”
“What do men know about flowers?” Emily asked.
“That’s why I need you, Em,” I said.
I touched her arm.
She looked at my hand touching her.
“Let me go freshen up,” she said. “We can go right afterward.”
She stepped away and went into the back of the bakery.
I took a deep breath.
A nagging voice in the back of my head wanted to know what the hell I was really doing.
I knew the answer.
But I lied to myself and said I didn’t know.
At first I didn’t see anyone behind the counter at the floral shop.
But I heard a voice say Helllooo!
It actually scared me for a second.
Then I saw a short man with a horseshoe shaped bald head pop up from behind the counter with a big smile on his face. He was wearing a pair of thick, black glasses, but he took those off and swatted them away.
“For the computer screen,” he said. “Damn technology will rot your brain and eyes. Now what can I do for you?”
The man was so short, he looked as though he could rest his chin on the counter.
He looked up to both Emily and me.
“I’m Liam,” I said. “I believe I spoke with your wife on the phone?”
“I hope not,” the man said. “My wife’s been dead for five years. Then again, if you did speak to her, can you call her again and ask her where she put my favorite watch?”
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” I said.
The man put a hand up. “Don’t be. It happens. My Margie started this place against my will and now I’m the one running it in her honor.”
He nodded to a picture on the wall of a beautiful woman in a peach dress, standing outside the floral shop when it had a very different look to it.
“You must have spoken to my daughter,” he said. “Amy.”
“That’s the one,” I said.
“She’s out of town this week,” the man said. “I’m Hank. Don’t mind my size, my attitude, or the fact that I don’t look the part but I know and love everything about flowers. Okay?”
I smiled. “Not a problem at all.”
Hank pointed to Emily. “And this must be the soon-to-be Mrs. Liam.”
“Well, actually, she’s-”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Emily said.
Hank walked around from behind the counter and properly greeted us with a handshake.
He held Emily’s hand tight. “The flowers are everything for a wedding. The food? Sure. Food is food though. Hell, I could call any fast food place and get something half decent, right? But you can’t mess up the flowers. They are the light that creates the marriage.”
“In other words, no pressure?” Emily asked.
Hank pointed to Emily. “You’re a good one. What’s your name? I refuse to call someone as pretty as you the soon-to-be Mrs. Liam.”
“I’m Emily,” she said.
Hank looked at me. “Boy, did you strike gold, huh? Even the name is pretty.”
“I’m a lucky guy,” I said. “Now, I made a list of-”
“You did?” Hank asked. “Perfect. Here’s what I want you to do. Walk around and grab some flowers. On your own. No peeking. No cheating. Meet me at the counter and we’ll see what we have, okay?”
“I could write something down,” Emily said.
“And not look, touch, and smell?” Hank asked. “We were given senses for a reason, Emily. Use them.”
Emily looked at me.
I shrugged my shoulders.
“Fine,” Emily said.
She casually walked away.
I watched as she walked the first aisle of flowers, her fingertips delicately touching the petals of some of the flowers.
I swallowed hard and reached into my pocket to get my list out.
Hank grabbed my arm. “That’s one special woman there, Liam. I’ve seen a lot of people come and go from this shop. I’ve done weddings, funerals, births… hell, even divorces. And of course the I’m sorry I fucked up flowers from men like yourself.”
I looked down at Hank. “Are you judging me?”
“No,” he said. “But the way you’re looking at that woman right now, I hope you continue to do so for the rest of your life.”
The phone started to ring and Hank winked and hurried back around the counter.
I waited for a few minutes for Emily to finish walking around the aisles.
The floral shop was the biggest I’d ever seen.
The place came recommended from someone at the office.
Just like the catering.
Just like… everything else…
Everything I was doing on my own.
I looked at my list.
Was I the only one who wanted to get married?
Even then… did I…
“I’m finished,” Emily announced.
I looked up and smiled.
“Where are your flowers?” I asked.
“You heard Hank. No peeking and cheating.”
She stuck her tongue out at me.
I let out a ha ha sound.
I didn’t know what to say.
It wasn’t the first time Emily left me speechless either.
Hank had tissue paper over both of our flower choices.
“Now I want to ask you something, Liam,” Hank said. “Have you ever picked out flowers before?”
“Like this?” I asked. “No.”
“I knew it. You’re doing this just for the wedding. Damn shame. Too big and buff for your own good I bet.”
“He’s like a meathead,” Emily said. “I can’t wait to see a pile of roses.”
“Roses?” I asked.
“That’s the only flower guys know,” she said as she looked at me.
“I know more than roses,” I said.
“Meaning you searched online for flowers.”
“Is that so wrong?” I asked.
Hank clapped his hands. “Okay, you two. You can argue and have makeup sex later. Right now, let’s see what I’m working with. I’m going to pull the tissue paper off both at the same time. Ready?”
I smiled. “I’m ready.”
“I bet this isn’t the most manly moment of your life, Liam,” Hank said.
“It’s a moment I’ll never forget,” I said.
“Want to do some pushups first?” Hank offered. “Get that chest pump going?”
Emily giggled.
“You’re a prick, Hank, you know that?” I asked.
Emily gasped.
“Don’t worry, Emily,” Hank said. “He’s not the first guy to call me names. I’m short but I can probably take you on, Liam.”
“I’m not fighting a florist.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Hank asked.
“Nothing,” I said. “You’re something else, Hank.”
“Never forget it,” he said. “Now… here we go…”