Free Lilies That Fester by Janis Harrison

interesting that we had several things in common—the loss of a spouse was an emotional bond that not everyone could understand. When Bailey had mentioned his first wife, I’d detected a deep sense of loss, but to marry two more times seemed irresponsible, if he was only lonely. He had said he was an avid gardener, so he liked flowers, which was a redeeming quality to this florist. But he couldn’t abide fat women.
    I sighed and meandered down the basement corridor. For the preparation of the contest, I’d been assigned two rooms with a connecting door. One room contained a walk-in cooler, while the other had easy access to water and trash pickup.
The hotel forbid handing out storeroom keys to guests. This had been the deciding factor in making the categories secret. Since I couldn’t stop the contestants from snooping, I had to have some way to keep their work spontaneous during the competition.
    To my way of thinking that’s the only way to judge creative talent. If they were prepared with the knowledge of the flowers, the containers, and the categories, they could map out their strategy. How would natural ability come into play?
    I opened the door to the storage area where I’d directed the hotel staff to put any deliveries for our convention. Alvin had just cut the twine from around a large box.
    He straightened when he saw me. “Hi. I thought you were eating dinner.”
    â€œDon’t you ever rest?” I asked.
    â€œNot when there’s so much going on at the hotel. Weekends give me that ‘red-eye flight’ look.” He nodded to the box. “One of the girls told me a shipment had arrived. I’ve learned it pays to get the flower stems into water as soon as possible. Since you were busy, I thought I’d help out.”
    â€œThanks, but I need the therapy. I might complain about being overworked, but when I’m upset, I always head for the buds and blooms.”
    â€œI go to the lake. There’s nothing like sitting in a boat with the wind in your face, the sun on your back, and the smell of a fresh-caught bass.”
    â€œNice picture you’ve painted, but it’s dark outside. With both Taneycomo and Table Rock Lake nearby, I know there’s plenty of water, but no available boat. As for the fish—” I sighed. “I see it fried to a crispy golden brown and surrounded by potatoes and coleslaw.”

    â€œSounds like you’re hungry.”
    â€œMy own fault. I left the dining room as the waitresses were bringing in the meal. Eating while peeved makes for a bad case of indigestion. I’ve got enough problems without getting a stomachache.”
    â€œAre you still peeved?”
    I grinned. “No. I’ve mellowed out.”
    â€œDo you like hot chicken wings and French-fried onion rings?”
    â€œI love them.” If I was really mellow, I’d have said, “No thanks, I steer clear of those high-caloric snacks.” However, I kept my mouth shut and watched Alvin go to a wall phone and poke two numbers. I could have stopped him when he gave the order and added two glasses of iced tea, but my lips refused to say the words.
    When he’d hung up, and it was too late, I said, “That’s nice of you, but not necessary. I won’t waste away without one meal.”
    â€œI haven’t eaten either, and we have to keep up our strength. The weekend is just starting.”
    â€œTell me about it. Once it’s over, I can go home and settle into my same old rut.” I shook my head at him. “How do you do it? Conference after conference, followed by crisis after crisis. Or is my conference the only one that’s a pain in the … uh … hibiscus?”
    â€œThat must be florist jargon because I’m not familiar with that particular body part.”
    I chuckled. “I could have expressed myself in more vivid terms, a habit for which I’m noted, but I was trying to be