Spring has sprung, and with it, smiley faces. When yellow crocuses bloom all over town in the shape of an emoji during April’s first warm days, reporter Nero Storm is sent out to discover their meaning and origin.<br><br>Nero has little to smile about himself, what with dysfunctional family drama and a tragic love life. The previous fall, it seemed as if he might have finally met the man of his dreams in dog daddy, ride share operator, and charity organizer Z. Though the two spent but ten morning and evening car rides together, sparks flew. Unfortunately, at the end of that time, Nero witnessed a crime, and Z disappeared.<br><br>Now, as the rest of the world looks forward to a new beginning promised by spring, Nero is left to wonder. Are the smiley face flowers a message for him, and will he ever see Z’s smile again for real?

21 Smiles

“She said October.” Frasier must have heard what Carmen said, too. “Go check it out.”


“Fine.” I put the call on speaker. “He wants us to go, anyway.”


“You two can head up that way again and be back before the deadline for six.”


“Where are you now?” Frasier asked.


“We stopped for lunch,” Carmen told him. “Nero’s mom came.”


“Don’t rush, especially if you’re sitting down with your mom, Nero.”


“It’s okay, Frase. Lunch is over.”


Toni came over to offer me a hug. “What are you gonna do?”


“What are you gonna do? I’m sure Mom held out her hand…” I balled mine into a fist. “Asked you too,” I said much softer.


“We should cough up a few bucks for the waitress in there.” I nodded toward the diner door. “Even though we didn’t eat.”


“I got it.” Carmen brought her bag around.


Chapter 13