Crossing Paths by Melanie Stinnett Page A

celebratory dinner consists of grilled cheese sandwiches, wine, and chocolate. We spend the entire evening dancing around the kitchen, through the living room, and then into our respective beds. I think tonight ranks up there as one of the best nights of my life.
    “Hey, June?”
    “Yes, Caroline?”
    ““You rock!” she shouts as one of our favorite songs begins to stream from the speakers in her room.
    I smile to myself, hugging my pillow. Now, that’s what friends are for.

    Thursday & Friday
    The week continues to go by quickly. Mr. Hargrove gives me more projects and asks for my opinion on several new jobs. I feel like I am soaring above the atmosphere, looking down at the earth. My life has a good view at the moment.
    Friday afternoon, I walk into my office, focused on filing away some papers and grabbing more information before my next meeting. A smell catches my attention, and I glance up to the table by my doorway. Beautiful pink and white peonies greet me. They must be in the wrong office. Pulling off the card, I read the handwritten words.
     
    Congrats on the new contract! See you Monday.
    Try to keep your hands to yourself, so you don’t assault me. ~C
     
    No freaking way! He’s coming here? What will I say to him? What will he say to me? What will I wear? I need Caroline! It’s time to spill the beans about my trip and get some advice.

    When I get home, Caroline is cleaning like a mad woman.
    “What are you doing?” I laugh loudly. She looks ridiculous with cleaning gloves pulled up to her elbows while dirty paper towels are littered throughout the living room.
    “My brother will be here tomorrow, and I don’t want him to tell my mom what a slob I am.”
    “You are being crazy. You know you could always blame the mess on me.”
    “My mom would never believe that.”
    “Well, at least let me help you.”

    Within two hours, the whole place is spotless, and it smells lovely. We plop down on the couch together, and Caroline catches her first glimpse of my flowers.
    “June?” A grin forms across her face. “Where did the flowers come from?”
    I blush instantly, feeling a heat spread throughout my entire body.
    “Don’t be mad at me—”
    “But?” Caroline pulls her legs up, sitting Indian-style, and turns to face me on the couch. “Where did you meet him?”
    “In New York.”
    “What? I thought we were friends. You met a guy in New York, and you didn’t tell me?”
    “Well, he doesn’t actually live in New York.” I give Caroline the full recap of my horrible encounters with Cohen—from the flying magazine to the office building steps to our airport dinner. “Oh, it was horrible!” I throw my head into my hands. Sitting still for a second, I expect Caroline to cover me with her arms and hug me until I don’t feel like a total idiot anymore. Instead, I hear her burst into uninhibited laughter.
    “That has to be the funniest thing I have ever heard. So, you threw your magazine at his head on the plane? Then, you chose to run smack into his backside before your meeting?”
    “I didn’t choose to run into him. It just happened.”
    “Wait a minute. He’s the one who sent you flowers? What did you do? Kiss him as he helped you up?”
    “No, I didn’t kiss him. You are impossible! After the meeting, he found me and asked if I was going to the airport. He was flying out, too, so we ate at a little sandwich shop in the airport. Nothing happened. He’s practically my boss.”
    “So, what does the card say?” She reaches out to snatch it before I can catch her. “Oh my gosh, he likes you! You better get a tan while you’re at the lake this weekend.”
    “Just shut up. I am totally freaked out.”
    “You are so silly. Is he hot?”
    “Yes.”
    “Did he seem nice?”
    “Yes.”
    “Does he have money?”
    “Caroline!”
    “Alright, well, he passes my test. Did you get his number? I think you should date him. Maybe you should even consider bringing him to Sunday dinner, so