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The sensation of needles stabbing my head is now a hammering. I’m irritated and I shouldn’t be. “How are things in the office? How’s Emma doing? Rachel giving her any trouble?”
Claire makes a sound as if she’s suppressing a giggle. “Emma is doing great. She held a staff meeting yesterday and told everyone what she expected from them this week while you were away. Seems everyone is doing what they should be. Rachel and Emma had some words, but nothing came of it. Should I have Emma call you once Benjamin leaves?”
“No, I won’t be available. I’ll speak with her later. Thank you, Claire.”
“Of course. How’s the trip going?”
I rub my fingers over my temple. “It’s going fine. Thank you for asking. I’ll speak with you another time. I need to make a phone call.”
“Talk soon. Take care,” she replies.
I hang up and scroll through my contact list in search of the flower shop where I buy the white roses. I dial and the sweet old lady who runs it answers pleasantly. “Mary’s Flowers, how can I help you?”
“Mary, it’s Mr. Cole.”
“Well hello, Mr. Cole. It’s a pleasure to hear from you. What can I do for you today?”
Her caring, and friendly voice relieves some of my tension. “I’d like to order a dozen white roses and have them delivered tomorrow morning at eight a.m. Please place them in the most beautiful vase you have.”
“Will do, Mr. Cole. Where would you like them delivered?”
“To Emma Williams. Sixth floor of the Wartburg building.”
The noise of papers being moved around fills the background. “Would you like a message attached?”
I suppress my own laughter. Not one I want her to see. “No, thank you. I’ll message her separately.”
“Should I charge the card I have on record?”
“Yes. Thank you, Mary.”
“My pleasure, Mr. Cole. Have a pleasant day.”
Hanging up, I head to Lorraine’s restaurant.
Emma
Wednesday morning, I walk into my office and my jaw drops. Claire is behind me instantly, sneaking up like a ninja.
“I saw them delivered. I can take one guess who they’re from.”
Stepping farther into my office, I touch the petals of the roses. The blue fading to tan vase is stunning and the yellow bow gives it an extra touch. Bending down, I breathe them in. I can barely contain the joy I’m feeling. I turn to Claire and giggle.
“I was starting to feel like he’d forgotten about me. I drank four glasses of wine last night and fell asleep with my phone in my hand. I kept wanting to call or text him, but didn’t want to seem needy.”
Claire’s cheeks puff out in laughter. “Em, I think he’s just busy. He sounded stressed when I talked to him yesterday. I’m sure he would like it if you did call or text him.”
My attention returns to the dozen white roses on my desk. “Well, now I have an excuse to call him.” My forehead wrinkles at the recollection of Claire’s comment. I turn to her. “You talked to him yesterday?”
“Yeah, he called to talk to you, but you were with Benjamin. I think he might have been jealous you got flowers from Ben.”
My gaze sweeps to the tiny bouquet of colorful, assorted flowers hidden behind the long-stem white roses and a smile creeps along my face. “Did he?”
“Oh yeah, he didn’t seem to like that at all. He got pretty short with me after I told him. He definitely has feelings for you, whether he wants to admit it or not.”
“I’m gonna send him a quick text. Maybe I can catch him before they start their meeting.”
Claire winks before heading back to her office.
