I step inside the building.
No run of the mill fluorescent ceiling light fixtures here. Instead, a retro standout light fixture made with brass plumbing pipes hangs above my head. The star features are the lightbulbs with spiral filaments.
Edison would’ve been proud.
“The elevators are right behind me,” the security guard says. “You’re on the third floor.”
“Thank you.”
He uses his elbow to press the elevator button.
The door opens.
I step inside, and he hands me the box.
“Have a good day,” he says.
“I will. Hope you have a good one.”
He responds with a chin nod.
It’s a short elevator ride to the third floor.
When the doors open, a tall brunette with blonde-streaked hair that hits her at the waist, wearing a classic sleeveless A line navy-blue dress, greets me.
She smiles. “You must be Harley. Gerardo texted to let me know you were on your way.”
“And you must be Cressida.”
“I am.” Her dark blue eyes lower for a beat before locking onto mine. “Look at you. You already bought a flower for your office.”
Did she say office?
“It’s a gift to celebrate my first day on the job.” It takes everything in me not to grin ear to ear.
“I love orchids. I’ve never seen one like that before.”
“I love them as well. They’re such a classic flower. And this one is a rare species.”
“What a combination of colors.”
I nod. “The splash-petals are yellow, magenta, and light lavender, and the tri-color blooms are a feast for the eyes.”
She leans in. “As a former florist, do you have a favorite flower?”
“It all depends on the season and the mood.”
“That makes sense,” she says. “I like that this is your second career.”
It’s my third, but we don’t talk about the second career. That was a debacle.
“This is my second career as well,” Cressida says.
“Oh. What was your first?”
“I was a stage actress with one notable play under her belt. Showbusiness is cut-throat business, and even more so when you’re so much taller than most leading men.”
I pull my lips down in a frown.
