THEA

Chapter Two

I groan as I roll to the other side of heaven, also know as my bed. I snuggle deeper before the annoying noise of my alarm goes off. I groan as I grab it off the nightstand and throw it hard in the other direction. A clank sounds as the alarm clock hit of the wall and then fell to the floor. I bought a good alarm clock because every morning it is the same thing. I'd throw it and have to buy a new one, which got very costly, so I found an alarm clock that was made for my mornings.

I throw myself on the floor before crawling to the bathroom and where I grab a towel that is hanging because I'm still crawling on the floor. Grabbing the side of the bathtub I pull myself up and quickly undress and hop in. I didn't dare look in the mirror because I know my long, curly thick red hair would be a rat nest. I quickly scrub away last nights sleep and dry myself off before I start my morning routine.

Grabbing the usual skinny jeans, a random sports tee shirt from high school, and my worn down slip on vans, I trudge to the kitchen but not before grabbing my glasses. Pulling out my phone I put my playlist on shuffle before opening the fridge. I pull out bacon, waffle mix, some cut-up fruit, and milk, and start making breakfast.

I munch on the fruit while singing and dancing to the song playing on my phone. Pouring the batter into my waffle maker just made my mouth water. I grab a large glass from my cabinet and pour myself some milk, before checking on the bacon I had set on the pan. It was starting to sizzle and I couldn't help the grumbling my stomach made. Soon, all the food was ready and I dig into my three waffles, fruit, and bacon. As soon as the food hit my taste buds I moaned, I love food.

Quickly glancing at the clock, I realize I will be late if I don't leave soon. Setting the dishes into the sink, I wipe the counter off before brushing my teeth. Lastly, I grab my phone and wallet before racing down the stairs of the apartment. My hands fumble for my keys in my pocket and I realize they're not there. I do a double take, and check my wallet just in case, which thankfully they reside.

I shove them into the ignition of my 2007 Ducati 1098S Superbike, and throw on my helmet, and speed out of the small parking garage of my apartment complex. My apartment was only five minutes from the flower shop, which was nice on days I was pushing to make it in on time. As the world passed by I kept my eyes on the road, hoping I get to work on time, even if it was so close to my house.

The cute little white sign that had 'Busy Bee Florists' printed on in, in nice pastel colored calligraphy, that I helped paint for Ms. Margaret, was in my view and I sigh in relief. Thank the heavens. I park my bike as I see a joyful Ms. Margret doing inventory before we open.

"Thea!" She squeals in delight as she walks towards me, "It's been too long child!" I smile and hug one of the few people I love. Nodding along, I help her do inventory, and get the store ready for opening. Finally, we finish, and Ms. Margret left to get us some coffees, which we both need. I start to sweep the floors, making them spotless for the next customers, because this shop was my prize work, and home away from home. Ms. Margret often left many of the store duties to me and she just would watch over me because she needed more time away from the store and I couldn't get enough of it. The door bell chimes as I finish sweeping. I don't look back as I set the broom down and head towards the back of the counter.

"Busy Bee Florists, I'm Thea how may I help you today?" No answer. I look up and I'm mesmerized by the most gorgeous man I've ever seen. He was dressed in a black suit, and his features would make any girl swoon. His tall frame, warm chocolate brown eyes that could make anyone feel at home, to his soft brown-gold locks that look oh so soft, and his sharp features covered in a five o'clock shadow that made him look dangerously serious. I realize I was staring and I look down at my notepad, making sure a blush did not form on my cheeks. He didn't utter a word, so I decide to talk again.

"What may I help you with sir? Bouquet for you significant other? Or decorations to a home?" I look up, and his eyes didn't leave mine. They held me in a gaze before he clears his throat and looks around. I did not take my eyes off him because I was only helping a customer, even though he looks like he was sculpted from stone.

"Yes, flowers for someone important." His voice was deep and sent an unknown feeling into the pit of my stomach, which I could not tell if it was good or bad. I nodded and headed to the side to grab flower wrap.

"For whom? Significant other and for a mother could be very different, and I want to help satisfy your needs to the best of my ability." He let out a deep chuckle which was one of the most beautiful sounds I've ever heard.

"You may want to watch your words, I could make very inappropriate jokes, but you seem too naïve." I turn and roll my eyes, if only he knew I wasn't so naïve.

"This is for my sister, by the way." I nodded before looking around.

"What does she like? Color wise, activities, etc."

"Why would that help?" He snaps and I roll my eyes so he can't see. I don't want to lose business because of my attitude.

"Well knowing this can help me decide what she likes and would fit her personality." He nods, and looks around in thought.

"Well she is very upbeat, she likes spring colors, nothing too bold though. Also, she likes to run. If that helps," I nod before bustling around the shop, gathering things around him, and cutting off the partial bottoms.

I chose white Arum-lillies, with dark purple amaryllis, and purple dahlias that are darker towards the center but become lighter as it moves to the petals. The arrangement was almost complete but I added some white and purple accent flowers to bring it all together. I carefully wrap them, and tie the bottom with a rubber band before sealing the brown wrapping with string. I grab a packet of the special formula I made and hand the bouquet and formula to him.

"This is a formula to keep flowers alive longer, and it keeps them alive for over three weeks after they fully bloom. Add one-forth of a teaspoon every 3-4 days for best effect. If you have any problems with the bouquet or formula you can stop by and myself or Margret will help you. That will be $8.50 please."

He nods, before handing me a $20. I put it in the cash register and  hand him his change, but he is already out the door. I fumble with the register before dashing out.

"Sir, sir! You forgot your change!"  I hear a faint 'keep it!' but I won't do that. I jog and catch up to him, which wasn't that hard because I keep in shape. I stop in front of him with my hand holding out.

"I can not take this, here is your change." He rolls his eyes before pushing my hand that is outstretched for him to take the money. I groan and smack away his hand before opening his palm, putting the money in it, before closing his fingers around it. His hands are warm, and they leave a weird tingling sensation on me. I march around him and head towards the store.

"You're very stubborn you know that?" He yells with a playfulness in his voice. I turn to hm with a giant smirk on my face.

"You're not the first one to tell me that," which earns a real laugh from him, not just a chuckle. The noise is heavenly, and I could listen to it all day, but Ms. Margret came back and the smell of my coffee pulls me towards the woman and the wonderful steaming liquid.