Chapter 49

Wendy spent a few days working in her garden still thinking about Brad and remembering how desperately she wanted him. She laughed as she swept grass off her patio and erased the disillusioned mistake out of her head. She returned to the nursery and continued the planning for the Open House. Carol found a caterer who would set everything up, including coffee, plates, utensils, and iced tea. Wendy was excited about what was to come.

September started with Wendy’s calm reflections about the past she left behind. It was the day before the Saturday Open House and Wendy strolled around the nursery to see if she wanted to make any final changes of plant locations but decided she liked the way all the plants looked. Carol and Wendy set up the chairs with TV trays along the stream as planned. They placed a few benches around the nursery. On Saturday, both Wendy and Carol arrived at The Shade House at eight. The caterers brought the food, dishes, coffee, and all necessary supplies. They set up everything on two folding tables covered in yellow and green floral tablecloths.

At nine Carol opened the door and stood aside to greet people for a few minutes before going to the tables as hostess. Wendy moved around mingling with both old and new visitors. Early afternoon Cindy came in with a cheerful look. She strolled around with Wendy, complimented her again on her nursery, stayed for a short visit and left.

Wendy passed the stream area, where she chatted with a man and woman as they discussed a begonia they bought. That’s when she noticed Scott come toward her. Wendy stared as a shiver ran down her spine.

“Hi,” was all Wendy could get out as she observed how good he looked. She excused herself from the couple and turned to Scott. He lost some weight since Wendy last saw him, not that he really needed to, and he wore his hair differently, parted on the opposite side from where it used to be. Somehow it gave him an even more appealing look.

“Seems like a good size crowd. The parking lot is pretty full.”

“Thanks, Scott. You knew about this?”

“I saw the ad in the Santa Monica paper. I’m glad I came. Are congratulations due?”

“For what?”

“I figured this was a celebration for something special.”

She smiled and lowered her voice. “I did it purely to bring new people into the nursery in hopes they’d come back and bring friends.”

“So, business is doing…?”

Wendy could tell he didn’t know if the need for publicity was normal, or business wasn’t doing well.

“No, no, business is good, but it never hurts to have new customers.”

“True and I’m relieved. I couldn’t tell.”

“I can understand. Businesses have parties to drum up more clientele to keep their enterprises flourishing.”

Scott smiled at Wendy, “Makes good sense.”

“Did you want some refreshments?” Wendy asked not knowing what to say next.

“Sure.”

Scott followed Wendy to the food tables. Carol came over to say hi. Scott gave a big grin, and a hi back.

Wendy took a small plate and put some chips and dip on it. Scott’s plate was filled with guacamole and crackers. They each took a cup of coffee and Wendy led the way to two chairs by the potting area.

“What’s been happening with you?” Wendy asked. She hadn’t forgotten their lunch visit and wondered if his viewpoints continued to change.

“Well, my job has changed recently.”

“Really, how?” she asked sipping her coffee.

“Do you remember I told you I only handled the import aspect?”

“Yes.”

“I was promoted. And guess what? I don’t travel at all.”

“How did this come about?”

The company asked if I was interested in handling the marketing. Since my old job involved marketing with the import/export business I possessed the confidence and good marketing skills to successfully execute the job.”

Although it sounded a bit arrogant Wendy was impressed. “That’s wonderful, Scott. Do you like it?”

“Love it. It gives me a chance to share creative ideas with different advertisers.”

“I’m really happy for you.” Wendy’s voice filled with enthusiasm.

At that moment a customer came over to discuss a plant she was interested in. Wendy set her cup and plate on the seat, excused herself from Scott and strode with the woman as they talked.

Scott remained in the same spot when Wendy returned.

“Listen, I know you’re busy, so I won’t keep you any longer,” he said as he stood.

“It’s been a little crazy today, but in a good way,” she assured him. With conviction she added. “I’m glad you stopped by…it was very nice.” It was the first time she had said anything encouraging to him.

“I’m glad I did too.”

Wendy followed Scott as he put his coffee cup and plate down and headed for the door.

“See you later,” he said as he left.