#taiczech

The flower shop was filled with the scent of blossoming plants, and several flowers of varying colors and sizes lined the aisles.  Mei sang a song under her breath as she watered some daisies.

She turned the sign to open.  Yong Soo had the day off, so it was just her in the shop today.  Mei finished watering the flowers, and swept up some petals that had fallen overnight.

Mei turned as she heard the bell ring, and a dark-haired woman entered, looking somewhat irate.

Mei darted behind the counter.

“Hello, and welcome to Mei’s Petals,” Mei chirped.  “I’m Mei! How can I help you today?”

The woman composed herself, and oh no, she was cute.

(Mei had been single ever since her amicable break-up with Liên last year.  Liên had recently begun dating a Russian man, but Mei was still without a girlfriend.  It seemed everyone she was interested in was spoken for.)

“I know this is a weird question, but how do you say ‘fuck you’ in flower?” Cute Mystery Customer asked.

Mei stared for a moment; the cute customer sighed, and looked Mei in the eyes.  The customer’s eyes were a lovely shade of violet, Mei noticed.

This did not help.

“Sorry.  I shouldn’t have said that, it’s hardly professional,” the cute customer said.  “Just—do you know what flowers I’d need to send a passive-aggressive bouquet?”

“No, don’t apologize!” Mei said.  “It’s actually the funniest question I’ve ever been asked! I’ve definitely got flowers for messy fights.  But you’ll want some orange lilies, for hatred,” Mei said.  “Probably petunias, for bitterness.  If you’re breaking up with them, some cyclamen for resignation and good-bye.”

The cute customer blinked, then flushed slightly.  Somehow, this made her cuter.

“No—I mean, I’m single—I’ve never really thought about dating before.  I’m too busy.  And I don’t want to cut them off,” she said, looking slightly flustered.  “I just have a co-worker who’s being an idiot.  He keeps dragging his feet for an upcoming project, and I need to give him a kick in the rear to get him moving.”

Mei felt a smidgen of hope; a cute girl, and she was single.

Though it’d hardly be appropriate to ask her out; they had just met.

“You could try some yellow carnations,” Mei suggested.  “They mean disappointment.  And some geraniums for stupidity.”

A smile tugged at the customer’s lips.

“You certainly know your flowers,” she said.

“Well, it is my job!” Mei said, flashing the customer a smile.  “So, is that alright?”

“Yes, that’s fine,” said the customer.  “Thank you, Ms…?”

“Lin!” Mei said, entering the order.  “But you can just call me Mei!”

“Thank you, Mei,” the customer said.

“You’re welcome!” Mei chirped.  “I’ll call you when your order is ready! It should be sometime later today, or tomorrow at the latest.  Payment will be when you pick up.  Thank you for your business, Ms…?”

“Oh—Novotná,” the customer said.  “Terezie Novotná.”

Terezie thanked Mei again, and left; Mei watched her go, and watered a rose.  Her heart was twanging.