Garden of Death Read Online Free Page B

after people take the tour, they’ll want to take plants and seeds home and start their own gardens. I’m going to offer paperback copies of Aunt Claire’s organic gardening books, too.” My aunt had been a prolific writer and author, and her gardening book Gardening, Naturally had been a national best seller.
    â€œDid the other stuff come in?” Jackson popped a strawberry into his mouth. The dogs sat at our feet waiting for small bites of French toast. He slipped them each a snack.
    â€œThe gardening aprons, hats, tool belts, and plant stakes with the Nature’s Way logo came in yesterday.” I’d recently had the logo designed and was pleased with the result, which was the name, and an illustration of the store with the garden next door.
    â€œIf the clothes sell, you might want to think about carrying other items.”
    â€œI don’t think I have room, although I’d love to carry Life Is Good, Good Karma T-shirts.”
    â€œYou just need a rack to display them,” Jackson said. “I’ll build you one if you want.”
    â€œYou are the best boyfriend,” I said, and leaned over to kiss him.
    As I did, Simon walked up the steps. “Ah, the lovebirds.” He took the seat next to me and squeezed my hand. “I need to talk to you, Willow.”
    I suddenly remembered the text I’d ignored thenight before.
    â€œI can help you and me,” Simon began.
    â€œWhat is it?” I asked suspiciously. I finished up my French toast, giving another treat to the dogs. “You said, you could help you and me?”
    â€œExactly.”
    â€œThis should be good,” Jackson said, sitting back. Simon was a friend, but he was not known for his altruism.
    â€œOkay, you know I have writer’s block, right?”
    â€œYeah, I sort of guessed.” I had noticed that Simon spent more time looking at his laptop screen than typing when he came in for breakfast.
    Simon flashed me his very white Hollywood smile. “I came up with the perfect solution.”
    â€œReally? Do I have a problem?”
    â€œThe summer season is upon us and you need more help in the store and the café. I need to do something menial to free up my mind so I can get creative. You know, like Albert Einstein when he worked in the patent office and discovered relativity?”
    I knew where this was going. “You want to work here?”
    â€œYeah, you know, being a waiter and stuff, something brainless to rest my mind. Two birds with one stone. Am I a genius or what?” Simon looked exceptionally pleased with his solution.
    â€œThat’s great, Simon,” Jackson said, knowing what I was in for. Simon could be helpful. He could also be selfish, self-absorbed, and unavailable. “It’s also really nice that you think that Willow’s work here is menial.”
    Simon clapped Jackson on the shoulder. “That’s not what I mean, big guy. She’s the boss. I mean thepeople who work for her.” He turned to me, giving me a puppy dog look. “So, what do you say, Willow? I can start right now.”
    He was dressed in khakis and a white Izod shirt. He’d just have to put on a green apron. But could he be a waiter?
    â€œWait a minute, Simon,” I said. “Have you ever done this type of work before?”
    â€œIn college, sure, for a month or so, until . . .” He paused and looked at us.
    â€œYou got fired,” Jackson guessed.
    â€œI’m a writer, I can’t do work like this forever. But a week or so might help my creative process.”
    I did need the help, especially during festival week. I looked at Jackson, who gave the idea a thumbs-down. But Simon was a friend and really, how much trouble could he get into? So I said, “We’ll do a trial period and see how you do. How’s that sound?”
    â€œPut me to work, boss,” Simon said,