A Arrangement for Rose Read online

  “Thank you for inviting me, but if I remember correctly,” she teases trying to fight a smile, “you promised there would be music.”

  I chuckle at her teasing, “You do indeed remember correctly.” I slightly bow in front of her, “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a show to do.”

  Since this is a less formal show and more geared to the children, there is no introduction as I take the stage. Instead, I stroll out playing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, and by the second time through the voices of those in the audience have joined me. When I finish, I lower my instrument and applaud the crowd the best I can with my violin in one hand and the bow in the other.

  “Very well done,” I praise as I look out at the audience. “That was the very first song I learned to play, so I thought it was an appropriate way to start the show. Thank you all for joining me tonight.” I begin to walk the stage, taking advantage of the microphone attached to my shirt. “I’m Alek Berringer and just like many of you, I spent a good portion of my childhood in the hospital. While I was there, one of my nurses introduced me to a program called Musical Medicine.” My eyes go wide and I notice a few of the children giggle. “Now to a five year old kid, the thought of your medicine playing music is kind of awesome. Right?” A chorus of “yeahs” echo back to me. I glance at Rose, and find her smiling right along with the children.

  “I’ll admit I was a little disappointed when I found out what the program was really all about. Then, the instructor started bringing out instruments. There was a guitar, a flute, one of the volunteers played the piano, and then they brought out the violin.” I lift my instrument and begin playing my favorite warm up piece. As my eyes drift to Rose, I see hers close a soft smile on her face as she lets the music envelope her. When I finish the audience applauds and I lower my instrument once again.

  “I thought the sound was unlike anything I’d ever heard before.” I begin to walk the stage again, “Now I know what you’re thinking, violins are meant for classical music. If you thought that, you’d be correct. But, violins have a place in every kind of music, from Bluegrass to Heavy Metal.”

  Raising my violin, I begin with a Bluegrass classic the Orange Blossom Special, ease into my favorite songs by Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran and finish with a Heavy Metal crowd pleaser by Metallica. Surprised by the enthusiasm of the audience, I continue to play some of my favorite popular tunes. By the time that I finish my set, the smiles from the children are bright enough to light the room.

  Handing my violin to Vince, I step off the stage and spend some time talking and answering questions from the children. When the director of the arts program declares it’s time to return to their rooms, a chorus of groans fill the air. I high-five each child as they are wheeled out of the room, and then make my way over to where Rose has been patiently waiting.

  “Alek, that was incredible,” she gushes as I stop in front of her.

  I give a slight bow of my head, “Thank you, I’m so glad you enjoyed it.”

  She laughs and the sound is sweeter than any melody to reach my ears, “That may be the understatement of the year. I’ve never heard anyone play Metallica on a violin before.”

  I shrug while sliding my hands into my pockets, “You have to be able to keep their attention with more than the classics.”

  “Well you certainly did that.”

  I smile at her compliment, “I need to check in with Vince, but I like to take you to dinner, if that’s okay with you?”

  She smiles and gives a slight nod, “I’d like that.”

  “Great, I’ll be right back.”

  I make my way over to where Vince is speaking with the program director, Phyllis Lamb. “Mr. Berringer,” she says as I approach, “thank you so much for the donation to our program, and for your performance tonight. The children and patients truly enjoyed it.”

  “It was my pleasure, Ms. Lamb. I hope to make your hospital an annual stop during my tour.”

  She offers me her hand, “Please know that you are welcome anytime.” Looking to first Vince and then me, “Good night gentlemen, and safe travels to you.”

  “Thank you,” Vince and I reply in unison.

  Once we’re alone, I turn to Vince, “Do you need anything else from me?”

  Vince shakes his head, “No, as far as I’m concerned you are free until Saturday.”

  “Great, thanks Vince,” I say as I begin to walk away.

  “Hey Alek,” Vince calls, stopping my forward progress and making me turn around. “Good luck.”

  I smile and nod before making my way back over to Rose. “Ready to go?”

  “Whenever you are,” she replies.

  Offering her my arm, her delicate fingers wrap around my bicep as we walk to my car. When we reach the passenger side, I open the door for her and help her inside before rounding the vehicle and climbing in behind the wheel and then pulling out of the parking lot.

  “I saw an Italian restaurant on my way here tonight; I thought we could go there, if that’s okay?”

  “That sounds good.”

  Silence stretches between us as we make the quick drive to the restaurant. “I don’t think I thanked you for the gift basket. I enjoyed every item in it, and the local brew was a nice touch.”

  “I’m glad you liked it. I try to put some thought into what goes into them.”

  “How long have you owned the flower shop?”

  “Just a few years. It originally belonged to my grandmother, so I grew up there. I took over when she passed away.”

  “I’m sorry. Did she name the shop after you?”

  “Thank you,” she says as she shakes her head. “No, roses were actually her favorite flower, and my mother thought it would be a good name for me as well.”

  I pull into the parking lot of the restaurant, turn off the engine and catch her gaze, holding it as I say, “Named after a beautiful flower, a perfect choice indeed.”

  Her cheeks turn a light pink as she breaks the spell between us, giving me a shy smile.

  Exiting the car, I open her door and help her step out. Placing my hand at the small of her back, I hear her breath catch at my touch, and I smile to myself at the effect my touch has on her. We enter the restaurant, only waiting a few minutes before the maître d shows us to a table, leaving our menus and promising our server will be with us shortly.

  We begin to browse the menu while we wait for our server, “Have you been here before?”

  Rose lowers her menu so she can see over it, “A few times, the food is always good.”

  A minute later, our server arrives to take our order. Rose orders the manicotti and I order the chicken parmigiana along with a bottle of red wine.

  With our order placed, I decide to start the conversation, “You said you grew up at your grandmother’s flower shop, have you lived here all your life?”

  “I have. My mother had me young. She was able to provide for us by working her way up at one of the department stores. By the time I was ten, she had become district manager and had caught the eye of the corporate office. They made her an offer she couldn’t refuse and my grandmother offered to keep me here with her so I wouldn’t be left alone while my mother climbed the corporate ladder.”

  “That must have been really hard on you.”

  She shrugs casually, but the hurt in her eyes is unmistakable. “It was at first, but I think it would have been harder being away from my grandmother.”

  Delivering the bottle of wine I ordered, our server interrupts the conversation. Pouring each of us a glass of the rich red wine before leaving the bottle for us to enjoy.

  “And your father?”

  “My father was never in the picture.” She straightens her shoulders and smiles, a move I have feeling she does a lot. “What about you? Where did you grow up?”

  “Not too far from here actually, Roanoke, Virginia.”

  She smiles wide, “I knew I heard an accent, I just couldn’t place it.”

  I laugh, “Yes the longer I spend in th
e South, the more noticeable it becomes.”

  “Well, mine is firmly in place,” she says in her sweet southern voice. “Do you have any siblings?”

  I nod my head as I answer, “An older brother and younger sister. You?”

  She shakes her head, “My mother eventually married, but didn’t have any other children. What about your parents?”

  “My father was an attorney, and my mother was a teacher. They are both retired now.”

  Before the conversation can continue any further, our server arrives and places our meals in front of us before leaving us once again.

  “This looks delicious, and much too hot to eat just yet.”

  I chuckle at her analysis, “I agree. How about a toast while we wait for it to cool.” Lifting my wine glass, “To unexpected meetings.”

  The candlelight flickers in her brown eyes, highlighting the gold flecks, and making it even harder to tear my gaze away from hers. “To unexpected meetings,” she mimics breathlessly as she touches her glass to mine, her eyes unwavering from mine as we each take a sip. Rose sets down her wine glass effectively breaking the spell between us, yet further confirming that there is something between us. Something I fully intend on pursuing.

  Chapter 7

  Rose

  My alarm goes off at seven-thirty, for the first time in a very long time, I find myself smiling as I stretch and greet the day. Last night was nothing short of amazing. The music, the food, the wine, the way Alek looked at me as if I was the most beautiful woman in the world. He’s so charming and unexpected, that I find myself wanting to spend as much time with him as possible.

  If I’m honest, the feelings I have for Alek, scare me a bit. I’m not a stranger to romantic gestures and sweet words. Todd was a master manipulator, and managed to capture my heart. Now I’m more guarded than I should be, especially for someone who has always considered themselves to be a romantic.

  I toss back the covers, climb out of bed and head for the bathroom. Turning on the shower, I step inside and let the warm water wash over me. Once I’m finished, I wrap myself in a fluffy towel, blow dry my hair and apply my makeup. Deciding to forgo my usual work uniform, I choose a sleeveless floral summer dress that falls just below my knee and a pair of pink sandals.

  I walk into the kitchen, take my travel mug from the coffeemaker, drop a coffee pod into the trash and sit my mug on the counter. I open the refrigerator, take out a cup of yogurt and sit at the breakfast bar to eat my breakfast. I scroll through my phone glancing at the headlines until I find something interesting. I’m halfway through the latest story on the young royals when my phone alerts for a text message. Seeing that it’s from Alek, I open the app and read the message.

  Alek: Good morning! Are we still on for today?

  Me: Good morning! Yes. Unless you need to cancel?

  Please don’t let him cancel

  Alek: Not a chance. See you at noon.

  Me: See you then.

  I close the app, a smile lingering on my face at the thought of Alek texting me. When he asked for my number last night, I never dreamed that he would use it so soon. I hop off the barstool, rinse my yogurt cup and toss it in the recycle bin. Securing the lid on my coffee cup, I drop my phone in my purse and grab my keys as I head out the door.

  When I get to the shop, I immediately start on the overnight orders. Once I’m finished, I do inventory and contact our supplier to place an order. I’m in the middle of meeting with Megan, a bride-to-be whose wedding we’ll be supplying the flowers for in just a few weeks, when Janet arrives. I can tell by the smirk on her face that she is bursting to know about last night.

  It takes to the count of three for Janet to appear at my side once I’m finished with Megan. “Well?”

  I laugh and shake my head, “Three seconds that has to be a new record for you.”

  She waves a dismissive hand, “Yeah, yeah, whatever. Tell me about last night.”

  I turn to her with a huge grin, “You know how I hate to gush about things, but it was amazing!”

  A squeal splits the air as Janet begins to bounce beside me. “Details, I need details.”

  “First he did this charity show at the hospital for the children, and then we went to dinner at Cucina.”

  “Oh nice choice, their food is delicious.”

  “It was, and we had such a great time. We laughed and talked and he was so good with all the kids at the hospital.”

  Janet smiles as she studies me, “You really like him don’t you?”

  “I do, but…”

  She lays a comforting hand on my arm, “Hey, don’t do that. Don’t let what happened with Todd keep you from the happiness you deserve.”

  I give her a quick hug, “Thanks Janet.”

  “Besides,” she begins as she releases me. “If I know you, like I think I do, you’ve already Google searched this guy, so you know he’s exactly who he says he is.” She raises a brow at me, challenging me to say she’s wrong, but of course I can’t.

  I laugh, “You know me too well.”

  “Yes I do. I’d also venture to say, judging by this dress you’re wearing, that you have plans with the handsome violinist today.”

  This time I feel my cheeks heat, “I do. He’s picking me up at noon. I hope that’s okay with you.”

  Rolling her eyes, she bumps me with her hip, “Please, I’ve already told you I don’t mind at all.”

  I laugh just as the bell sounds on the door and Alek walks in, stealing my breath. The first night I met him, he was wearing a black, perfectly tailored suit, last night it was dress pants with a light blue dress shirt. Even for our impromptu lunch, he wore khaki slacks and a button down shirt. Alek is equally handsome in all three looks; however, nothing compares to the way he looks in a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt. The black cotton stretches across his muscular chest and the sleeves pull tight over his bicep, dark denim hugs his thighs and accentuate his trim waist and I have a sudden desire to see what exactly is underneath the fabric.

  He grins and clears his throat, no doubt trying to hide his laughter at my blatant perusal as he slides his hands into his pockets. “Ladies.”

  I swallow trying to give my suddenly dry throat some relief, “Hi.”

  “Are you ready to go?”

  Finally getting my wits about me, I begin to untie my apron, “Yes, give me just a minute to gather my things.”

  Alek smiles and gives a gentle nod, “Of course, take your time.”

  I step into the workroom, hang my apron on the wall, and pull my purse from the desk drawer. I smooth the front of my dress and take a deep breath as I place my purse on my shoulder and walk out to meet Alek. The sound of my footsteps catches his attention and he turns towards me, a slow smile taking over his face as he closes the distance between us.

  Alek gently grasps my fingers, his thumb slowly caressing them as he leans in and kisses my cheek. “Rose, you look beautiful.”

  “Thank you,” I whisper as I feel my cheeks turn red and hear Janet swoon.

  Alek entwines his fingers with mine, “Ready?”

  I give a quick nod, “Ready.” As we walk toward the door, I call over my shoulder, “Janet, I’ll see you tomorrow. Call if you need anything.”

  As I step through the door I hear her say, “I won’t. Have a great time.”

  As we walk to his car, Alek leans in and says, “I need to be sure to thank Janet, for letting me steal you away this week.”

  “Believe me she is more than happy to cover for me.”

  “That’s good to know.”

  When we reach his car, Alek opens the door for me and then climbs behind the wheel. He grins and looks at me, “Where to?”

  I laugh and shake my head, “You don’t have anything planned?”

  He looks at me sheepishly, “Well, I was hoping you’d show me your favorite places.”

  “That I can do. But first we need to stop by the café first.”

  His grin widens and he winks at me, “To the caf�
� we go then.”

  After a stop at the same café where Alek and I dined yesterday for a couple of brown bag lunches, I direct him to my favorite place. “Take a right at the next stoplight.”

  He grins and follows my instructions, “Yes, ma’am.”

  I turn to him, a grin of my own teasing my lips, “Are you laughing at me, Mr. Berringer?”

  This time a chuckle sneaks out, as he answers, “I would never dream of doing such a thing, Ms. McDaniels.”

  “Mhmm. Turn left at the stop sign, the parking lot is on the right.”

  Alek pulls into a parking space and turns off the engine. Getting out of the car, he opens my door and then retrieves our lunches from the backseat. Alek entwines his fingers with mine as we walk hand in hand into the park.

  We walk along an azalea-lined path, live oaks and Spanish moss creating a canopy overhead, shielding us from the midday sun. The pathway ends at a clearing, lush green grass stretching out to the edge of the Atlantic.

  Alek stops, taking in the view before us, “This is incredible.” Giving my hand a squeeze, he draws my attention back to him, “I can see why you love this place so much.”

  I give him a soft smile and answer him honestly, “The beauty is only part of the reason it’s my favorite.”

  His thumb skates back and forth over the back of my hand, “Maybe you can tell me the other reasons over lunch?”

  “I can do that.” I give his hand a tug, “Come on, I know the perfect spot for us to eat our lunch.”

  We settle onto the thick carpet of green grass, beneath the shade of a maple tree just beyond the bank where the Atlantic brushes the coast. Alek opens the bag holding our lunch and hands a sandwich to me followed by a bottle of water. Keeping the same for himself, we unwrap our sandwiches in silence and begin eating as a soft breeze licks at our skin.

  After a few minutes, Alek breaks the silence, “This is the most tranquil place I’ve ever been. How long have you been coming here?”