Sharon’s Note: Sorry there’s been a little gap in production. There will be more stories coming out, but only about one a month. This was another challenge short piece. Tried to go a little sweet this time. Warning: Author thinks it’s a little sad.
Drew put the sunflower down before he wrung it to death out of worry. It was Evelyn’s favorite. The florist had guessed what he came in for before he even told her. That had to be a good sign.
The barista gave him a slight smile and put an iced coffee on the table. “On the house, honey. For a special day.”
Drew beamed. “Beth! You’re a peach. I’m going to ask my girl to marry me. Wish me luck.”
“I’ve got a feeling she’ll say yes. She’d be crazy not to.” The barista, who’s name was Annie, hurried back behind the counter to help with the growing line.
“Poor old guy.” The new hire was trying to juggle restocking the sweet case while writing out an order. “He’s been here for hours. Think his date stood him up?”
“No. His wife died nine years ago, but he doesn’t remember. They were married for almost fifty years, and this was where he proposed to her. He comes in here every year on the same day. I’ll give him a few more minutes, then I’ll call his daughter.” Annie sniffled a little. “Evelyn was a lucky girl.”
Gray Matters: The Works of Sharon and James Gray 