Planting Flowers

Nonnie proudly displayed her new business license in the window of her shop and then went out to fill the two large urns with flowers she’d picked up at The Greenery. She was busy planting and Pippin had tired of exploring the curbside and sidewalk. He curled up by the door for a nap. Wuss however was bored with the whole planting process and seeing a moment he might slip away unnoticed he made his way to the corner store and sat patiently waiting for the doors to open.

Miss Peeg had noticed the flowers going in and popped over to admire. “Good morning Nonnie, how lovely and colorful.”

“Hello Miss Peeg, yes they do brighten up the doorway don’t they, of course they’re just going in, who knows how long they will survive; I’m not a gardener.”

“I was wondering when you might be opening?”

“I’m waiting on the plumber to get the water going out of the sink in back and the toilet to flush, everything is pretty much here except for the candles and I think they will be here today.”

“It looks lovely, I’ve been peering in the windows.”

“Go inside and have a walkabout, I won’t tell.” She smiled packing soil around a red geranium.

A screech and a shout brought Nonnie back on her heels looking down the sidewalk towards the corner. Wuss came flying up the sidewalk and disappeared into her shop. She braced for it.

“Miss Scott I cannot have your cat in my store, I shall report you!”

“Report me for what Mr. Jessup, I’m planting flowers.”

“Your animals are a nuisance, every time my door opens that…that cat of yours runs inside.”

“Wuss is not in your store he’s in mine.”

“He WAS in MINE!” Mr. Jessup shouted.

“Do keep your voice down for goodness sake, you shouldn’t have let him in if there’s a cat law at your place, what can I say?”

Miss Peeg hearing the raised voice came to the door of Nonnie’s shop. “Mr. Jessup?”

“Oh Miss Peeg, how wonderful to see you, I’ve got a new shipment of those toffee’s you favor, you must come and see.”

“Toffee’s Mr. Jessup? I think not. You’d better get along, you have a customer entering your shop.”

Nonnie’s laughter followed him back to the corner, “I believe he’s sweet on you Miss Peeg.”

“Nonsense, he’s a detestable old woman! I must go but I love the shop you’ve done an excellent job, Nonnie.”

“Thank you Miss Peeg and hey if you don’t do toffee’s let me know if there is something you might be interested in, I can get it.”