At First Sight

Twenty-Three

Vivian's pov~

I spun away from the counter and let loose a sigh that I'd been holding in for hours. I shook my head and started cleaning up the hanging flower bundles and the loose vials around the makeshift counter. 

As I was cleaning up the inside of the wagon I heard a low cough behind me, another sigh escaped my lips. I started talking before I turned around. 

"Sorry, we're closed for the-" I stopped when I saw the kind and funny older woman from before, what was her name.... "Miss Mia right?" I asked. 

"Oh so you remembered! I know I'm a bit late but I was wondering if I could get two satchels of arnica and some dried Rosemary?" Miss Mia said lightly with a smile. 

Her smile was so warm and inviting, it felt as if I had known her my whole life, I laughed at her gentleness and started grabbing the items. "Anything for you Miss Mia, you can come after hours anytime you want. I'm typically the one who closes but I'll let my mother know as well!" 

"You're too kind child." Mia said with a smile as she put her money on the counter, with a little extra for the girl. 

"Oh nonsense I'm just the right amount of kind, especially for you. You're sweet and patient and that's all a girl in customer service is asking for." I replied with a chuckle. 

I gave her the items and she put them in her canvas tote bag with a smile. 

"I'm just glad to have such a popular and helpful apothecary in the area again. You guys always have the best herbs and your natural concoctions always work wonders!" Mia said with a bright smile while she rested her soft hand on Viv's. 

"Well thank you Miss Mia, we here at Apothecary Flowers take great pride in our lotions, creams and oils. In fact I'm working on a new salve with arnica, mugwort and deadly nightshade; I'm hoping it helps targeted areas of arthritis and any area that's been strained or over worked, maybe when I get the right consistency you can try it out for me." I said easily as I leaned on the counter. 

"Oh wow, you're making new products? What a talented young lady." Mia said with a broad smile. 

"Thank you Miss Mia, you're too kind. I'm just following in the family business, nothing too impressive about it!" I said with a blush.

"Nonsense, it's impressive and you should accept the compliment! I've got to be on my way now dear, keep doing a great job." Mia said with a smile and a wave before walking off. 

"Thank you Miss Mia, hope to see you again!" I yelled after her.

"Of course you will child!" Mia replied over her shoulder as she continued down the driveway. 

I looked down to the money she left and counted it quickly before counting it again. This isn't right, she gave me twenty extra dollars... I looked up to call her back but she was gone. Huh, she's quick for an older lady. 

I filed away the money and locked it in our safe before putting it away and closing the doors of the wagon. I tidied up the rest of the inventory and pocketed the tip money before heading inside and going straight to the kitchen. 

"Hey Mags, here's your half of the tips and that includes half of my tips for the spilt herbs." I said as I handed her the money and grabbed a plate to serve myself some spaghetti and meatballs. 

"Thanks Vivvy, how was closing?" Mom said as she twisted noodles around her spoon. 

I gave myself a hearty serving of noodles and three large meatballs before sitting down with everyone, "It was fine, no trouble. I did see Miss Mia again, she came by after closing and wanted a couple things. She said she enjoys the quality of our products, isn't that sweet?" I said as I twirled some noodles onto my fork.