Chapter 1
Moving from Tennessee to California was a big decision. But when my grandmother's lawyer called and said that she left me her flower shop that I grew up spending my summers in, I decided that was the push I needed to make this decision and make this change for myself. So, here I am, opening up the shop for the first time since taking it over and as I look around the shop and I can still feel my grandmother there and that puts a smile on my face and calms my nerves. As I walked to the door, I whisper "I hope I make you proud Grams." and then I turn the lock and turn on the open sign.
I'm working on one of the display arrangements for the front window when I hear the chime over the door. "Welcome to Clara's. How can I help you?" I ask. "Oh, are you new?" the woman asks. "Yes ma'am. Just opened back up today. My name is Elena." I say. "Elena? Clara's granddaughter?" she asks. "Yes ma'am." I say. "Mija, I remember you when you were little. You used to love sitting under the roses and just looking up at them." she tells me. "I remember that." I say and smile softly. I help her get what she needs and when she leaves she says "It's so good to see her shop will stay open." I smile as she walks out the door.
That evening, I go to close up and have my hands full while I'm trying to lock the door when I drop everything. "Shit." I say as I kneel down to pick everything up. A man kneels down and starts helping me pick my things up. As we stand up I say "Thank you." I look up at the man that helped me and see a man older than me, weathered skin and tattoos. He was wearing a leather kutte that said Mayans. "It's no problem." he tells me, smiling. I hold out my hand "Elena." He takes my hand and kisses my knuckles and says "Taza." I shy away a little and say "Thank you again." He looks up and asks "You work here?" I look at the sign above us and say "Own it actually. Was my grandmother's place and she left it to me." I tell him. "You know, I always did love fresh flowers. You have a wonderful night Elena." he says. "You too. Thank you again Taza." I say as he walks away, leaving me wondering what the hell just happened.
I walk to my car, smiling at the handsome man that I just met. He's a lot older than I am but something about him is just...I don't know. I get into the car and head home. Walking in, I grab a glass of wine before showering and heading to bed.
A few days later, I am in the shop when I hear the bell over the door telling me someone has come in. "Welcome to Clara's." I say as I look up and see a young guy standing there. I see he's wearing a leather kutte that says Prospect. "Can I help you?" he asks. "I'm looking for an arrangement. I want to ask this woman out and wanted to bring her flowers when I ask. What would you suggest that would help keep her from saying no?" he asks. I look at him a minute and say "Give me a minute." He nods and I move around the shop and start grabbing things. When I'm done I say "It's a mix of wildflowers and lilies with some baby's breath." I tell him. "It looks perfect. What do I owe you?" he asks. Looking at him for a minute I say "You can answer a question for me." He nods and I say "You're wearing a kutte like a man that I met a few days ago." He nods and I say "Taza. Does he...um...have a...um…" I stumble and he says "He's single." I nod and say "Thank you." He holds up the arrangement and says "Thank you." before walking out the door.
I finish up and as I am walking out the door and as soon as I lock up, I turn and see Taza there, leaning against his bike and he's holding the arrangement that I made for the prospect. I stop in my tracks. He stands and walks over to me and hands me the arrangement. "I was told that this would help keep a woman from saying no when she was asked out." he says and I start to blush. "You sent the prospect?" I ask softly. "I did. Would you like to get some coffee? There's a shop a couple of doors down." he tells me. I take the arrangement from him and say "I'd like that." before he holds out his arm for me to take and escorts me to the coffee shop a few doors down.