Page 20 of Must Love Flowers
“We can manage the lawn, no problem.”
“Good.” She stood with her arms across her front, embarrassed that she’d let the maintenance of her yard deteriorate to this point.
“Would you like the beds cleared at the same time?”
“Yes, just for now. I’ll take over after they are cleared and weeded.” As for her garden, perhaps she should think about that, even if it was a little late in the spring. She’d start fresh with healthy plants from the local nursery.
“Front and back flower beds?”
“Yes, please.”
“If you’d like, I can plant some low-maintenance bushes in the beds that would require minimum care and attention.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I’d rather plant that area myself.” She adored the calla lilies that sprang up each spring. The tulips had bloomed with her barely noticing. She’d planted the bulbs years earlier after a trip to Skagit County where the scene of fields of blooming tulips had taken her breath away. It depressed her how neglected the flower beds had become with the lawn encroaching.
Phil grinned. “I forgot. Must love flowers.”
Joan’s cheeks reddened with the reminder. “Forgive me for adding that—”
His smile widened. “Nothing to forgive. I found it rather refreshing. As it happens, I’m rather fond of flowers myself.”
Joan appreciated his effort to put her at ease.
—
Phil made a few additional marks on the clipboard. The woman was a surprise. He wasn’t sure what he’d expected and was pleased to find her younger than he’d imagined. He recognized the very things in her that he’d felt years earlier—the pain, the loneliness. He felt immediate empathy, as he was well aware of what loss could do to a soul.
“How long have you been a widow?” he asked.
“How did you know…” Her eyes widened, as if Joan couldn’t remember mentioning her marital status.
“You mentioned your husband had passed away when we first spoke on the phone.”
“Ah, yes, I did say that, didn’t I? It’s been four years now.” He remembered how frazzled she’d sounded when he’d listened to her voice mail. He suspected she hadn’t reached out much since then. The isolation from COVID likely had only complicated her healing process. He didn’t judge, seeing how long it had taken him to move forward.
“If you decide to hire me, I promise that I can whip your yard into shape in quick order and I’ll be fair in my pricing.” He wanted to reassure her that he was honest and would do a good job.
She nodded as if she believed him.
“I’ll get an estimate from the nursery for any plants you would like, and I’ll get back to you within a day or two with a bid.”
“Would you be able to bid on regular maintenance at the same time?”
“Of course. Every two weeks? Or every week?”
“Every week for now.”
“I’ll be happy to do that.” He’d taken notes as he’d surveyed her yard and was ready to leave when she stopped him.
“Would you mind if I asked you a few questions?” she said, as if she felt she should.
Phil didn’t mind. He was happy to give her the reassurance she seemed to need.
“Of course. What would you like to know?” He lowered the clipboard and met her gaze.
“How long have you been in business?”
“My father started the company back in the early seventies. He’s mostly retired now. I took over five years ago. I’m bonded and can offer references if you’d like.”
