9 Back on Track (1/2)
Despite Angela wanting her to stay longer, Lyra decided it was time to return back home. She had been gone for almost two whole weeks and the flowers would surely miss her.
Kurtis offered to at least accompany her back on the boat ride back to the main island, but Lyra politely declined, advising him to spend the time catching up with her sister. She also didn't accept any of his fancy arrangements to stop by a few popular spots and have his friends take her around, saying that it was already too much that he covered all her travel expenses.
He had already shown her utmost hospitality, and she shouldn't expect any more just because her sister's fiancé happened to be well to do.
But despite telling Kurtis that she would be fine on her own, a personal chauffeur was already awaiting her arrival the minute the yacht landed on the main islands. From there, he drove the VIP guest to the airport where instead of lounging at the main facilities, she was instructed to head for the FBO where the captain personally greeted her pre and post flight.
And when she finally returned home after being dropped off by another one of Kurtis's drivers, Lyra was surprised by a tomboyish girl donning brilliant short hair standing in her shop tending to her flowers.
Rose was her name. It fit and didn't fit her at the same time. She was gorgeous, but definitely not fragile.
For the first few days, Lyra was shy around the new hire who also happened to be her new roomie in place of Angela, but immediately fell in love with her relaxed personality and genuine passion for floristry. Rose was the kind of friend she wished to find in college but never had the chance of meeting. Lucky for her, Rose quite liked her back so it didn't take long for them to become comfortable.
”Where're you going?” Lyra asked, seeing Rose walking out the shop with a glorious vase of flowers that she didn't remember receiving an order for.
”Just dropping this off and making sure the rest of the order has been filled,” Rose called back, inches from the door.
”Do you need the keys?” Lyra dashed behind the counter for the car keys but her colleague was already gone.
[I hope wherever she is delivering isn't far…and when did we start doing deliveries year-round?]
Maybe Angela suggested it now that there were two people. Lyra only hoped Rose didn't leave the shop unattended to do deliveries when she was away.
But there was really no need for Lyra's concerns for Rose never delivered anything before this or planned on doing so in the future. She was only dropping by the luxurious hotel across the street.
No one questioned the young lady with the pretty plant as she walked in the lobby, passed the staff, and took the VIP elevator straight up to the third top floor, the management headquarters.
”Ms. Rose!” the staff on duty stood up in respect and saluted, some with nervousness written all over their faces at the unexpected visit. ”It's an honor to have you drop by this branch also.”
She casually waved her hand to tell them to ease up.
”Louis in?”
They nodded and pointed in at the closed door. Rose gave a quick double knock and opened the door to see the older man on the phone. Seeing him occupied, she put the flowers on the guest table, plopped herself onto the sofa and picked up a magazine when she recognized the guy on the cover.
”NASCAR Fan Favorite Kurtis Wellington Spotted Back on Track in Sydney” the headlines read.
”Kurt's getting back into racing huh?” Rose wondered aloud and flipped to the page of the article.
”Seems like it,” Louis said, getting up from his chair and walking to the guest area of his large office.
”Mr. Hotelman. Ow ya goin' mate?” Rose said coming in for a bro hug.
Louis gave her a good fatherly pat instead, insisting that her gesture was much too hip for a man his age.