“Welcome back
everyone! Help yourself to the lovely breakfast
provided by Mr. Aiken!” Monica announced.
“Aye, yo, man...good
looking out! “ Jonathan attempted to
say as he swallowed his third doughnut.
“Yes Tommy, you definitely gave me just what I needed.”
Did she really just say that?
Jennifer would throw it at anyone with two hands…maybe even one hand. He laughs to himself and
shakes his head. Gotta
make sure I stay clear of that thirst-trap!
Now…where is Mrs…oh, there she is…game-face time!
“You're very welcome. I decided to start the year off on a
positive note. I made a few phone calls to those I consider my inner
circle and I realized that the generosity of their friendship is something I
need to pay forward.”
“Such a kind gesture, Mr.
Aiken. You’re trying to make everyone
feel special this morning I see,” Mrs. Long interjected as she passed by,
analyzing the table of refreshments.
“Yes, everyone
is special. Some…more than others,” he
replied, as he gestured for her attention to focus on what was in his hand. “A warm French toast muffin--freshly baked.”
Whispers flew
through the room as she accepted his act of kindness with a bright smile.
“What happened over the break that made him bring her breakfast?”
“Or maybe he forgot to thank her when they woke up this morning.”
“Isn’t she married?”
“I don’t see a ring…”
“Is he really pushing up on her?”
“ Oh yeah…special breakfast items? She’s on the team.”
“And on that note, let’s all have a seat so we can get
started. So, welcome back everyone,” she
began, trying to overlook the obvious side conversations. “Wasn’t it nice of Mr. Aiken to show his
appreciation with this breakfast this morning?”
Poor attempts at low whispers filled the room.
“I
bet he wants to show you a little extra appreciation…”
“If
he hasn’t already…”
Her tolerance for such things would soon grow thin. “Oh…I’m
sorry,” Mrs. Long stated firmly, looking directly at her accusers.
“Umm, excuse me?” asked the hecklers in an ironic unison.
“I’m sorry you’re not me.
But it’s okay. You may continue
to act unprofessionally, but you will be sad…and outside…instead of in here…happy…with
a job! Do you want to be sad? Personally, I like being happy!”
Other than a few gasps, the room was silent. As Mrs. Long walked over to the door to shut
off the lights to begin her presentation, a big smile grew on her face.
“Oh babe! You didn’t
have to do this!!!”
A tall male, glasses and an athletic build, smiled
brightly as he entered the room.
“The jewelry store called as soon as you left this
morning and said it was ready so I wanted you to have it as soon as possible. It makes me feel like we’re connected even
more when I know you’re wearing it!”
“If she’s on his team, she must’ve just quit ‘cause the
way she’s kissing him…ain’t nobody in between that but him!” Monica jabbed at Jonathan.
“You’re so sweet!
I’ll see you later on this evening!
Date night, right?”
“Definitely! Got
something nice in store too,” Mr. Long added, then turned to everyone else in
the room. “I apologize for interrupting
your session. You guys have a good one!”
Tommy stood to his feet.
Without thinking, he walked over to Mr. Long and extended his hand. “It’s no problem. We appreciate your wife so much. It’s nice to see that she’s loved once she
leaves us.”
“Did
he just say we loved her?”
“No,
I think he insinuated that he loved her?”
“French
toast muffin can’t compete with a wedding ring though…”
“Look
at her face!”
The whispers continued as Mrs. Long’s face became the
dictionary definition of baffled. She
stood in the middle of the two men…the out-stretched arm of a potentially rising
star…and…her husband who, up until now, has been the center of her universe.
