Katie went back to the phone as the music stopped and introduced Clarke, knowing Clarke would have specifics. Katie headed up front as Clarke heard someone knocking, probably for that first order, and Vince came to the back to begin his work there. Clarke smiled at him and stood up to move out of his way.
Clarke finished up the order and went to the front to help out when she heard a grating voice following behind the man carrying flowers into the shop. "Well, well, what's going on here?" her mother asked, as Clarke felt panic rising in her. This was not the best time for her mother to show up at the shop. The back was still clearly damaged, and there were no flowers; just empty displays. She had to make up something and fast.
"I'm just rebranding for some larger clients. I just got a big contract with a woman who lives in that gated community on Prairiedog," she said, wringing her hands nervously. Only her mother had the power to turn her into a shaking, drooling idiot like that.
"Mmhmm, is that so?" her mother asked, walking around with her scrutinizing eyes. Clarke got the feeling her mother didn't believe her. Of course, her daughter would never be good enough to land a client who was too high society, even for her. How a lawyer got in with the rich and famous crowd still baffled Clarke.
Clarke was about to say something when Vince came into the room. His mouth was open like he was about to tell Clarke something, but Clarke discreetly shook her head at him as her mother walked towards him, circling him like a hawk. "Who in Heaven's name is this?" her mother asked with narrowed eyes. Vince was wearing torn jeans again and a tee shirt that probably smelled like sweat and cleaning supplies. Clarke fidgeted in place, wondering what to tell her mother. "Well, I'm waiting. Why is he here? He surely doesn't look like the type to work selling flowers," Mrs. Bennett commented with a cruel chuckle.
Clarke walked over to Vince and squeezed his arm, saying the first thing that came through her mind. "Vince and I are sort of seeing each other. He just came over here for a quick visit and to have lunch with me." She felt Vince stiffen up and said a silent prayer that even if it was just for the next 60 seconds he would go along with what she said.
Clarke tried to smile genuinely as Vince surprisingly put his arm around her. It almost took her aback to the point of her giving things away. "I'm Vince. It's umm, nice to meet you Mrs…." He trailed off with the question and held out his hand to shake.