Roses and Rigamortis Read online

  Winifred made it sound so simple.

  “O-kay,” Vivica replied. “Sounds like a plan.”

  After a quick run to the hardware store, Vivica secured all the supplies and returned to Winnie’s house where the entire Baxter clan chipped in and got the signs and flyers made. The boys thought it was fun. They got to play in the paint and nobody fussed when they made a mess. Before the night was over, the flyers and the signs were complete. The newspaper ad was sent via email to the Dahlonega Times and that was one less thing on Vivica’s to do list.

  “And that’s how you execute a marketing plan,” Winnie surmised.

  Chapter Three

  The next week was consumed by last minute details and a marketing blitz. Aunt Mildred and Vivica decided that a bonfire at the B&B would be an excellent way to finish celebrating the grand opening of the shop. That decision gave Mildred something specific to focus her energy on. Bit by bit, Vivica saw her aunt returning to her natural state. Vivica was hopeful that it wouldn’t be much longer before Mildred was back full strength.

  The newspaper ad ran on the Sunday before the grand opening, and repeated throughout the week, getting the message to those that the flyers and the mobile media blitz couldn’t reach. But the most fun of all was Winnie, Vivica, Maximus and the boys all piled into the Karmann Ghia, with the top down, rallying support for the opening of the flower shop. The boys loved it, sitting on their knees with the top down, waving to the crowd and taking turns on the bullhorn. It was like their own personal parade. And the response from those milling around downtown Dahlonega was favorable. Everyone seemed excited about the big event. There hadn’t been a new store of any kind to open downtown in nearly a decade.

  The night before the big day, Vivica found it difficult to sleep. She was just too excited and nervous; hoping everything would go off without a hitch. When Vivica’s phone rang, she fished it from the bedside table. When she saw who the caller was, Vivica smiled.

  “I hope I didn’t wake you,” he said.

  “And who is this again? Vivica teased trying to keep herself from laughing out loud.

  “Really? You don’t know who this is?”

  She thought about letting him sweat, but Vivica didn’t have the heart for it.

  “Good evening, Sheriff Harper.”

  “Mmhmm,” Johnathan replied. “Giving me a hard time when all I wanted to do was be the first to congratulate you on your big day.”

  Looking at the clock on the table, Vivica checked the time. It was 11:59 p.m. and she started to tease him about being early for congratulations. But just when she started to mess with Johnathan again, the clock ticked to midnight. Besides, she kinda felt bad when he said what his intentions were.

  “That is so thoughtful of you, Sheriff, thanks,” Vivica sang, trying to make up for her smart mouth.

  “You’re welcome,” Harper replied. “Not that I won’t get a chance to come by the shop, I mean, unless we get a case or something, I still plan to stop by. I just wanted to be the first.”

  The sentiment made Vivica smile, genuinely.

  “It really was thoughtful, Johnathan. I appreciate your support.”

  What Harper didn’t say is that he hoped by Vivica setting down roots and opening a business that she would be less likely to leave again.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow Ms. Meadows,” is what came out.

  “See you tomorrow, sheriff.”

  Even after disconnecting the line, an easy smile remained on Vivica’s lips. And there was one on the sheriff’s, too.

  Maximus made another adjustment to get comfortable as Vivica settled in. this time when she closed her eyes, she was finally able to sleep.

  The Grand Opening

  It was the big day!

  Although Vivica went to be late, she was up early, bright eyed and bushy tailed. And even though she checked her list and checked it twice, she still sat at the kitchen table in her aunt’s kitchen and checked it again.

  “Are you excited,” Aunt Mildred asked as she padded in.

  “I am, nervous, too, Vivica replied. When she saw her aunt moving with ease around the kitchen counter with a little pep in her step, Vivica smiled. Maybe Aunt Mildred was out of the woods? Vivica certainly hoped so.

  “Now, I’m coming to the opening, but I will have to tip out at some point to get back to the inn for final touches.”

  “I totally understand,” Vivica replied. “I’m heading over to Winnie’s to pick her up and I will be at the shop.”

  Vivica paused for a moment.

  “I will be at the shop, my shop,” she mused. “Auntie, can you believe it? My shop! I have a shop, my very own shop!”

  “Yes, I can believe it and I couldn’t be prouder of you!”

  Mildred met Vivica at the counter and the two women embraced. Mildred gave her niece a good squeeze. “You know your parents would be so proud of you. They are proud of you.”

  It was enough to bring a tear to Vivica’s eye. She squeezed her auntie one more time, and as the tear started to fall Vivica broke away and made for the coffee pot. Filling up her to go cup, Vivica took a deep breath, wiped her eyes and turned to leave the kitchen. She didn’t want Mildred to see her cry.

  “Thanks, auntie,” Vivica called over her shoulder as she dashed out of the kitchen. “See you later!”

  “See you later,” Mildred called back. She watched as Vivica weaved through the couple of guests that were making their way down the hallway. What brought an instant smile to Vivica’s face was seeing Max and Boris in the study, lying practically nose to nose, taking in the morning sun. They were so unbothered.

  “See you later Max, Boris,” Vivica said as she passed. She made her way to the front door, bounded down the stairs and made her way to her car. The sky was blue, the sun was already sitting high in the sky and there was a gentle breeze. It was not too hot and not too cold. The weather was perfect.

  “This is going to be a great day,” Vivica announced to no one in particular. Next stop? The Baxter abode.

  Vivica drank her coffee, listened to the Beach Boys extra loud, and thought about what the day would bring. It didn’t take long to arrive at the Baxter home. As always, Vivica could hear the family inside even before knocking on the door.

  “Auntie Viv!” Josiah yelled as three upturned faces greeted her at the door.

  “Hey fellas,” Vivica said as six feet ran back down the hallway.

  “Winnie, are you ready?”

  “Yeah, give me one second,” Winnie called back. Vivica waited in the entryway as the boys continued to buzz around. Winnie’s husband, Jacob followed Winifred toward the front door.

  “Jared’s diaper bag is already packed; the boys’ outfits are laid out across their beds. If you could make sure that everyone washes their faces and brushes their teeth that would be great. If you can get their hair combed before you guys come, that’s a bonus. Oh and no sugar. None!”

  Winifred gave Jacob his directives as she approached Vivica with baby Jared tucked in her arms.

  “Look at the handsome little one,” Vivica beamed as Winifred lifted him up for Vivica to kiss. As soon as Vivica’s lips disconnected from Jared’s cheek, Winifred handed him over to his dad who waited with open arms.

  “Let’s get out of here before the boys realize I’m leaving,” Winnie whispered as she adjusted her shoulder bag. Vivica waved goodbye to Big Jacob and the two ladies hightailed it out of the house. Winnie quickstepped to the passenger side of the car and hopped in. Vivica climbed into the driver’s seat and started up the car. It was only when Vivica backed out of the driveway did Winifred exclaim, “freedom!”

  Vivica howled with laughter. Winnie threw her hands in the air and yelped so loudly that Vivica was nearly in tears from cracking up with her friend.

  “Is it really that bad,” Vivica asked, finally getting her laughter under control.

  “You have no idea,” Winnie scoffed. “Now, turn up the Beach Boys! That’s my song!”

&nbsp
; The girls sang all the way to the flower shop. Vivica parked the car and the two climbed out. As they approached the door, Winnie stopped and grabbed Vivica by the arm.

  “Viv, this is amazing,” Winnie said as she looked up at the shop’s sign with the black orchid logo, now decked out with multicolor balloons that floated in the air.

  “You did it girl, you did it!”

  Winnie pulled Vivica into a hug. “You did it!”

  It was enough to bring Vivica to tears. Most likely, it was the culmination of everyone who meant the world to Vivica being excited for her and proud of her all at the same time. Either way, the tears fell and some even fell from Winnie’s cheeks as the girls released each other and entered the flower shop. Both were halted in their tracks.

  Oh my God,” Vivica muttered as her eyes moved around the internal space of the shop. Demetrius’ colorful visuals she witnessed on paper paled in comparison to what he was able to physically manifest.

  “This is so beautiful,” Winnie agreed. There was a wall filled with cylindrical gold-tone baskets with colorful blossoms seemingly sprouting from inside. Every bloom from Vivica’s garden was represented along the wall. There was a refrigerated area for florals that needed to be kept cool and bouquets on display stands ready for purchase. A carousel of greeting cards sat in one corner and near the back of the store was an area that would later be used for classes on floral design. For the grand opening, the back area was set up for light refreshments for the guests. The front counter was just as appealing to the eye. Vivica was excited about her vintage cash register that looked like solid gold; a nod to Dahlonega’s history. The register even had the marble top bar that was used back in the day to make sure the coins customers paid with weren’t counterfeit.

  “Just beautiful, Vivica,” Winnie said as she made her way around the counter.

  “So, you’ll work the counter for me today,” Vivica asked.

  “Whatever you need,” Winifred replied.

  “Yeah that would be great, especially since it will give you a chance to get used to the set-up, since you’re gonna be working here,” Vivica said.

  “You still want me to,” Winnie asked surprised.

  “Winifred Bates, there is no Black Orchid without you,” Vivica replied. “You pushed me to move in my passion and this is the end result. I wouldn’t have it any other way, partner.”

  “Partner? What do you mean, partner?”

  “If you want to,” Vivica replied. “I know you’ve got the boys and the whole family thing you’re responsible for,” Vivica began. “But I thought there was no better way to honor how much you’ve helped me than to make you my partner. Whether you’re physically working in the shop or not, you’ll still make some money, you know, to take care of my nephews and stuff.”

  “Are you trying to make me cry? I mean, really, Viv, I almost don’t know what to say.” Winnie was flabbergasted.

  “Say yes,” Vivica encouraged.

  “Yes! Yes! Yes!”

  Chapter Four

  “Mmm, celebrating before the guests arrive I see.”

  Neither Vivica nor Winifred needed to turn around to see who that voice was coming from.

  “Cindy Rose Rainier,” Winifred said, moving from behind the counter and positioning herself near Cindy.

  “That’s me,” Cindy chimed, “but you already know that. I mean, how could you not? I’m standing right in front of you,” Cindy snarled.

  “Oh, my goodness, Winifred, you’re not pregnant anymore,” Cindy sneered. “But I’m sure it won’t be long before your hubby has you knocked up again.”

  Vivica moved between the two women. she already knew Winifred was two seconds from decking Cindy and Vivica wouldn’t have been wrong. Winnie’s face flushed red and her hands were balled into fists by her sides.

  “Can I help you with something, Cindy Rose?” Vivica asked with a smile so fake she looked like a mannequin.

  Cindy Rose’s eyes scanned the room and she rolled them when she was done. I don’t think so,” Cindy snided. “I just wanted to see what all the fuss was about, but clearly it was for nothing.” Cindy Rose’s snide remark was designed to tee off Vivica and Winifred and it almost did. But instead of firing back, Vivica was syrupy sweet in her reply.

  “Well, thanks so much for stopping by,” Vivica said. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, my business partner and I will continue celebrating before our guests arrive.”

  Cindy Rose tried to hide the shock, but her face defied her.

  “See, Cindy Rose, that’s what real friends do for one another,” Winifred began. “But you wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”

  “Ooo, Ooo, I can answer that,” Vivica said, raising her hand like a school girl in class. “Cindy Rose wouldn’t know anything about that because she doesn’t have any friends, real or otherwise.”

  “So true,” Winnie said, turning to Vivica where the girls gave each other a double high five.

  Before Cindy Rose could fix her face to say anything, the bell on the door chimed and in walked several people.

  “Oh, excuse us,” Vivica said, seeing people entering the shop. “We have guests!”

  She brushed past Cindy Rose whose mouth was still hanging open from hearing her nemesis and her buddy were business partners. Winnie shot Cindy Rose an award-winning smile before leaning over and whispering in Cindy’s ear. “You’re more than welcome to stay,” Winnie sang. “Refreshments are in the back. Help yourself to some, won’t you?”

  Cindy Rose watched as Winnie sauntered off. She stood there, affronted and unsure whether she should stay or go. The people were filling up the flower shop, oohing and aahing over the layout which Cindy Rose had to admit was fairly nice, for somebody like Vivica. Finally compelling her feet to move, Cindy Rose headed towards the back, towards the refreshments. Maybe she would have a chance to see Vivica and Winnie fall on their faces. She could hope, right?

  Before long, the flower shop grand opening was in full swing. Demetrius St. Jacques came by to show his support. Aunt Mildred came by as well. She was reduced to tears the moment she stepped inside the shop.

  “I promised myself I wasn’t going to do this,” Mildred said as she hugged both Vivica and Winnie.

  “Aw, auntie, you’re going to make me cry, Vivica replied.

  “Me, too, so stop it already, okay,” Winnie lovingly chastised. Before their exchange was over, all three women were teary-eyed. But once again, the tears that were shed were tears of joy and not sadness. Vivica would take happy tears any day. But neither she nor Winnie had any time to doddle. Customers were coming in and making purchases as a part of the celebration. Winnie manned the register while Vivica greeted the guests, showed them around in as much as she could, attended to the other employees who were also playing hostess; making sure the refreshments stayed stocked as well as the inventory that was flying out the door.

  After a few hours of constant traffic, Vivica gave her assistants the signal to ensure every guest had a glass of sparkling champagne in it. When the cup was offered to Cindy Rose, she took it begrudgingly; putting the cup up to her nose and scoffing at the drink, assuming it to be cheap.

  “Excuse me everyone, if I can just have your attention for a minute.” Vivica waited until the crowd quieted down which didn’t take long. “I just wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you so much to everyone who has come out today. Thank you for coming out to our grand opening celebration. I see you guys buying flowers and cards and stuff, and I appreciate that. Thanks to the staff and family and friends for all your support. Welcome, and I hope you’ll come to us for all your floral needs. Cheers everybody!”

  “Cheers!” The audience chorused as they lifted their cups and drank the non-alcoholic libation. As the staff went around and gathered the empty cups, Vivica’s attention was drawn to one customer in particular. Just a minute before, she looked fine; walking around the shop, speaking with other people in the shop that she might have known. The young lady wasn’
t familiar to Vivica, but she didn’t know everyone considering how long she’d been gone. But something didn’t seem right. What drew Vivica’s attention to the young woman was the fact that she stumbled, out of nowhere. Instinctively, Vivica looked down at the floor to see if there was something the young lady tripped over. She would get it to keep anyone else from doing the same. But Vivica didn’t see anything. Then, she started to hold her head as though it was hurting.

  “Winnie,” Vivica asked, moving in the direction of Winifred but keeping her eyes on the customer. “Are you familiar with- “

  “Oh my!”

  “Somebody call 911!”

  Vivica watched as the woman fell to the floor. It was as if time slowed almost to a crawl and the woman fell in slow motion. Vivica raced to her side as did others to try and help. The call went out for emergency assistance and Winifred stepped in by asking the crowd to step back and trying to keep everyone calm. Just then, Sheriff Harper and Deputy Bo Gathright walked in.

  “Harp,” Vivica yelled out seeing the sheriff as he entered the door. Harper made his way through the crowd with Bo on his heels.

  “What happened,” Harper asked.

  “I don’t know,” Vivica said as she tried to feel for a pulse. She felt the woman’s wrist. Her pulse was faint, but it was there. Vivica placed her hand lightly on the woman’s chest to feel for her heartbeat and kept it there to confirm it was still beating as they waited for emergency assistance to arrive.

  “She stumbled, felt her head like she had pain there and then next thing I know, she was on the ground.”

  “Gathright, can you help with the customers,” Harper instructed.