It was February 13th and Jim still didn’t know what he was getting Pam for Valentine’s Day.

“Why don’t they make a card that says ‘Hey, I am pretty sure I’m in love with you even though you are just my engaged co-worker’?” Jim mumbled to himself as he scanned the cards all lined up all with hearts and messages of love and friendship.

Finally, one card caught his eye – it showed someone in a jail cell. “To my partner in crime,” he read, flipping it open. “At least we have conjugal visits… god, why is this so hard!”

“Having trouble, my boy?”

Jim turned to face the old man a few feet away.

“Yeah, I guess. Just trying to find a card for a friend.”

“Sounds like she’s more than that.”

“Nah. I mean, just, she’s just a good friend.”

“Can’t go wrong with flowers, son. Don’t waste your money on a card.” This earned him a glare from the nearby workers.

“Nah, she’s engaged. It’s wrong to give her flowers…” Jim’s voice trailed off as he thought about that idea.

“Tell you what, my boy. A few stores down is a florist. Go in; tell them you want a striped carnation. Tell ‘em that Lou sent ya. Trust me.” With that, the man walked off.

Jim stared at the cards for a few more minutes, and then gave up. “Who knows, maybe a flower isn’t such a bad thing. Roy probably won’t even get her any,” he thought as he searched for the florist. “Ah, McCarthy Flowers, this must be it.”

As he entered, a bell rang, and a worker quickly appeared at the desk. “May I help you?”

“Um, yeah. A guy named Lou, well, he told me to get a striped carnation? I don’t know…”

“Ah, Lou. He’s a good guy. Do you just want one or a bouquet?”

“Um, a small bouquet, I guess.”

“Okay, if you want to wait, I’ll have it ready in just a few minutes.”

“Sounds good.” Jim wandered around the shop, looking at the various plants and flowers.

“Okay, sir. Here is your bouquet – twelve dollars.” Jim dug out the cash before taking the bouquet. “And, one piece of advice – tell her.”

“What?”

“Striped carnations. They symbolize regret for a love that can’t be shared. Don’t keep regretting it. Tell her.”

As Jim walked out of the store, he thought, “Maybe flowers were the right choice after all.”