Into the Jungle

Stepping inside, he is assaulted by a damp earthy coolness and a riot of color from potted plants all arranged by the windows. Wading through the walls of this domesticated jungle he reaches the counter, currently occupied by two older ladies in deep conversation with a middle-aged blonde woman behind it.

“Oh, you got such lovely marigolds coming in this year, Peggy, and yours, Janet, the snapdragons, brilliant oranges and yellows…” The voices continue in a gentle susurrus as Caleb, standing patiently to one side, lets his mind wander over the wild events of the past few days.

After several minutes , a voice cuts through Caleb's reverie, “Excuse me ladies, that young man has been standing there patiently and I need to help him first then we can get back to your garden. Young man? Young man! Can I help you?”

Caleb slides into a open space near the counter and addresses Lisa(judging by the flower pinned tag on her blouse) “Yes, ma’am, I’m having a first date out with a lady tonight and I'd like to get her some flowers, but I don't know what to get besides a dozen roses and that seems like…too much for a first date.”

The older ladies aww and coo to themselves at that, but Lisa merely nods in approval before answering, “Smart man, save the roses for much later on, but we have plenty of other flowers that'll be perfect. Tell me, how long have you known this lady and how strong are your feelings towards her? Affection, Desire, the beginnings of Love?”

Trying to think under the pressure of Peggy and Janet’s soul-boring stares, Caleb ends up laying out as much of the truth given the circumstances. “Well, we’ve known each other for over 10 years and she's one of my very best friends, but the, uh, romantic feelings began rather recently when I tried to help her get a date. Turns out the date she wanted was with me and we're going out tonight for dinner and drinks. She's had rather crummy dating experiences up to now, and I’d like to give her one to remember."

“Did ya hear that Janet? What a gentleman! Sounds just like my Hank when we started going steady.” “Ooh, I know, my Bill was never much for romantic gestures, but get that man into a bedroom and I could care less…”

“Janet!” “What?” The older ladies disappear into their own world of reminiscing and recriminations, while Lisa rolls her eyes.

“So it's obvious you have affection, but you aren't sure it’s love yet but what about desire? I guess something changed to spur this on.”

“Uh, you could say that, I'd honestly never thought of her in that way, but now I'd be foolish to say she isn't sexy and attractive.”

“So I think I have the bouquet for you, ten flowers, some pink and white Asters, a few red and white carnations, two white Jasmine, and some Scarlet and Magenta Zinnias. I think I should have everything in the hothouse or out here.” Give me about twenty minutes and I'll get them arranged for you. Be a dear and yell if anyone else comes in.”

“Sure thing , Ma’am. Could I, uh, get them in a vase with water for the moment. The heat outside, don't want them to wilt.” As Lisa scuttles off to the back, Caleb whips out his phone and looks up Flower symbolism. He knew what roses meant, but all of those others were lost on him.

“Affection, Friendship, Budding desire, Admiration, Constancy, Affection, and growing love. Damn, she nailed it.” Caleb lets out a whistle of admiration, this lady knew her shit. After ten minutes, Janet and Peggy leave, patting him on the shoulder and wishing him luck.

Staring back at his phone, he gets another idea, he knew Evan had had his childhood friends on social media, and he wondered just how closely things had been altered. Pulling up the landing page, he went to his own friends list and sure enough, Andrea was there in place of Evan, and while the Profile picture had recently been updated with a shot of Andrea in a sundress with the comment “Retail Therapy!”, almost all the other pictures were from College or prior, pre-transition, so no further evidence there.

Evan had never exactly been the most active on social media, but he could still hunt through his friends list and he couldn't find Michael on Andrea's friends list, but he did find a “Melissa” with the same last name(did Michael get gender swapped or was this a sister he didn't know?). He clicked on the name and pulled it up. He had only met this Michael a couple of times but there was only a slight resemblance in Melissa's features; another dead end for now.

“Alright, young man, here you are. One ten flower bouquet and vase. I think she'll really enjoy this. Good luck, though I don't think you'll need it.” Lisa places the bouquet in the water-filled vase on the counter and takes Caleb's card.

“Appreciated, for both the bouquet and the advice. Have a great day!”

Having paid for the bouquet, he steps back out and checks his watch, only 40 minutes. If he gets the groceries now, he can drop everything off and be back to pick up Andrea right on time. It's kinda a waste of gas but he decided that leaving the surprises at home is worth it.