Brides and Brothers by Anneka R. Walker
Chapter 25
Aiden
Navigating Cherish took little brain power. Los Angeles was a completely different game. It took Aiden two different lunch breaks, two days in a row, to get to the floral shop. He opened the door, and a wave of fresh plants greeted his nose and eyes. He spotted a rotating shelf of teddy bears and crossed the room toward them.
A thin, middle-aged woman with a pink apron and matching pink earrings approached him. “Hi, I’m Lettie. Can I help you?”
Aiden picked up a teddy bear hugging a satin heart. “Actually, I could use some advice. I’m searching for a gift for my wife. We’re separated, and it’s been tough on both of us. Do you have anything you’d recommend?”
“Separated? Oh dear. Whatever you’re fighting about, it isn’t worth it. I’m divorced myself, and it doesn’t mean it will get any easier. Have you tried counseling?”
Aiden grimaced. “I’m sorry. I should’ve been clearer. I meant I’ve been away on business.”
“Oh, that’s understandable. Loneliness does funny things to a person.”
He breathed out slowly. “I’m constantly worrying about her.”
“How long has it been?”
“Several weeks.” Although, it felt much longer. Maybe that’s why he was telling his problems to a perfect stranger. Aiden debated whether he should reveal more but decided counseling was exactly what he needed. He had really messed things up with his software sale. He could sense Camille withdrawing from him, and it made him sick. “I’ve been working hard for us, but I’m not so sure she sees it that way anymore. I need something to lift her spirits for a little while until I’m done here.”
“Distance can be a trying thing,” Lettie said. “But it sounds like your heart is in the right place.”
“So flowers? Chocolate? Teddy bear?” Aiden looked down at the bear and realized he was cradling it like a snotty-nosed, depressed toddler. He cleared his throat and dropped it to his side.
Lettie tapped her manicured fingernails on her chin. “I think you need to remind her how much she means to you. Do you know the language of flowers?”
Aiden squirmed. He knew several complicated programming languages but nothing about flowers. “No, ma’am.”
“I have a book you’re going to love.” Lettie hurried behind the store counter and rummaged through a cupboard. She came up with a book in hand and extended it to him. “I’ll check this out to you for some light reading. You do your homework, and then come back in a couple of days and we’ll talk.”
Aiden nodded, despite his apprehension about the choice of reading material. “She’s worth it.”
Lettie winked at him. “Then, read the book.”
Camille meant the world to him, and he wanted her to know that. Thoughts of her motivated him to work harder and be better. He’d read the silly flower book, even if it meant staying up all night. He needed to close the distance between them, and he wasn’t talking about the miles.