I ran back into the shop and locked the door. I was beyond angry, I was mad. Although I couldn’t blame him since he had no idea about my injured hand but still holding me like that…
I had locked the shop since there were no customers yet. I also didn’t want Mr. Grumpy coming in here to throw another tantrum. I had to get myself in order and clean up my bloody hand. I went over to the back and got cleaned up before opening up the shop for the day.
*****************
A few hours had gone by, Mia and I were still working tables at the shop when a delivery guy showed up at the door. I looked at Mia, getting the message, she went over to check it out.
They talked for some seconds and then he handed Mia the bouquet of flowers and left. Mia walked back to me, placing it on the counter. It was a bouquet of white carnations.
“They’re for you.” She said. I bent over and picked it up.
It’s beautiful but who could’ve sent it?
I looked at Mia. “Did the delivery guy mention anything about the sender? Is he sure he didn’t get the address wrong?”
“He didn’t say anything about who sent it but he wad pretty sure it was for a Mavis. That’s you. And look there’s a note inside.” She explained pulling out a pink paper folded neatly and handing it over to me.
“ I am deeply sorry with regards to my behavior with you earlier. I was in the wrong and I hope this helps to smoothen things out.”
Yours sincerely,
M.R
I didn’t have to think hard and long to figure out who had sent this bouquet since he’s really the only one I’ve been at loggerheads with. But why the sudden change of heart? And did he think a bouquet of flowers and a note would change everything he had said and done?
I stood there lost in my own thoughts when Mia suddenly cleared her throat.
“Ahemmm!”
I turned to look at her.
“Well, any idea on who sent it?” She asked curiously.
I badly wanted to tell her it was from Mr. Grumpy but I didn’t want to ruin her mood.
“Nope, no idea. Why don’t you go get a vase for this. It’ll look beautiful right here by the counter.” I smiled and she walked back into the kitchen.
***************
The day went by quickly. The bouquet of flowers had added an extra edge to the Cafe’s look.
Soon it was time for me to close the shop. Mia had gone back home a bit earlier leaving me all alone.
I turned off all the appliances, locked the door, and began walking in the direction of my apartment.
“Miss Parker.” I heard an awfully familiar voice call out to me.
I turned around to see Mr. Grumpy standing by a car. He approached me and there was an awkward silence between us as I kept my distance. Then he started talking.
“I believe you um.. you got my…” He couldn’t complete the sentence so I nodded and waited for him to continue.
“The way I acted with you today, it wasn’t right and I…” He hesitated, struggling with his words. Even a four year old could tell he was finding it hard to apologize in person.
“I am sorry.” He finally said.
He continued “And I couldn’t help but notice your bleeding hand earlier and I was meaning to ask, did you perhaps attend a charity gala few days ago?” He asked.
I felt my body tense up at his question and it dawned on me.
My injury!
He probably saw it when I stood there with the two ladies and today again. It’s been roughly four days since the Gala and it won’t be hard to tell the difference.
“A…aren’t those events like invitations only?” I asked
“You’re right, I’m probably imagining things.” He muttered to himself while shaking his head.
I kept my gaze on him. It was amazing how he still managed to maintain that intimidating persona even while apologizing, although it wasn’t much of an apology.
“Thank you for the flowers, they were lovely but I should be on my way now.” I said. Not waiting for his reply, I walked off in the direction of my apartment.
Martin’s POV:
The moment I saw her hand, I instantly regretted my actions. I didn’t mean to hurt her. Then, I recalled images of the lady at the Gala and she was injured on the exact same hand. I could be mistaken but it was too much of a coincidence.
Apologizing wasn’t my thing. It caused a huge dip in my ego but seeing her injured hand and the tears in her eyes as she ran into her shop did something to me. I had my personal assistant deliver a bouquet of flowers and a written note from me to her shop. I shouldn’t have been bothered but I was desperate to know her opinion after receiving the gift and that, is where we are now.
After a moment of silence she finally decided to speak up acknowledging the gift before walking away. I stood there and watched her retreating figure disappear into the night before getting in my car.
*********************