Flowers

I arrived at Downtown with ease, glad that the buses work well in this city.

After walking a few minutes I went into the store I was looking for: Mira's Flowers & Gifts. The sixty year old lady recognized me and came to greet me.

"Little Liam! How long, look how you've grown!" Mira said as she hugged me.

"It's good to see you too, sorry for not coming to visit more often ... things have been a bit difficult after Dad's ****."

"Your father was an amazing man, I'm sure he's proud of what you've become. Well, you didn't come here just to talk to me." Mira ignored my offended expression and continued. "Let me guess...a girl... I'm sure you've come to buy flowers for a girl. So, what's she like?"

"It's true, you are amazing. Well, she is very beautiful, her smile lights up the room and she usually laughs at all the silly jokes; her eyes reflect the kindest soul I have ever known. She makes my days at work fun and full of joy. She's a good listener and loves to chat, she's a great friend and I just recently realized I want to be more than a friend or a co-worker." I said, panting. Gosh, I can't believe I just said all this out loud.

Mira wiped away a wandering tear. "Come with me."

Mira led me into the store, going through several bouquets and all kinds of flowers. "Here, do you see these flowers here? These were the flowers that decorated the Church at your parents' wedding. Your grandmother chose... I remember it like it was today. She said 'since I can't choose the daughter-in-law, I'll pick the flowers!'. Your grandmother was tough!"

"Haha, I didn't know that story. Grandma didn't like Mom?"

"Well, they weren't best friends, but Susan learned to like Ann. Your father dated Melinda's daughter, and Melinda was Susan's best friend, Susan and Melinda always thought your dad and Becky were a cute couple, so they spent years trying to get them together. It was a big shock to her when your father announced that he had broken up with Rebecca and already had a new girlfriend, Ann."

Shocked, it's the only word that comes into mind. I think every son thinks his parents were soul mates. I wonder how many other secrets they've hidden from me...

"Anyway, in the same way that it contributes in some way to your parents' lives, I want to repeat the gesture with you. What are you planning for her?" she asked me

"Well, Katie and I are having dinner with Robert and Ashley at a very expensive restaurant, and to be honest I forgot the name, but I can tell you where it is."

"Robert and Ashley? Ashley your sister?"

"Yes, they've been pretty close since Dad's ****, but believe me, it's all pretty harmless," he said.

"Okay, I believe you. I'll get the address of this fancy restaurant and have one of my boys deliver some flowers to you, don't worry, I have the perfect flowers for your date."

"Thank you very much, and how much is this going to cost?" I asked, praying it wasn't too expensive.

"How dare you?! It's all on me. Go get ready for your girl and leave it all to me." said Mira with a devilish smile.

I thanked her and hugged her again.

It's going to be a great night!