The Path to Us

by Jennifer Van Wyk

but not before getting another woman pregnant. And now I can’t imagine a world without her. She’s not just my manager, she’s also my friend. I’m turning the vase around on my station to make sure that the bright orange and pink arrangement I just created is perfect when the door chimes alerting me that someone has come in. “Be right with you,” I say, slipping the plastic stem into the center and attaching the card that the customer already filled out. Once it’s settled, I place it in the large cooler and mark it ready for delivery in our computer system. We have high school girls who already have their license help and one of their favorite parts of the job is delivering flowers. “No rush.” I hear in a deep voice that causes my head to jerk up. “Tyson?” “Hi, Addy.” “Holy crap. Tyson?” “In the flesh,” he says, bright white teeth gleaming when he smiles, arms spread out next to him. He takes a step toward me and I come out behind the counter to greet him. I wasn’t planning on him hugging me tightly and picking me up, but that’s exactly what he does. “Holy shit, you look amazing,” he says into my hair. “Not so bad yourself,” I tell him when he sets me on my feet again. “How are you here?” I ask, shaking my head. “I’m just… wow! You’re here! It’s been, what? Ten years?” “Eleven, but who’s counting.” “You, apparently,” I tease. “Missed you.” I lightly punch his shoulder. “I see that, considering it’s been eleven years since you’ve seen me.” He bites his lower lip and looks at m...