Her Melting Point

The Road (Not) Taken

Part 1 out of today's double update :)

Love,

K. xx

***

"Good evening, Rhys," Jackie greeted the man, and then took a double take. "You called me Jackie."

"Shouldn't I have?" He rubbed the back of his neck with his spade-like hand. "Sorry. I think Vi calls you Jackie, so I started to as well."

He wasn't wrong. Jackie had given this name to Viola Holyoake without thinking, when they'd switched to first names. Stephen and Alexander had called her Jackie it from the start; and the more she thought, the more residents of Fleckney she could recall using it too.

"Jackie is good," she said and grinned. "I reckon it's a Fleckney thing."

"Just like mis-delivered post," Rhys joked with a wink. "Mr. Wigglehorn once again left them in our box by mistake."

Fleckney had a eighty-three-year old postman, who, by Jackie's estimation, lowered the efficiency of mail delivery into negative integers. According to Ulla Svensson's sarcastic remarks, having Mr. Wigglehorn bring one's letters and parcels to a wrong cottage was more of a local attraction than a legitimate utility; and 'served to strengthen the bonds in the community.'

"I was driving through Fields later today," Rhys continued, "so Vi told me to drop them off at your place. I've got them in my car. Just give me a jiffy. You aren't in a rush, are you?"

He looked her over.

"I can wait," she said, blushing, fighting the urge to hide the bouquet behind her back.

"The truck is in Mr. Tate's car park. I was sent for a spot of supper." Rhys waved towards the grocer's. "Will your flowers be alright? It's brass monkey's."

Jackie hadn't even noticed how cold the evening was. She must have been that fired up, all puns intended.

"Yeah, they'll be fine," Jackie said. "I just bought them."

Jackie awkwardly lingered on the pavement. Rhys was back pretty quickly, and he handed her a stack of several envelopes, tied with an elastic.

"I didn't snoop, cross my heart," he joked.

Jackie flipped the top envelope, which had been turned face up; and she stared at the address of the fertility clinic. Those were the results of her ovarian reserve test. She'd already discussed them with her doctor in the clinic; and Viola had received a copy. But of course, Jackie appreciated the GP's consideration.

"Thank you." Jackie tried to stuff the post into her bag; balancing the bouquet.

"Let me help you," Rhys said and took the flowers out of her hands. "These are nice. Special occasion?"

The evening seemed to test Jackie's determination time and time again.

"Yeah, I bought them for Alexander," Jackie said, putting the letters away, and stretching her hands to her bouquet. "Fergusson. I'm going to ask him on a date. We're... dating."

Rhys threw her a sharp glance and passed the flowers back to her. Knowing the man's character, Jackie doubted he'd pry; but his scrutiny was making her jittery.

"At Mrs. Tomlin's, right? What are they called? I like the puffy ones."

A shaky laugh escaped Jackie. "These are dahlias."

He nodded, probably taking a mental note. "And do they smell? Vi still has got the whole scent thing: there are some smells she can't stand since her pregnancy. Plus we still don't know if Archie might have allergies."