Page 87 of Too Good to Be True

She couldn’t imagine who’d sent them, unless…

“You must have a secret admirer,” Sherry said.

“I don’t think so. They must be from one of the training companies I work with.”

“Why wouldn’t they include a card?”

Just then, Britney walked in. She seemed to be popping up everywhere, but based on their earlier interaction, Stacy wasn’t pleased to see her.

“Pretty. Who sent them?” Britney asked, eyeing Stacy curiously.

“I have no idea.”

“Hmm. Maybe they’re from the guy you’re seeing.”

Stacy’s eyes went wide, and Sherry stared at her with renewed interest.

“I’m not seeing anyone,” Stacy lied.

Britney shrugged. “Oh. I thought I heard you were. Must have been a rumor.” Then she turned and walked away, swaying her hips as she went.

Sherry shook her head. “That girl is trouble.”

“What do you mean?”

“If there’s a rumor going around, she’s probably the one who started it.”

“I’ll take these to my desk. Thanks, Sherry.” Stacy wasn’t sure what she’d thanked her for other than that Sherry seemed to have been on her side. Still, she felt extremely unsettled as she went back to her office.

She placed the vase on a bookshelf near the window instead of on her desk where they’d be more visible. If there was a rumor going around, the last thing she wanted to do was fuel it.

A few minutes later, her cell phone buzzed. She retrieved it from the cabinet where she kept her purse and saw that Nick had sent her a text message. She read it with her back to the door.

Did you get the flowers?

She’d suspected they were from him, but she’d had to play dumb in front of their coworkers.

Yes. They’re beautiful. Thank you.

Glad you like them. See you tonight.

See you then.

As she slipped the phone back into her purse, she realized she’d referenced her book club pick again. The book was nearing its end, and the characters were experiencing some problems. Just like in real life, she thought. Relationships weren’t all sunshine and roses, or in her case, spring flowers. She wondered how the story would end almost as much as she wondered what would happen for her and Nick.

Later that afternoon, she went into the employee lounge for a cup of water. As usual, a few people were milling around, getting drinks, eating snacks, and chatting.

Two women from accounting greeted her as she came in. “I heard you got flowers,” one of them said with a smile.

A few people sitting at a table popped their heads up.

Great! Why is this such riveting news? Choosing her words carefully, Stacy said, “Yes, but there wasn’t a card.” At least she hadn’t lied.

“Sherry thinks you have a secret admirer.”

Just when she’d thought Sherry was on her team. “I doubt that.”

“I wish my husband would send me flowers once in a while,” lamented one of the women at the table.