I see the florist’s truck pull up in front of the deli right after the end of the Monday lunch rush. The local florist is a guy who definitely plays against type: Vinnie the Rose, as he’s known, is a former NFL lineman who played for the Giants and is built like a Coke machine. People get a kick out of a three hundred pound brute who is a true artist when it comes to putting an arrangement together and talks about the importance of adding baby’s breath.

And of course when he does stop by for lunch, we know he’ll be having a double portion of something. (Which was triple when he was a player.)

But this time I see him emerge from the truck carrying a bouquet.

My sister Connie lights up, as she’s just had a great date this weekend, hoping the flowers are for her.

I’m attempting a casual poker face, hoping they’re for me.

It’s something Beckett would do.

Vinnie enters the deli with his usual big smile which we return. Let’s face it, everyone’s always happy to see a florist. He turns to me and heads in my direction. “Well, looks like somebody loves A.J. this week.”

My sister rolls her eyes and heads to the back room as Vinnie places the vase filled with roses on the counter. “And here I thought you stopped by for lunch.”

“Absolutely. Two birds with one stone. Got any stuffed shells today?”

“You want the usual portion?”

“Nah, I’m trying to lose a few pounds. Just eight today. And a side of meatballs. Only one cannoli for dessert.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Right, the diet plate. Coming right up. Have a seat.”

He cocks his head at the flowers. “You musta been a good girl lately.”

“Vinnie, you know I’m always good.”

“Right. That’s why I see you at confession every week.”

“Smart ass.” He heads for a table. A warm feeling flows through my body as I grab the card and open it. “And he already brought me flowers on Saturday night.”

My heart drops as I read the card.

Sorry about the way I behaved last week.

Hope to see you soon.

-Josh.

I shake my head. “Well, shit.”

Vinnie looks up. “Something wrong with the roses?”

“They’re perfect Vinnie. It’s my life that isn’t.”

The bell above the door rings and I turn to see Beckett entering the deli.

With that big bouquet of roses sitting on the counter.

Well, shit.

He gives me a soulful look as he approaches the counter.

And it hits me that he’s back from the court hearing. “Hi, Beckett. You okay?”

He slowly nods. “It’s finally over. The judge ruled...” He looks down and to the side.

I quickly move around the counter, wrap one arm around his shoulders and lead him to a table, noting he looks pale. “Have you eaten anything today?”

He shakes his head.

I grab a cold soda from the cooler and hand it to him. “Here. Get some sugar in your system and I’ll make you something to eat.”

He looks up at me, his eyes misty. “You’re so very kind to me, A.J.”

I walk back behind the counter, make him a sandwich and head back. I see him rubbing the cold can of soda across his forehead. “You’re supposed to drink that, you know.”

“Bit of a headache.”

I slide the sandwich in front of him. “Mangia. That means eat, in case you didn’t know.”

“I do. Thank you.” He pops the soda, takes a swig, then takes a bite of the sandwich. “Excellent, as usual.” He takes a few more bites, then starts to tell me about the court ruling that makes his wife officially dead.

“Stop.” I place my hand on his. “I can tell this is painful for you and you don’t have to talk about it with someone you barely know. I don’t need to know and you don’t need to dwell on it.”

“Well, I wanted you know in light of how kind you were to me on Saturday night. I really appreciated it. And though we’ve only known each other a short time, I feel like I know you pretty well already.”

“Yeah, same here. Let’s talk about how your business is coming along.”

He notes the flowers on the counter and points at them. “Your birthday?”

I could lie, but it wouldn’t be right. He has the right to know we’re not exclusive. “No. Apology flowers.”

“Ah. A gentleman’s trump card. Thankfully I’ve never had to play it.”

I laugh a bit. “And sometimes it even works.”

“Considering your level of spunk, one would be foolish to anger you.”

“You got that right.”

He stares at the flowers. “I would surmise you have your choice of suitors.”

He’s apparently picked up on the fact I’m seeing someone else. And doesn’t seem remotely upset or jealous. “And I would imagine you have women beating a path to your door. If you hadn’t asked me out I’d be one of them, and I’m the kind of girl who shoves people out of my way. I’m little but I take what I want.”

He blushes a bit. “There really is no path to the doorway. I’m rather particular.”

“Then I’m very flattered you took me out.” I realize I need to take the lead right now. “Speaking of my shoving women out of the way, are you free Saturday night?”

“Only if you allow me to repay you for your kindness.”

“You don’t owe me a thing. And I take that as a yes. Come get me at seven. I’ll take care of the plans, so all you have to do is show up. You’ve got enough on your mind.” A batch of customers comes through the door. “Hey, I gotta get back to work. You need anything else?”

“I’m fine. Thank you again, A.J., for helping me get through this.”

“I’m sure you’d do the same for me, Beckett.”

***

TEN MINUTES AFTER BECKETT leaves, Josh arrives.

Whew. That was close. The wick on that candle doth burn too close.

The flowers have been moved to the back room.

He walks slowly to the counter, shoulders slumped, head down a bit. “Hi, A.J.”

I’m playing this casual. “Hi, Josh. How’ve you been?”

“I’ve been feeling stupid about the way I acted last week. Did you get my flowers?”

“Yes, they’re beautiful. Thank you. But you didn’t have to do that.”

“Yeah, I did.” He stands up a bit straighter, obviously thinking we’re okay. “Look, I shouldn’t have gotten so upset about your cat deleting all of my work.”

“Gypsy was just being a cat. I don’t know if you ever had a cat, but they do that kind of stuff. It’s understandable that you’d be mad losing a day’s work. I hope everything went okay with your meeting the next day.”

“Yeah, I got it done in time, so everything went fine.”

“So it all worked out. Good. You want something to eat?”

“Buy you a cup of coffee?”

“I get it for free, but sure, I’ll join you. Have a seat.” I fix two cups of coffee, put a few cookies on a plate and head over to him. “So, how are things coming across the street?”

“I’m done with the design and the construction should begin shortly. I’ll be dropping by every few days to make sure things are going smoothly. Speaking of remodeling, I understand you’ve picked out all the fixtures and tile for your bathroom.”

“Right. When can your contractor get started?”

“Soon as you give me a check for him. So, is Mike gonna be okay to do the remodeling?”

“Well, normally my cousin Angelo handles construction for the family but he’s tied up on a major project and I hate to bother him with a small job anyway. I’m sure Mike will be fine since you’ve worked with him. Anyway, let me get my checkbook. And I want to pay you for your trouble as well.”

“Please, A.J., it’s one room and it took me an hour to design it.”

“You don’t work for nothing, Josh.”

“You can write a check, but I won’t cash it. Anyway, I’ve got a blank contract for the contractor in my car. I’ll go get it.”

“Josh, that’s not necessary.”

“I’m sorry, and I appreciate the fact that you trust me, but it’s state law. And we need one in case we run into a problem and there’s a cost overrun. It’s pretty common with old buildings and old plumbing.”

“I’m sure it is. Fine, we’ll do a contract.”

“And since things ended rather abruptly on our last date I’d like to make it up to you. Unless you have plans this weekend.”

What the hell. Give him one more shot. “I have plans Saturday but we could do something Sunday afternoon.”

“Okay, sounds good.”

***

AFTER AN EMOTIONAL day I need my sunshine. Thankfully Gypsy is waiting for me in the kitchen as she obviously has not been plotting a sneak attack today.

How does she know when I need her to simply be affectionate? How can she tell when I’m not in the mood to play?

And yeah, those are more cat values I need in a guy.

I plop down on the couch, exhausted from a hard day at work, and she immediately jumps on my lap and curls up.

Of course, with the right guy, I’d play the part of the cat in that scenario.