“I don’t know what to say, or how to help you,” he continued. “Those flowers were really popular this week with everyone else who got them.  But it sounds like Tina’s different.” 

Bette nodded emphathically, “That she is.” 

“If she’s reacting that way, although I shouldn’t be saying this, as a florist, then maybe, you need to dial things down a bit,” he suggested, stroking his chin thoughtfully. 

“Down?!,” she asked, with a skeptical frown. 

“Well, at least as far as flowers are concerned,” Zak answered, still rubbing his chin.  “For the moment, that is.” 

Bette didn’t respond immediately, so he added quickly, “But you’ll need to dial it up with other things, of course.” 

“Hmmm… other things. But not flowers, huh?,” Bette answered. 

“Well … ok, maybe one flower.  Flowers are still flowers, after all,” he conceded. 

He walked quickly to the central section of the shop, where all the roses were displayed, while Bette ruminated on what he’d suggested.  He had just the right one in mind, and hoped that it hadn’t been picked yet by the other customers. 

Bette was smiling brightly at him when he returned to her, and saw he was holding a rose. 

“Zak, you are a genius,” she said excitedly.  “I’ve thought of something else to do for her…. Um, what’s this?,” she asked, as he gave her the rose.  She smelled it, and sighed, “This is beautiful, Zak.” 

“Uh, huh,” he said, nodding his head with satisfaction.  “Why don’t you give that to her, and do whatever it is that you’re thinking of, then tell me all about it sometime?” 

She was digging into her bag, still smiling, when he added, “No, don’t worry about it Bette.  On me.” 

He continued to shake his head as Bette protested.  “No, really. I was disappointed to hear about her reaction.  Considering you’ve gotten a lot of flowers from me recently, that’s certainly not the best verdict of my service from one of my best customers.  Or at least, the recipient of what I give one of my best customers!” 

“Well, good luck with whatever it is you have in mind, Bette!,” he called out to her as she waved at him while walking out the door. 

xxxxx

Bette was cooling her heels, walking slowly up and down the public space area of the building Tina’s office was in, sniffing at the long-stemmed and well-shaped rose, and sitting from time to time, as she waited for Tina to get off work.