The Forget-Me-Not Flower Shop: The feel-good romantic comedy to read in 2018

Evie appeared from the kitchen carrying a mug of tea. She placed it on the countertop without looking at him. ‘Morning, Saffy.’

Saffy removed her sunglasses and stared at the mug of tea. ‘Blimey. That’s a first.’

Scott sniffed the contents, checking for signs of cyanide. At least it was warm this time. ‘I’ll need to turn off the mains. You might want to fill the kettle so you have water for later.’

Evie glared at him. ‘I won’t be on hand to make you tea all morning, you know. I am trying to run a business.’

Flipping heck she was testy. ‘I wasn’t suggesting you fill the kettle so you could make me tea. You might want a general store of water on hand whilst the main supply is turned off.’

Her cheeks coloured. ‘Right, okay. I’ll do that. Sorry.’ She went into the kitchen.

Jesus. Scott removed the boiler cover. ‘Is she like this with all men, or just me?’

Saffy removed her coat, leaving her hat on. ‘Just you. She’s very polite to everyone else.’

Scott wasn’t sure this was helpful. ‘Makes you wonder why she booked me to come again.’ He aimed his torch at the panel on the side of the boiler, trying to make out the faded writing on the instruction sticker.

Saffy hopped onto the countertop and crossed her legs. ‘The firm she tried last week were too expensive and the one she contacted yesterday never bothered turning up.’

Scott laughed. He was more amused than offended, even if he did feel a little put out she’d taken such a dislike to him. What the hell was wrong with him? He was a nice guy … Wasn’t he?

The doorbell tinkled. A young guy entered wearing funeral attire, a top hat tucked under his arm. ‘Hey there, Saffy-with-the-hat.’ His grin was toothy and enthusiastic, his interest in Saffy as apparent as the nature of his employment.

Saffy’s reaction to the lad’s arrival was about as welcoming as Evie had been to Scott. ‘What do you want?’

The lad laughed. ‘Great sales technique. I’m just checking on an order for later. Will it be ready?’

Saffy peered at him from under the brim of her hat. ‘Have any of your orders ever not been ready?’

He shook his head. ‘Nope.’

‘Then no reason to suppose it’ll be any different this time.’ Her top lip curled into a sneer. ‘If there’s nothing else?’ She waved her fingers. ‘Bye bye.’

Evie emerged from the kitchen. ‘Oh, hi, Josh. Your order’s not ready yet, I’m afraid. Can you come back in a couple of hours?’

Josh smiled. ‘No worries, I was just passing. Thought I’d drop in.’ He hesitated, stealing a sideways glance at Saffy. ‘I’ll come back then.’ When she didn’t reply, he headed for the door. ‘See you later, Saffy-with-the-hat.’

Saffy feigned a smile. ‘Not if I see you first … Josh-with-the-ears,’ she mumbled once the door had closed behind him.