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With a loud groan, I get up from my bed. Oh God, my entire body aches. It’s a good ache, though, because it reminds me of Aiden. To turn off the alarm, I pick up my phone then open my message app and text him.
Jenifer: Morning, hope you slept well. Sorry I fell asleep on you last night, but thank you for leaving a note. As for Wednesday, I’m in. Tell me when and where, and I’ll be there. Thanks for a fantastic weekend. I had the time of my life. I can’t wait to see you on Wednesday. xoxo
I hit Send. Then stand for a new day—my usual routine of getting ready and driving to work all run smoother than usual. I pull into the parking lot as Mel’s getting out of her car. She waves and waits for me as I exit my car with handbag and keys in hand.
“Morning, sweetie. How was your weekend?”
I smile at the memory of a truly remarkable weekend. “Great, and yours?”
“Mine was good,” Mel replies, grabbing the rest of her things from her car.
“How’s the party planning going?”
She looks at me, rolling her eyes. “Twenty-one years old, and she changes her mind like the wind. First, she wanted purple as her theme color, and now she wants turquoise. Then she wanted cupcakes but changed her mind to a three-tiered cake. Honestly, I can’t keep up.”
I let out a stifled laugh. “Sounds like there’s never a dull moment.”
She chuckles in agreement as we walk inside. “Remember, no presents,” Mel warns as a green van pulls up out the front of the reception area.
“No presents, got it,” I reply.
A young man steps out, moves to the back of the vehicle, and opens it. Mel stops to look as I suddenly realize what’s going on.
“What’s that about?” Mel questions as the driver enters with a large vase of the most beautiful flowers. I shake my head with half a smile as Mel looks sideways at me.
“Delivery for a…” he checks his notes, “… Miss Jenifer Taylor.”
Mel stares at me in surprise. “And who are these from?” Excitement builds inside of me. I can’t hold back my smile as I sign for the flowers that I know are from Aiden. “Is there something you want to tell me, Jenifer?” Mel asks with an air of playfulness to her voice.
The driver collects his paperwork, leaving without saying another word while I smile brightly, placing the vase of pink tulips, roses, and hydrangeas on the counter.
“Oh, c’mon, don’t leave me in suspense,” she blurts out like a teenager, not the middle-aged woman she is.
I can’t help but laugh as I pause for dramatic effect. “They’re from… my boyfriend.” I bite my bottom lip waiting for her response, but her face lights up in a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
“Holy shit, when did this happen? And why didn’t you tell me? How long have you been together? What does he do?” I laugh as butterflies flutter in my stomach at the mere thought of Aiden. “Sorry, got excited,” Mel gushes.
“His name is Aiden. He’s the guy who crashed into me last week. I didn’t tell you because we only made it official on Saturday. He’s in finance...” I pause. “I think that covers all your questions.”
She rushes forward, her hand coming out and resting on my arm in support. “I’m happy for you. And he spoils you rotten by the looks of it. John stopped buying me flowers years ago.”
I giggle as Bob walks in with his morning iced coffee.
“Morning, Bob,” Mel and I both chime in unison.
“More flowers?” Bob grumbles as he strides past. “He’s got it bad if he sends you two bouquets so close together,” he murmurs, stepping off to his office.
Mel’s face lights up as if she has a brilliant idea. “Aiden’s most definitely welcome on Saturday. I’d love to meet him.”
I nod in agreement. “I’ll ask if he’d like to come.”
Mel sighs. “Guess we better get to work,” she whines, heading off toward her office.
I remove the card from the flowers and open the envelope to read what’s inside.
My beautiful Jeni,
I hope you have a better Monday this week than last. Although I am glad we ‘ran’ into each other. Have a nice day at work, talk to you soon.
