Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 57406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57406 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
“Geeshh, you haven't told him yet?” I shake my head. “Maybe you can talk to him tonight?”
“I will, C, I promise,” he says, unlocking the glass door of the shop.
Entering the shop, Ben walks around the counter, checking to see if we have any phone messages. I proceed past him, heading to the door that leads to the small warehouse. Punching in the code that unlocks the door, I go into the office located to left and lay the folder Jenna had given me at the diner on the desk. I will work on it after I have finished in the warehouse. Even though we ordered fresh-cut flowers from outside sources, we still grow a lot of our own flowers and herbs here in the warehouse and they need tending to several times a day. Checking the timers to the grow lights and fans, I proceed to water all the flowers and herbs, checking each one carefully, removing any dead leaves, and changing the soil in the ones that are looking ill. I then move onto the worm farm. I liked the idea of making our own organic soil, and so far, it is working out great. Going to the refrigerator, I retrieve some raw vegetable scraps the diner always saves for me. As I’m scattering the scraps over the four large tubs of worms, Ben comes and starts checking the thermometers in the tubs, adjusting the heaters so the worms don't get cold during the night. “Go ahead and do your stuff, C. I’ll finish this,” Ben offers, nodding in the direction of the office.
“Okay, just holler if you need anything,” I reply. Walking off toward the office, I can hear Ben start singing “Wiggle” by Jason Derulo to the worms, which always makes me smile. I'm not sure if he knows worms can't hear but I love when he sings, he has a lovely voice, so I'm not going to tell him. I spend the next two hours doing paperwork and going over the folder that contains the information on the girl Jenna has referred. Her name is Emma Green, twenty years old. Diagnosed with CML leukemia two weeks ago. Starting chemotherapy Monday and stem cell therapy is to follow after completion of chemo. Fuck, this poor girl, this is just not fair to her or her family. I do a background check and am relieved that she clears our protocols. Looking at the clock on the computer, I realize it's time to close the shop. Turning off the computer, I head out to the warehouse to help Ben finish up.
“Hey, C, so when are you going to start moving into your new place?” Ben asks while sweeping the floor.
“I think I will start tomorrow if we’re not too busy,” I say, grabbing the dustpan to help him.
“You know Parker and I can help you tomorrow after he gets off work,” he says, sweeping the dirt into the dustpan I am bent down holding on the floor.
“Are you nuts!? It's Parker's birthday!” I can’t help the perturbed look on my face. If my boyfriend made me move someone in on my birthday, I’d dump his ass. Then again, maybe I am a princess like Ben said before.
“I know, we can do his birthday after were done,” he explains, but I don’t think it’s a good idea.
“Absolutely not. I will move what I can tomorrow. You and Parker can help me with the bigger stuff over the weekend,” I negotiate, standing up to look at him holding the now dirt-filled dustpan in front of me.
“I know, C, but you won't stay with Parker and me, and we both hate you staying here at night, sleeping on the sofa in the office. Really, we would be happy to do it,” Ben tries to convince me, taking the dustpan from my hand.
“You and Parker just moved in together a few months ago, that's not enough time alone together to be adding a third wheel. Besides, one or two more nights here won't kill me, Ben. And seriously, moving someone on your birthday equals worst birthday ever,” I laugh.
“Fine, but we’re getting you moved in this weekend,” he says sternly, turning to dump the contents of the dustpan in the trash.
“Okay, now go home to your man. I will see you tomorrow,” I tell him, taking the dustpan and broom from him. He tilts his head to the side, giving me those sweet eyes.
“Fine, night, sweetie. I'll see you tomorrow,” he says, giving me a hug.
“Oh, and, Ben, don't forget to talk to Parker about signing those papers,” I remind him.
“I know, I will,” he promises, smiling.
A couple hours later, I head next door to the diner to get some dinner. The outside of the diner is just a square-shaped building with white wood siding. Inside it is decorated in nostalgic 1960s memorabilia. A life-size cardboard Elvis Presley sits inside the entryway to greet the patrons coming in. The floors are white-and-black tiles. The walls are lined with framed photos of older actors like Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, and Clark Gable. The best part is the seats at the booths, which are designed to look like old car hoods. The waitresses all wear short pink poodle dresses from the era. I pretty much eat all my meals here. The food is good and there are even some healthy choices on the menu. It's just me, so it's not really worth learning to cook for just one person. It's a shame, my new place has a really nice kitchen, but it probably won't be used much. After dinner, I head back to the shop and grab my gym clothes, stuffing them into my gym bag. I drive to the gym where I do my usual forty-five-minute workout routine. After leaving the gym, I head back to the shop, tired and ready for sleep. Because we handle so many chemicals in the shop, we have a shower in the bathroom. Heading in there, I clean up and change into an old T-shirt and soft shorts. Settling down on the couch with my blanket and pillow, I text Jenna before going to sleep.