The Ladybug Jinx by Tonya Kappes Page A

from her, she swore she saw a tear in his eye.
    “I’m listening.” Celia was still.
    “I couldn’t deliver flowers that mean joyful when she was not joyful. She reminded me of Bianca.” Sam looked up. Celia’s heart was sad. “It’s too fresh for me. I’m sorry. I ran and handed them off.”
    Celia didn’t know what to say. She had just experienced an emotional break through with him and didn’t want to rock the boat any more. Sure she was angry with him, but she understands agony. Especially when her grandfather died. She can still feel the pain.
    “I understand, Sam. I just don’t understand why you couldn’t tell me or leave the flowers with the front desk.” Celia wanted an answer. She didn’t want to let him off scot-free.
    “I didn’t think. I was unable to think.” Sam shook his head like he was confused.
    “I did send another arrangement. This time I had my dad do it.” She acted like his story didn’t affect her. “I’m going to have to dock your pay for the whole sale price of the items.”
    She hated to reprimand, but she needed the cash.
    “So, we are good then?” Sam cleared his throat.
    “Yes.” Celia put her supplies away. “Let’s get to the radio station before we are late.”
    She wanted to put this in the past—along with his. The sooner he healed, the quicker he’d be hers.
    *
    The drive to the radio station involved several deliveries, lots of hand holding and a lot about Celia’s dreams.
    “I’ve always loved flowers. As you know, my grandfather was a great influence on me.” Sam delighted in her little girl excitement. “He told me all about his trip to England and the English florist. All though I’ve never been, I did a lot of research to make my shop a mock English florist.”
    Sam took great pleasure in hearing about her dreams and aspirations. It was reassuring to hear other people’s dreams and how exciting it is to work towards those dreams. Sam never knew how hard to work to achieve his goals. He was told from a very young age, “you are going to be a star.” He doesn’t even remember his first commercial, pushing baby food.
    *
    It felt as if he had always lived here with her in her community. The wee voice in the back of mind knew he couldn’t live with the secret forever. Eventually he would have to tell her who he really was.
    “Thank you, Sam, for being here.” The radio host spoke into the microphone.
    “You’re welcome.” Sam looked over at Celia who had stars in her eyes.
    She couldn’t stop telling him how natural he was answering questions and revealing answers about flowers she didn’t even know.
    “Sam we have to know before you go, how do you know so much about flowers? Come on you’re a hunky guy.” The woman’s eye’s burned with desire.
    “Let’s say I’ve always had great female influences in my life.” He flashed his million dollar smile. The girls in the studio were falling all over themselves trying to get a glimpse of the romantic hunk that was sensitive.
    *
    “You were great.” She leaned over and kissed his scruffy cheek. “All those girls wish they were me. But you’re mine.”
    “Yes, baby, I’m yours.” He rubbed he thumb down her cheek and across her lips. “Hey, I meant to tell you that delivery at the retirement home. He talked to me. I said tulips means forgiveness and he said yes.”
    “That’s all?” Celia questioned.
    “Yep. I wonder who needs his forgiveness?” Sam keeps his eyes on the road. “He seems like a nice old man.”
    “I hope they don’t do it soon.” Celia said with no sadness. “I’m so proud of you. You have really started to put roots down here.”
    Celia’s right, Sam thought. Her hand felt soft against his fingers. He needed to call his agent and tell him he’s not coming back anytime soon, if at all.
    “Aren’t you staying?” Celia looked confused and hurt when Sam didn’t get out of the truck.
    “No. I have a few things to take care of. But I might be back