He enters and closes the door behind him, suggesting that whatever he has to say is either serious or personal—maybe both. “After working so hard this week, we deserve a celebration.”
A celebration? A thrill shoots through me. “Do you have something in mind?”
“I do.” He leans against my desk, and it’s all I can do not to reach out and touch him, but even with the door closed, the office isn’t the place to show affection. “I made a reservation at that new rooftop restaurant downtown. I’ve heard it has a killer view of the east side.”
My mouth gapes. “No way. Rachel said that place is impossible to get into. How did you manage a reservation?”
He grins, looking pleased with himself. “Let’s just say being the boss’s grandson has its perks sometimes.”
“You name-dropped.”
“Maybe.”
I laugh. “You’re incorrigible, you know that?”
“Is that a yes for tonight?”
I pretend to consider his invitation when I can’t wait to go there. “Well, I suppose I could be persuaded to join you for dinner at an impossibly exclusive restaurant with breathtaking views.”
John’s grin widens. “Pick you up at seven?”
I nod, unable to keep the smile off my face. “It’s a date.”
As John leaves, I lean back in my chair and twirl around. That’s my favorite part of my office—they have chairs that swirl, while the ones in cubicles don’t. I’ve heard things happen for a reason, but I’ve never bought into that thinking, based on my parents and my sister. Maybe I should.
I wouldn’t change anything about this rollercoaster of a week. John and I have faced challenges head-on, and we seemstronger and more connected. I’m no relationship expert, but I think that bodes well for the future.
It’s not that I’m trying to think that far ahead, but being with John brings back much of the dream of having a husband and children that I buried after Jake.
I finish gathering my things and head out, already trying to figure out what to wear tonight.
As I pass Sarah’s desk, she waves. “Have a great weekend, Abby.”
“You too. See you on Monday.”
Outside, I take a deep breath. The air is cold, but I feel lighter than I have in days.
Walking to my car, I hear my phone buzz with a text notification. I glance at the screen before I open the driver’s-side door.
John:Can’t wait for tonight. Couldn’t have gotten through this week without you.
I smile, even though without me, he wouldn’t have had to face anything this week, and reply.
Me:Right back at you. We make a good team, don’t we?
His response arrives almost immediately.
John:The best team. See you at 7.
As I tuck my phone away, my heart is full. This week has been a turning point. I went from shutting down and needing to quit to wanting to fight. Maybe that’s why my family treated me the way they did—I just took it and never fought back. Well, not until Christmas Day when I finally spoke up to Rachel, and that still felt good. Maybe that’s why I found the strength to stay and do whatever it took this week to create a more open, understanding workplace, and to be honest, I’m proud of the part I played.
I glimpse my reflection in the rearview mirror as I enter my car. I almost don’t recognize myself. The sparkle in my eyes wasn’t there before Christmas, but it’s not only that. I’m moreconfident and thankful for John’s role in making me feel my worth. He’s shown me respect and made me feel cherished in such a short time. I have no doubt Grandpa would have loved him.
I drive home. As usual, traffic to the west side is heavy, but it doesn’t take me long. This is good since I want plenty of time to prepare for my date tonight.
Powerfluff greets me at my apartment door with an impatient meow, reminding me that, no matter how much things change, her demand for dinner remains constant.
As I feed Powerfluff, I tell her about my date tonight. She’s more interested in food being put into her bowl, but occasionally she glances at me. “You can help me get ready after you finish your dinner.”
