Shock once again registers on Janet’s face, before she shakes her head and waves her hand. “So let me get this straight. Last night you made a mundane delivery to the performing arts center, where you met the featured performer. He’s so taken with you, that he tracks you down this morning, asks you to lunch, and asks you to spend a couple of days with him?”
“First of all, I wouldn’t say he’s taken with me.”
“Of course you wouldn’t,” she retorts with a roll of her eyes.
I give her an annoyed look before I continue, “Second, I think he’s lonely, and I know what that feels like.”
Janet’s voice is filled with compassion as she comes to stand beside me. “I know you do. Promise me something?” I look up at her waiting to see what promise she wants me to make. “Promise me you’ll keep an open mind the next few days. I think this guy may surprise you and if anyone deserves happiness, it’s you.”
“Thanks Janet. I promise I’ll try.”
At three-thirty, Janet began reminding me once again, that I needed to get ready for the performance. I didn’t bother to tell her that the performance was at the hospital, though I did plan to change into a casual dress instead of the khakis he’s seen me in the past two days.
I clean up the workroom, and pull my purse from the desk drawer before walking into the store. “Okay Janet, I’m heading out now. Orders are caught up and I’ll open in the morning, if you are sure you don’t mind closing again tomorrow.”
She waves a dismissive hand, “Please, if it means getting you out of here to have a real life, I’ll close every night.”
I know she means every word of what she says and instead of a sassy reply, I simply smile, “You’re the best Janet. See you tomorrow.”
“Have a great time,” she calls as I head for the door. “Remember, I want to hear everything!”
I laugh as I open the door, “Bye, Janet.” I’m still laughing as I climb into my car, start the engine and head for home. Not only is Janet the best employee I have she’s a great friend as well, and more like family than I’m willing to admit.
I pull into the driveway, turn off the engine, and take a deep breath to calm my sudden case of nerves. Opening the car door, I walk up the steps to the front door, and slip my key into the lock. Silence greets me as I open the front door, before locking it behind me.
If anyone had asked me if I would have been divorced at this point in my life I would have said no. The future I planned with Todd included a happily ever after with at least two babies by now. As they say, even the best-laid plans can fall apart.
I head up the stairs to my bedroom and drop my purse and keys on the bed. Stepping into the closet, I flip through my dresses finding one perfect for tonight. I pull the light blue and white striped dress from the closet and hold it up as I stand in front of the full-length mirror. “Yes this will do nicely.” Laying the dress across my bed, I head to the bathroom to freshen up.
After a quick shower, I reapply my makeup, and add a few curls to my hair courtesy of my now heated curling iron. Slipping the dress over my head, I adjust the top so it sits off my shoulders and step into a pair of white strappy sandals. I add the necklace that my grandmother gave me and finger brush my hair leaving it to fall in soft waves over my shoulders. Taking a small clutch from my closet, I toss my wallet, phone and lipstick inside. I pick up my keys and head down stairs. When my hand lands on the knob I take a deep breath and blow it out slowly. I do a final check of my reflection before I walk out the door and remind myself, “Just breathe Rose, you’ve already had lunch together, and it’s not like you’ve never been on a date before.” I blink at my reflection, “Ugh! Obviously I need to get out more since I’m talking to myself,” I mutter before walking out the door.
Chapter 6
Alek
The atrium is filling up quickly as the hospital staff escorts the children that are well enough to leave their floor down for the performance. My eyes dart around the space as I wait for Rose to arrive.
Vince steps up beside me and claps his hand on my shoulder, “Looks like a great turnout for this one.”
“Yes it is,” I reply as the seats continue to fill up.
My eyes make one more pass around the room and my breath catches at the sight of Rose standing in the doorway. Her hair is loose and she nervously tucks it behind her ear as she steps into the room. She spies me across the room and a soft smile appears as she gives me a small wave, careful not to draw too much attention to herself.
Vince follows my line of sight and squeezes my shoulder, “Now I understand why you want to stay in town a few extra days.”
I glance over at him and smile, “I’ll be right back,” I say as I start across the room to greet her.
As I reach her my smile widens, “You’re here.”
She looks up shyly and returns my smile, “I wouldn’t have missed it.”
I lean towards her as we make our way to the edge of the stage, “You look very beautiful.”
A light blush colors her cheeks at my compliment, “Thank you.”
I see Vince standing by the edge of the stage, “There’s someone I want to introduce you to,” I whisper before taking her to her seat. “Rose McDaniels, this is my manager, Vince Cornetti.”
Vince
