Bloom

Percy Royster comes by once every couple of weeks on his way home from volunteering in the gift shop at a hospital. He picks and chooses what he wants from the containers of flowers in the cooler.

I whip up a bouquet for his wife while we visit.

He’s one of my favorite people because he knew the previous owner and always has a gem of a story to tell about her.

Today it was about a morning ten years ago when the supplier delivered enough roses to fill the shop.

An extra zero was added to the order by mistake, so there was a one-day sale on white roses that brought people from all over Manhattan to this little flower shop.

“What do you think?” I hold up a bouquet of peonies.

Clapping his hands together, Percy slides off the stool he’s been perched on. “This one will get me an extra kiss tonight, Athena.”

I can’t contain a smile. “I’ll wrap them up.”

I glance to the left when the bell chimes over the door. Percy does the same.

Liam takes a step toward us before he stops in place. Adjusting the collar of his blue button-down shirt, he smiles at me before his attention shifts to Percy.

I watch as Liam approaches him from behind. Percy hasn’t yet turned his attention back to me.

“Mr. Royster?” Liam questions with a quirk of his lips.

“Yes?”

I stop wrapping the flowers. “You know Percy?”

“He was my fifth-grade history teacher.” Liam tilts his head as his gaze settles back on Percy. “You have no idea how much that class changed my life, sir.”

Percy looks to me before he turns back to Liam. “I’m sorry. I taught so many kids.”

Liam nods. “I don’t expect you to remember me, but on the last day of classes before summer, you gave me a book about the early days of New York. I still have it.”

“Wait.” Percy takes a measured step closer to Liam. Adjusting the glasses on his nose, he gazes up. “Is that Liam Wolf under that beard?”

Liam’s hand darts to his chin. “It’s me.”

Chuckling, Percy extends his hand. “You’ve changed, son. My, oh my, have you changed.”

Liam takes the offered hand and shakes it gently. “You haven’t changed at all, sir.”

“Bullshit.” Percy laughs. “I’m twenty years older. My eyesight isn’t as sharp as it once was, and unless you’re standing within ten feet of me, don’t expect me to hear a word you say.”

Liam smiles. “It’s good to see you again.”

“And you.” Percy turns back to me. “I’ll get out of the way so you can help this young man find the perfect flowers for his wife.”

“I’m not married,” Liam is quick to respond.

Our eyes lock for the briefest of moments.

I force myself not to think about what married life with Liam would be like.

We’re not even officially dating at this point.

“You’ll get there one day. No rush for that.” Percy crosses his arms over his chest. “It’s good to see you. Who would have thought that I’d run into one of my former students in a floral shop?”

“I’m here often,” Liam offers with a glance at me. “This is one of my favorite places in the city.”