Forget Me Not by Crystal B. Bright

on the rack by the counter. “Anyone ever tell you that you should do this for a living?”
    Janelle snickered. “Maybe once or twice.” She put her fists to her hips as she scanned the store. “I think we’re ready.”
    “Ready for romance?” Penny sprayed the counter and wiped it down.
    “Ready for more business. It’s been a bit slow. I’m hoping now that football season is over, men will be more attentive to their wives and girlfriends and get some flowers.” So that she didn’t worry her friend, Janelle smiled.
    Janelle heard the front door opening before she heard the bell over the door ringing. “Welcome to—” She stopped her standard greeting when she saw her other employee, Thelma, approaching her.
    “Thelma, what are you doing here today? You know it’s your day off.” Janelle moved closer to the older woman.
    When she caught Thelma’s standoffish vibe from her sour expression and the way she kept her arms crossed over her chest, Janelle stopped.“What’s wrong? Your team didn’t win last night or something?” She laughed.
    When Thelma kept her stoic expression, Janelle stopped laughing.
    “Can we talk?” Thelma glanced over at Penny. “In private.”
    “Uh, yeah. Of course.” Janelle led her to her office.
    With the two of them inside and the door closed, the space seemed so cramped. Janelle didn’t keep a lot of items in her office, just a desk, her rolling swivel chair, a chair across from her, and a plant in the corner. Without a window, the office felt more like a closet sometimes.
    “What did you want to tal—”
    “I’m quitting, effective immediately.” Thelma leaned back in her chair as though waiting for a fight.
    Janelle felt her bottom jaw unhinge and nothing coming from her mouth. After Penny, Janelle had hired Thelma based on her years of experience working at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. She had a love of horticulture like Janelle did. Besides that, the older African-American woman reminded her of what a real mother should act like.
    The nurturing woman would dispense good advice to her and treat her like a daughter. On occasion, Thelma would bring in plates of freshly baked cookies.
    After collecting her thoughts, Janelle managed to muster enough strength to say one word. “Why?”
    Thelma took in a deep breath through her wide nostrils and on the exhale said, “You’re in trouble, baby. I’m going to go before I see this place get shut down.”
    Janelle shook her head. “What are you talking about? You’re always paid and on time. I’ve never said—”
    Thelma cut her off. “You’re a great boss. One of the best I’ve ever worked for. When I retired and decided to do some fun part-time work, I knew I would love working here, and I have. You make it a joy to come here.”
    Janelle’s throat started to tighten and her eyes stung from the impending tears. She never wanted to show weakness in front of anyone, let alone her employees. They looked to her to be a strong leader. How could she portray that if she cried at the drop of a hat?
    Janelle clasped her hands together and sat them on her desk to give off the air of authority. “So again, why?”
    She lowered her tone to almost a whisper despite the door being closed. “I saw the disconnection notice for the light bill, and I paid it.”
    Damn it. She wouldn’t crack. She wouldn’t break. Janelle ground her teeth together to harness her feelings. Bosses didn’t weep in front of their employees.
    She covered her eyes and lowered her head. Damn if she didn’t feel defeated.
    She didn’t expect to feel an arm wrapped around her shoulders. She turned her face away from Thelma before she pushed her chair back to create a wedge between the two of them.
    Janelle cleared her throat. “I’m so sorry you felt obligated to do that. I never wanted—”
    “You don’t owe me any excuses.” Thelma’s confused expression showed her bewilderment at Janelle’s distant demeanor. “You’ve created a fine