A Tale of Two Florists: Juniper Creek Golden Years, #1

By Brenna Bailey

The new florist in town wants to live her best life.

The hometown florist's life is just fine as it is, thank you very much.

When the petals stop flying, will these rival florists be left with broken hearts or a budding romance?

 

Minnie Thomas wouldn't change a thing. The septuagenarian sees her closest friend every day, she owns the most successful (and only) flower shop in Juniper Creek, and she loves her star employee, Kat, like family. But when Kat inexplicably quits and Minnie's friend goes out of town, Minnie's stable world tilts off-kilter—especially when Kat's newly arrived free-spirited grandmother opens a flower shop just down the street.

 

Eleanor Lennox is determined to embrace life again and get to know Kat better. She promised her late wife she would open a flower shop, but she never counted on resistance from Kat's infuriating former employer. When the mayor asks the two of them to work together on the upcoming Sunflower Festival, Eleanor tries to smooth things over for Kat's sake—but the feisty florist only works harder to run her out of town. Well, two can play that game.

 

After connecting during a road trip to pick up flower barrels for the festival, Minnie and Eleanor form a budding relationship—which shrivels when Minnie's friend announces she's moving. Will Minnie cling to the past so tightly that she misses out on the beauty the present has to offer her—love with Eleanor?

 

A Tale of Two Florists is the first title in the Juniper Creek Golden Years queer contemporary romance series. If you like golden-years enemies-to-lovers romance and enchanting small towns, you'll fall in love with this playful, lighthearted romp through Juniper Creek with Minnie and Eleanor.

 

Buy today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brenna Bailey
• Release date: Mar 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9781778186721

Brenna Bailey

Brenna Bailey is a queer author of contemporary romance books. When she's not writing, she runs an editing business called Bookmarten Editorial. She is an avid reader, a starry-eyed traveler, and a home baker, and she lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her game-loving spouse and her cuddly fur-baby.

Book preview

To Grandma Rich, my Minnie and Eleanor in one. I miss you every single day.

CHAPTER ONE

MINNIE

Minnie stared in disbelief at the resignation letter in her hand. The paper was trembling, and Minnie was sure it wasn’t from her usual shakes. What is this? she asked, even though she knew very well what it was.

It’s my resignation letter, Kat said in a small voice, ducking their head and rubbing the back of their neck.

Well, I can see that. Minnie looked from the letter to Kat and back again. But why?

Kat looked at the floor. I’d rather not tell you.

Minnie’s jaw dropped. Kat had never been like this with her. In fact, they had just enjoyed a normal shift together full of . . . quiet. Now that she thought about it, Kat had been unusually quiet.

Kat made eye contact with her for the first time since they handed her the letter. Can you just trust me for now? Please? I’m sorry. You know I love working here.

Minnie shook her head, her mouth opening and closing like a fish’s. If this was anyone but Kat, she might think they were being insolent. But this was Kat, who had worked with her at the flower shop for two years, who had visited her on her days off to give her reports, and who stopped by for tea on a regular basis. Kat, who just last week had brought her a bouquet (from her own shop), a cookbook, and a cake they made to celebrate her seventy-second birthday.

She took a deep breath and forced her face to soften. Okay. It is in your rights to keep your secrets. But I hope you have a good reason. Of course Kat had to have a good reason. They wouldn’t leave otherwise, right? I’m going to miss you, though.

Was it Minnie’s imagination, or were Kat’s eyes glistening? They looked at the floor, kicking the baseboard of the counter with the toe of their black Converse. I still live here, you know. You’ll probably see me every day.

Oh, I know. Minnie opened her arms and Kat stepped into them, letting Minnie wrap them in a hug. Minnie kept it short, knowing Kat wasn’t a fan of physical contact. The brief connection did little to calm the frantic beating of her heart.

As Kat stepped back, they said, I’ll still be here for two weeks, right? I don’t need to leave right away. They sounded worried, as if Minnie might kick them out just for quitting.

Of course. I wouldn’t dream of letting you leave earlier. The look of relief on Kat’s face filled Minnie’s chest with warmth. She couldn’t fathom why Kat was quitting, but at least they didn’t seem happy about it.

Well, let’s grab our things then, shall we? Everything is good to go.

Kat grabbed Minnie’s sweater and purse for her, and Minnie locked the shop behind them.

As they walked, Minnie wondered how she was going to get through the next two weeks knowing that Kat’s time with her at the store was dwindling. Who was going to tease her when she forgot to switch out a sign? Who was going to tweak her flower arrangements to make them more modern? Daphne, Minnie’s other employee, was good at her job—but she wasn’t Kat.

Kat wasn’t saying anything, and Minnie couldn’t shake her sense of impending doom.

There was one sure way to break the silence: Minnie asked Kat about their latest art project. As expected, Kat perked right up and started telling Minnie all about the new character they were creating for a comic series Charlie was writing. Minnie smiled and tried her best to focus on Kat’s words rather than that darn resignation letter.

As they went, they waved to other shop owners closing up on Main Street and did their best to avoid the goose poop on the path beside the pond. Stepping around the mush was second nature to Minnie, although she thought about the poop more now since it was a hindrance for Dot with her new walker. She’d have to speak to Lorelai about more regular park maintenance.

This is you, Kat said as they reached Minnie’s street.

So it is. Minnie fought the urge to give Kat another hug. Enjoy drawing that librarian character, she said instead. I will see you at work in the morning. Minnie had said that sentence multiple times in the past two years, but it was ripe with significance now.

Yes, you will. Kat smiled and tightened the sweater they had tied around their waist before turning to continue down the street.

Neither of them had said anything more about Kat’s resignation, but it hung over Minnie’s head like a cloud threatening to drown her in freezing rain as she made her way to her house. She hadn’t really expected Kat to work with her forever, but it was too soon for them to quit. They were still in school, and Minnie thought they’d stay at Emily’s Garden at least until they graduated. That was another two years of guaranteed time with Kat ripped out from underneath her.

Dot was already outside, sipping her tea. She looked up expectantly as Minnie approached. Instead of going to her own house next door, Minnie walked up and joined Dot on the porch, collapsing into the wicker chair beside her best friend.

Long day? Dot asked, adjusting her daffodil-yellow headwrap.

You could say that, Minnie replied, not wanting to think about Kat’s resignation again yet. How was your day? What was it like to leave the store in Leah’s hands?

As difficult as it ever is, Dot said. I know she’s more than capable. But I’ve managed that shop by myself—with Malcolm’s help, of course—for thirty years now. I’m not quite ready to let it go.

Minnie nodded. You don’t have to let it go entirely; you just need to make Leah the official manager and take more time off for yourself. You’ve earned it, Dot.

Then so have you, Dot said, shooting Minnie a hard look. But I don’t see you retiring any time soon.

Minnie pursed her lips. I’m not ready for that either, she said quietly. The thought of leaving her store made her want to burst into tears, which made her think of how her best employee was leaving in two weeks.

Her grief must have shown on her face.

What’s wrong? Dot asked, setting down her tea on the glass side table between their chairs. She leaned forward and grasped Minnie’s hands, her skin strikingly dark.

Kat quit. Minnie tried to laugh it off, but the tremble in her voice betrayed her, and her eyes filled with tears.

Oh. Damn. Dot rubbed her hands, and Minnie tried to focus on the soothing contact. Did they say why?

Minnie sniffed. No. They said they’d rather not tell me, and they asked me to trust them. So I’m going to trust them. But it still hurts.

Dot nodded. Tea? I’ll put a splash of whiskey in it for you.

That brought a smile to Minnie’s face. Thank you, love.

Dot stood and shuffled to the door, clearly stiff after sitting for a while. Minnie thought about suggesting she use her walker, but she knew what Dot would say: I only need it for long distances. My legs still work fine.

A few minutes later, with some hot tea and whiskey in her, Minnie felt much better.

Did you see that the signs are gone? Dot asked from her chair, sipping her tea and looking at Minnie over her glasses.

What signs?

In Pete’s.

What? The shop where Pete’s Pizza Palace used to be had been vacant for months since Pete had moved to California. Minnie didn’t remember even looking at it when she had passed it earlier; she had been preoccupied. The signs are gone?

Yep. Someone must have bought the place. We’re getting a new shop on Main Street.

A sinking feeling took over the pit of Minnie’s stomach, and she took another large swallow of tea. The two of them sat in silence for a few minutes, staring out at the street.

Dot cleared her throat, startling Minnie.

I’m going to visit Sydney in July.

Why did those words sound heavier than they should? Dot hadn’t visited her daughter and her grandkids since Christmas and it was now June, so it was about time for a trip. Minnie put her cup to her lips but didn’t take a sip. Okay . . .

It’s just a visit.

Okay, she repeated, narrowing her eyes at her friend. Do you need me to watch the house?

Minnie sometimes went with Dot and Malcolm when they visited Sydney and the kids in Calgary. She was essentially Sydney’s aunt since she had been such an integral part of Sydney’s upbringing. She had even been the mother-of-honor at Sydney’s wedding, and she had been there for the birth of Sydney’s first child in Calgary. But she got the feeling that she wasn’t invited this time, and it was odd that Dot was being so cagey about it.

That would be lovely, thank you, Dot said. She wasn’t looking at Minnie when she spoke. Sydney needs our help with some things, and I didn’t think you’d want to be away from your shop.

Okay, Minnie said for the third time in the past few minutes, wondering why Dot felt the need to explain herself. I am a bit peeved, though, that you’re abandoning me in my hour of need.

Dot frowned and finally looked up, but her face softened at the grin on Minnie’s face. Your hour of need?

What am I going to do when Kat leaves? I’ll be helpless. She kept her tone light, hoping Dot wouldn’t hear the kernel of truth lurking underneath.

Dot scoffed. You’ll be perfectly fine without Kat. And I’ll be just on the other side of the mountains.

Minnie rolled her eyes. Who’s going to keep me company for morning and evening tea?

Dot looked at her slyly. You could join that LGBTQ+ seniors’ group with Evvie. When I took Lewis to the vet the other day, she went on about how one of her friends in the group went on a lot of dates. It’s not like things used to be; people are more accepting now and there are other gay people our age out and about. Anyway, you might actually enjoy dating. Then you might have someone else to gossip with when I’m not in town.

Minnie snorted. There’s no one good enough for me in Juniper Creek.

Evvie’s group meets in Abbotsford, Dot replied.

Minnie rolled her eyes again. "There’s no one good enough for me in this area."

Are you sure? What about Gerard Roberts? He’s handy and pleasantly rugged. She shimmied her shoulders on those last words.

Don’t let Malcolm hear you say that, Minnie said.

Or Eloise Mitchell? She’s been widowed for a good decade now, and I saw her staring wistfully at a rather risqué dress in Plaid and Petticoats the other day.

They finished their tea while discussing the attractive and not-so-attractive attributes of various people around Juniper Creek, then Minnie headed home.

Her conversation with Dot had lightened up at the end, but the cloud of dread that had followed her from the shop felt bigger now. A new shop on Main Street. Kat leaving Emily’s Garden. Dot maybe, sort of retiring. So much was changing in Juniper Creek.

As she slid beneath her covers in her bedroom, her table lamp bathing her bed in a warm glow, she reached for the well-worn book on her night table. The Symbology of Flowers by E. Lennox. It never failed to comfort her with its description of flowers and their meanings. Minnie lost herself in the pages and thought about the history and symbology of plants, pushing all the unknowns down deep.

CHAPTER TWO

ELEANOR

TWO WEEKS LATER

W elcome home, Mum! Vera said as they passed the battered wooden sign that read Welcome to Juniper Creek .

Eleanor turned to grin at Kat, who sat in the back seat. Kat gave her a closed-lipped smile that didn’t quite reach their eyes; Eleanor had a feeling they weren’t very happy about her coming to live with them.

They passed the quaint Visitor’s Center and the gas station, and then they were on Main Street. Eleanor had had Kat explain Google Street View to her so she could scout out the street before she moved here. She knew Canada was going to be much different from Scotland, and she wanted to be as prepared as possible. Cedar Logs art gallery, Flora’s Dairy Barn, The Tabby Cat . . . the shops flew by until her eyes landed on the empty store between Mabel’s Antiques, and Sugar & Spice.

There she is! Eleanor said. She got a glimpse of people moving around inside, setting up the shop to her specifications. If they were on schedule, the name would be going up on Monday. I’m doing it. She imagined that Amara was with her right now, seeing the storefront pass by. Amara’s smile would be bright and wide, and she would entwine her fingers with Eleanor’s, squeezing her hand in excitement. I’m fulfilling my promise.

Eleanor turned to grin at Kat again, and Kat’s smile was much more of a grimace this time. What is it, dearie? Eleanor asked. Then it clicked. Ah. You’re still upset about quitting that other florist’s, aye?

Sort of, yeah, Kat said, turning to look out the window. They had turned off Main Street and were driving past the pond now. Flashes of sparkling water glistened through the dense green trees.

You can always come work with me, Eleanor said.

Mum. Vera put her hand on Eleanor’s leg and shook her head slightly. Kat didn’t reply.

Eleanor didn’t understand. Kat wanted to work at a florist’s, and Eleanor was opening one. At first she thought that’s why Kat had quit that other place to begin with, but Vera said something about conflicting loyalties. What was so great about Emily’s Garden that Kat felt so loyal to it?

Here we are! They came to a halt in the driveway of a small white house with an overgrown lawn.

Oh Lordy, Eleanor said under her breath as she looked at the empty flower beds. She had her work cut out for her.

I’ll grab your suitcase, Gran, Kat said.

Thank you, dearie. Eleanor waited on the sidewalk while Vera attempted to open the front door. She was wiggling the key around and cursing.

D’you need a locksmith? Eleanor asked gently.

No, Mum, Vera snapped. She sighed and stopped jiggling the key for a second. Well yes, but I haven’t got around to it yet. She took a deep breath and tried the lock again; the key went in this time. Finally!

She flicked on the entryway lights. The house was dark since the blinds were drawn over the windows at both the front and the back, but everything looked nice, if a bit sparse for Eleanor’s tastes. She knew exactly what this space needed: plants. Light and plants.

Your room is upstairs, beside mine and across from Kat’s, Vera said.

I’ll take up your suitcase, Kat added as they came in behind them.

Eleanor wrapped her arm around Kat’s shoulders to pull them in for a quick kiss on the head. Kat ducked a bit, and Eleanor noted that