The Wrong Woman

"Is it just the two of us, Elio?" Candice asked.

Elio nodded. "Yes."

"Oh," said Candice. Excitement rushed through her as she climbed into the passenger seat and buckled her seatbelt.

Elio shut her door, then walked around to the driver's side. He slid into the car, started the engine, and they pulled away just as the sunset bathed the sky in a palette of deep reds.

Inside the car, a heavy silence hung in the air, deepening the awkwardness that enveloped them both.

Candice felt the weight of the quiet bearing down on her. She desperately searched her thoughts for something to say, but nerves tied her tongue.

Suddenly, Elio's voice cut through the tension. "Does Jasper know you're out buying flowers with me?"

"No, I told him I was going shopping with Vanessa," Candice replied.

Elio felt upset, and his expression darkened. Going to a garden center to buy flowers wasn't anything to be ashamed of.

Was he so unpresentable that she couldn't even be honest with it? Did she really have to hide their outing from her family?

garden center, Candice and Elio were surprised to find that it was nearly closing. It was their first visit, and they were unaware that the center started closing at 6:00 pm. After parking the car, they strolled through, noting

Rick Barrios, one of the shop owners, called out. He paused his packing to greet them

Elio entered his shop. As they

the greenery and flowers around her were exceptionally beautiful. She pointed at a plant with leaves that resembled leaping dolphins and commented, "This

Rick grinned. "Sure thing."

Candice marveled at the array of unusual and

this? It looks exquisite. Can it be grown indoors?"

sunlight. You can grow it on a balcony," Rick

it," said

she grabbed Elio'set and pulled

of her hand on his arm, his heart racing. All he could see was

you think?" Candice asked, her eyes

her face, Elio responded softly,

like this one, too?" asked

"Yes," said Elio.

explaining the flowers in detail. Candice appeared enchanting as she