Learning To Bloom In The Darkness (✔️)

Chapter Eight: Et Colore Florum

(Amaryllis's POV)

"Hey!"

I groaned internally as I worked on the bouquet in front of me. I didn't have to turn around to know who it was.

"Hi Ollie."

"How are you?"

"Fine. How are you?"

"Good now that I got to see you. Can I help you with anything?"

"Don't think so. I got it all covered."

Ollie and I have known each other since we were kids. His parents own a restaurant a few storefronts down. He is busy helping them most of the time, but still finds time to come visit me.

Yay.

"Business been good?" He asks.

"Same as always."

My goal is always the same. I aim to say as little as possible, look as busy as possible, and hope he leaves. It rarely works on him.

"What are you working on?" He asked, leaning across the front counter to try for a better look.

"A set of bouquets for a wedding this weekend. I really need to get them finished."

"Like I said, I can help you."

"No. I have very specific instructions for each one, so it's better if I do it." I lied.

"Okay. I'll just hangout and keep you company while you work."

I groaned internally.

I was saved when his mom walked in.

"Ollie, why aren't you doing what I asked you to do? Why are you bothering Amaryllis while she's working? Let's go."

He tried to argue with her, but it didn't work. She won and I was soon on my own again.

My being alone lasted about an hour before the door opened.

"Be with you in a minute." I said without turning around.

"No rush." A familiar voice said.

I turned to see Lincoln slowly looking over the flowers by him. He wasn't wearing a suit which threw me off a bit. Every time I'd seen him, he was in a suit. Today he wore jeans, a long sleeve white henley shirt, and a black coat.

"What are you doing here? I don't have your order ready yet."

"That's okay. Continue with what you're doing. I'm a fairly patient person." He smiled.

I finished the bouquets an hour later. He spent the whole time looking at every flower in the shop and he made a few phone calls. Other than that, it was silent. However....

It wasn't an uncomfortable silence.

I put the bouquets away and then turned towards him with a smile. I was surprised to find him already looking at me.

"Same flowers as last time?" I asked.

He smirked. "A dozen of you."

I gathered the flowers and things needed and put them on the counter between us.

"Can I.....can I help?" He asked.

"Help?"

He nodded. "You can teach me."

I had to think about it a second. No one had ever helped me. No one had ever wanted me to teach them.

"Okay then."