Page 12 of Must Love Flowers
Joan stepped up to the receptionist’s desk and waited until Jordan was off the phone. She paid with the gift certificate from Emmie and booked another appointment for a trim the following month.
Charlene had finished with her client at about the same time and waited while Joan paid before walking her to the door. “You look great,” she said approvingly.
“Bailey worked a miracle.” She hesitated for a moment, and then said, “Emmie said something recently about you taking in a boarder and suggested I might do the same. I wonder how that’s working out for you.”
“I did mention that to Emmie,” Charlene confirmed. “With Evan away, the house was so quiet; it sort of spooked me. Both our children live out of state. A widow friend of mine was the one who suggested I consider renting out a room. Her children live in the Midwest somewhere and she has a large home but didn’t want to downsize. I found a young woman who sounded perfect, Maggie. She’s a nursing student, a hard worker and very bright. Her references assured me she was decent and honest, and I wouldn’t go wrong if I decided to rent her a room.”
“She sounds ideal. How’s it going?”
Charlene sighed with obvious regret. “I was happy to offer Maggie the room, but then I heard from my brother. My niece took a job in Seattle and needs a place to stay, and a little TLC after a bad breakup. I’m Shelley’s godmother and really couldn’t refuse. I didn’t feel I can take in two boarders, especially with Shelley in such a sad emotional place.”
Joan listened intently and silently wondered if considering taking in Maggie herself was something she could do. It went without saying that Emmie would encourage her to give it some thought. Knowing Charlene had already vetted her was a bonus. She trusted that the savvy business owner wouldn’t be easily deceived, which gave Joan confidence. The more Charlene went on about Maggie, the more enthused Joan felt. Maybe having someone move in with her wouldn’t be such a bad idea after all. Joan had heard about renting out bedrooms but had always assumed people did that because they needed extra funds. Certainly, Charlene didn’t need the money. With Evan, her husband, working out of the country, the hairdresser was lonely. Although Joan had never thought of herself as lonesome, she was. The silence, the lack of purpose, was one of the elements that had led to her isolation. The more she mulled over the idea, the more appealing she found it.
“Maggie seemed perfect,” Charlene said again. “I felt terrible telling her the news.”
Charlene held Joan’s eye. “Do you think taking in a college student is something that might interest you?”
Slowly, Joan nodded. “I think it just might. I’ll think about it.”
“Wonderful.” Charlene was clearly on board with the idea. “I have Maggie’s contact information and would highlyrecommend you reach out to her. She seemed delightful. I got the impression things weren’t great for her at home, which made me feel even worse that I had to refuse her.”
Joan needed to think this through before deciding what would be best. “I’m seeing Nick tonight and will discuss it with him. There’s no reason I couldn’t rent out one of the bedrooms.” With both her sons living on their own, their bedrooms had been empty for years.
“Then consider it, Joan. I think it would be good for you and for this young woman. You can decide for yourself after you talk to her.”
Joan was thinking fast, her mind whirling with the possibilities. Having someone live with her wouldn’t be a disruption. She’d welcome the company. While the house had become her sanctuary, it was also cold and silent. It had been meant for a family, for people, not a lonely woman, lost in her grief. Before she decided, however, she would get Nick’s feedback. In the end, though, the decision would be hers.
Meeting Charlene’s gaze, Joan nodded. “Yes, send me her contact information. I’ll give her a call.”
Charlene beamed. “I think that’s a terrific idea.”
The thing was, so did Joan.
Chapter 6
As Joan readied for dinner with Nick, her spirits were high. She’d heard back from Charlene with the contact information for the young nursing student and intended to call Maggie Herbert first thing in the morning. She dressed carefully in a blouse and skirt she’d picked out earlier. Because it remained chilly in the evenings, she added a thin sweater.
Nick arrived right on time. He let himself in and found Joan in the kitchen. When he saw her, he did a double take. His mouth sagged open for a moment before he recovered and closed it. “Mom? Wow. You look great.” He walked a full circle around her, smiling all the while.
“Thanks.”
“I like your hair.”
Her hand automatically went to the side of her head. “I had it styled earlier today by a lovely young woman. I told her allabout my handsome son, but she let me know she’s already in a committed relationship.”
“You didn’t,” he said and groaned.
“I did. It’s a shame, because I think the two of you would do well together.”
“Mom,” Nick said, shaking his head. “I don’t need you playing matchmaker.”
“I don’t know what it is with young people these days,” she muttered to herself. By the time she was Nick’s age, Joan was married and pregnant with Steve. From what she’d observed, so many young people tended to wait until their thirties to marry and even later to start a family.
“I appreciate the thought, but I prefer to find my own dates,” Nick said, but not unkindly.
“As you wish.”
“You ready?” Nick asked, jingling the car keys in his hand.
