Jonah's luxury car pulled away from the flower shop entrance, turned the corner, and disappeared down the right side of the road.
Inside the shop, the shop assistant, Casey Hunt, asked Tara, "Do you know that gentleman?"
Tara smiled. "He's my boss."
Casey's eyes lit up with excitement. Jonah used to be a celebrity. Even though he had stepped away from the spotlight, working at his company still sounded like a total dream.
"I was too shy to ask him for an autograph earlier. Could you help me get one?"
Casey handed Tara a photo of Jonah, hoping she could get it signed for her.
Tara politely declined. "I'm just an employee at one of his branch offices. It's not easy to even run into him, so I probably can't help you."
Casey's smile faltered, though she quickly tried to cover it up. "It's my fault. I was too busy staring to ask."
Tara responded with a gentle smile and picked out a few flowers. She caught a glimpse of the regret on Casey's face as she turned to leave. She came to this shop often, and it was usually Casey who helped her.
Just before stepping out, she said, "I can't promise when I'll be able to get his autograph. Maybe next Christmas, or even later."
Casey immediately handed over the photo again. "I can wait! My aunt owns this shop, so I'll be working here for a long time."
Tara took the photo and slipped it into the inner pocket of her bag.
"Who knows? Maybe you'll run into him again before I do," she said jokingly.
After all, Jonah's grandmother lived in this city and loved lilies. This was the second time Tara had seen them at this flower shop, although the first time it was Noah making the purchase.
Looking a little sheepish, Casey pulled out two more photos of Jonah. "Just covering all my bases."
Tara couldn't help but laugh. It seemed Casey truly wanted his autograph.
…
On the first day back at work after the holidays, Tara received several gift cards. The cheerful start put her in a great mood. She found herself smiling at everyone and feeling unusually motivated.
During a team meeting in mid-March, David announced that two employees would be chosen for a two-month training program at headquarters. He hadn't decided on the names yet, so several of Tara's coworkers quickly volunteered.
Tara had no idea there were any perks tied to the opportunity, so she didn't raise her hand.
David gave her a quick glance. "Tara was named Outstanding Employee at the annual gala, so her spot is already confirmed. As for the second candidate, I'll need a little more time. I'll let you know once it's decided. That's all for now."
Tara was completely caught off guard. She wondered if she had really been chosen.
Her coworkers gathered around to congratulate her, each one jumping in to explain what training at headquarters really meant.
"Tara, once you're back from training at HQ, there's a good chance you'll get promoted!"
"Yeah, and they'll take care of your housing too. People who've gone before said the accommodations were amazing. There's even a bonus on top of it."
"Tara, don't forget about us when you come back all promoted and successful."
Tara let out a helpless laugh. Nothing was set in stone, but the way they were talking made it sound like her promotion was already signed and sealed.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: When Love Turns Dangerous