Chapter 2. The Strange Proposal 1

Nevertheless, the shoppers were conversant with Alfred's threat. The press conference would not just affect Mirabel, who they thought was a commoner, but their favorite shop may be shut down indefinitely by the authorities for trying to take advantage of a foreigner. So, they lent a helping hand.

“Gentlemen, I plead with you to see reason with her. Kindly give her a second chance,” a shopper intervened.

“I think you deserve to be annoyed over such a costly mistake, young men, but give her another chance to right her mistakes,” another shopper added.

Now, Alfred and Carson had no choice but to stop ranting.

“9 AM is all right by us,” Carson announced and gave Alfred a searching look.

At that point, everyone, including Mirabel, focused on him for his verdict. After what seemed like forever, he declared, “See you tomorrow,” and took a step while Carson followed him.

Subsequently, everyone breathed freely, especially Mirabel, who was about to tear up.

“Thank you for your understanding,” she said, not expecting a response from them.

Thereafter, she turned around and, appreciated the clients who intervened, “I appreciate you for your intervention.”

“Never mind. I can imagine their disappointment,” a shopper declared.

“You are right. I should have educated them.”

“It's okay. Don't be hard on yourself. They appear gentle and a dialogue will quell their anger,” the shopper consoled her.

“You are right. Thank you all for your concern.”

“You are welcome.”

Now, the defeated Mirabel rounded up with the client that she was attending to before the two angry clients walked in. Afterward, she closed for the day.

At Grandma Phoebe's Room

She returned home dejectedly and walked straight to her grandmother for succor. She threw her purse aside as though it was responsible for her problem and lay helplessly on the bed.

Her grandmother looked away from her piano and faced her. She was worried and inquired at once, “Mirabel, what is the matter?”

When she could not get her response, she pointed out, “You are so exhausted.”

Now, Mirabel was shedding tears of anguish while her eyes were fixed on the upper interior surface of the room.

Phoebe got up and walked close to her. She was surprised and cried out “What? You are weeping, Mirabel.”

Meanwhile, the agonizing Mirabel was unable to speak but she sat beside her and urged her, “Talk to me, my dear. What is the matter?”

“I goofed up today, Grandma,” she sobbed and tried to dry her tears.

“Oh, my God! What happened? How serious is it?” she asked in a quick succession.

“So serious, Grandma. I was careless to give a client the wrong bouquet and it ruined his date.”

“Huh! That was a costly mistake. I hope she didn't walk out on him. Otherwise, the loss may be irreparable,” she made clear.

“She did, Grandma and it cost him a relationship of many years. I can imagine how humiliating it could be."

“Very humiliating.”

“Yes. I have been in his shoes many times,” she clarified.

Now, her grandmother could feel her pain. The occurrences in the shop had brought back the sad memories that she had pushed behind her. She recalled how she was dishonored by her numerous dates, and how she staggered out of the restaurant with her head bowed in shame.

At that point, Phoebe took a deep breath, and reminded her, “You promised to forget about the things that bring us sorrow and focus on the things that give us joy. Didn't you?”

Presently, Mirabel placed her head on her lap and sobbed. Then, she rubbed her back and pacified her, “It is okay for now. Don't be mad at yourself. You can propose a dialogue with him, and let's see how it goes.”

“You are right, Grandma. I have done that, and he will come around by 9 AM tomorrow.”

“Wow! He must be an understanding guy.”

“Yes. He is.”

“Then, our problem is half solved. You must compose yourself. You need to be in the right state of mind to be able to handle the matter.”

She nodded in admittance and she educated her, “Another mistake will discredit your business.”

After a good cry, she felt a lot better and admitted, “I have noted that, Grandma. Thank you for always being there for me. I will …”

Creak.

They were disrupted by the sound of the door, and they looked at it. The King walked in with an unreadable expression which startled them, especially Mirabel.

Mirabel got up suddenly from her grandmother's lap and genuflected, “Long live the King.”

“You may rise,” the King said and took his seat beside his wife.

“Thank you, my King,” Mirabel appreciated him before she got up and went for her purse.

“Take your seat, Mirabel, and tell me what is bothering you,” he ordered her when she attempted to leave the room.

Presently, she was confused. The King hardly showed concern about her. She grew up to know her grandmother as her only parent, and the Prince as her big brother. Nevertheless, she looked askance at her grandmother for approval, and she nodded.

“Thank you, my King,” she accepted and sat down on the only couch.

She looked at him and narrated the incident at the shop. The King, who must not show weakness, smiled softly, and said, “Your decision to have a dialogue with him is apt. Let's see how it goes. Okay?”

“Thank you for your concern, my king,” she appreciated him happily while Phoebe expressed so much delight for the King's change of attitude.

“You are welcome. You can leave,” he dismissed her.

The overjoyous Mirabel got up happily and bent her knees. “Thank you, my King, for your concern,” she said and got up.

Then, she walked happily to her grandmother and gave her a peck on her temple, before she greeted her, “Good night, Grandma.”

“Good night, my dear. Sleep tight,” she responded happily.

“I will,” she responded with glee and took a step.

“What about Grandpa? No good night for me?” He asked with a pleading tone.

The king's voice halted her and Phoebe was astounded.

In Carson's Car

After they walked out of the Flower Shop, to avoid exposing themselves, they walked briskly to the car park and got in. They laughed loudly at their acting skills, and Carson appreciated him, “Thank you for brushing up on my entertainment skills. I will not let it remain dormant anymore.”

“Really. I thought you are a perfumer?”

“Yes, but that is just a trade and not a talent,” he made clear.

“I see. All the same, it paid off. You acted very well."

“And you too. You played your part very well.”

"Thank you for the compliment. Let's see how tomorrow will be,” Alfred remarked.

“Tomorrow will be a success. You have just earned yourself free access to the woman of your dreams.”

“You are right. You can take me to the hotel. At least I have seen her face and can sleep tight tonight.”

They laughed happily while he drove on. After a few minutes, they were at the hotel, and he got out of the car.

“Thank you for making my day,” he appreciated him.

“Think nothing of it. I will pick you up in the morning.”

“I will be grateful. Good night.”

“It's okay. Good night.”

In Phoebe's Room

The King, waited for Mirabel's reaction while Mirabel was transfixed by the plea in his voice. He had never been part of her world and had never been at close range. So, she merely looked on.

“Come and give Grandpa a good night peck too,” he urged her.

She looked at her grandmother again for a sign, and when she got one, she inched closer. Nervously, she gave him a peck on the cheek.

“Good night, my King,” she greeted him and he was pleased.

“Good night, Mirabel. Sleep tight,” he responded and she ran out of the room.