Crossing Paths by Melanie Stinnett

survive without chaos. Up to this point, the details appear to be falling into place. If I can just keep myself from falling into a relationship with June’s brother, I’ll be doing alright.

Wednesday
    Driving to work, I’m blaring music through the speakers with my windows down. I’ll do anything to keep my mind off that crazy business trip. I’m resolved to the fact that I will turn down any further opportunities to embarrass myself or the company in out-of-state adventures. This was simply an indication that I should keep my feet planted firmly in Texas.
    Honestly, I don’t know why I’m letting it all get to me. I was awake for what felt like hours last night. If I told anyone in my family that small fact, they would take me straight to a doctor. A normal sleep routine for me consists of changing clothes, laying my head on the pillow, and falling fast asleep in two seconds.
    While answering text messages from her new boy toy last night, Caroline seemed oblivious to my distracted mind. It was impossible for me to stop thinking about Cohen. I should have asked for Caroline’s advice, but truth be told, I don’t want advice. I want the whole experience with him to disappear. It was humiliating. It was frustrating. Although he was amazing, I don’t want to dwell on that.
    “Good morning, Mr. Hargrove. How was your vacation?”
    “June, it was wonderful. I think I should leave more often if this is the outcome.” He jogs toward me, which is quite a sight by itself as he’s not a small man. He tosses a single sheet of paper, and it floats onto my desk.
     
    Mr. Hargrove:
     
    We sincerely appreciate you sending your bright assistant to our meeting on Monday. Her ideas and suggestions were a breath of fresh air. Our official letter of contract for the job will be emailed this afternoon. I look forward to working together.
     
    ~ Cohen
     
    I blink my eyes several times. My vision must be playing tricks on me. Oh my gosh! I did it! I made an impression—and a good one at that. My boss is still lingering over my desk, waiting for some kind of response.
    I peer up through my bangs, still blinking my eyes. “Wow! Mr. Hargrove, I am so glad that I was able to present your ideas in a way that impressed them.”
    “Oh no, you don’t.” He practically jumps across my desk, lifts me to my feet, and gives me a tight hug.
    Over his shoulder, several of my coworkers are reacting to his awkward display. A few are laughing while others are trying to pick up their jaws from off the ground.
    Pulling me back by my shoulders, he looks me in the eyes. “After receiving his note, I called Cohen this morning to discuss a few things. The ideas he was impressed with were yours. I had never heard them before, and they were brilliant. I had no idea what kind of talent you were hiding in that brain of yours,” he says while tapping his finger against the side of my head. “Keep up the good work, and you’ll be moving up the ladder in no time.”
    I know the smile on my face has to look ridiculous, but I don’t care. This is unbelievable! Mr. Hargrove gives me a quick pat on the shoulder before walking back into his office. I sit back down in my chair and pick up the phone to call Caroline.
    “You aren’t going to believe this!” I quickly tell her about what happened, and I almost lose my hearing when she starts squealing on the other end of the phone.
    “Well, that definitely calls for a celebration. More wine and See’s Candies?”
    “Sounds wonderful to me. I need to go, but I’ll see you after work.”
    “Alright! See you then.”
    The rest of the day flies by, and I see Caroline as I’m walking into the apartment building. She has wine and candy in hand, and she’s striking a goofy pose. She looks like a cross between Vanna White and one of Charlie’s Angels .
    “Geez, Caroline. Could you be any weirder?”
    She laughs. “Don’t tempt me, June Bug. Let’s get inside, and start this dance party.”
    Our