Vix and I leave the spa a few hours later freshly buffed, tweezed, waxed, and dyed. We make our way down the snow covered sidewalk to our favorite lingerie store where the owner greets us by name.

Dash grins, hugging each of us. “Candy. Vixen. It has been too long.”

Vix laughs. “Dash, we were in here last week.”

“But I didn’t get to see my favorite girls.”

I ask, “How was your vacation?”

Dash’s green eyes sparkle as he says, “Don, that sneaky boy, surprised me by taking me to the Bahamas. He basically reenacted our honeymoon trip. Such a softie.”

Don hears his name and pokes his head from the back storeroom.

“Are you talking about me, love?

“I am. I was telling Candy and Vix what a romantic fool you are.”

Don steps out with fabric draped around his neck. “But I’m your fool, love.”

They stare at each other until Vix clears her throat.

“Enough of the love show, you two. My girl needs to new threads.”

Dash turns to me. “Did you meet someone?”

I hate to crush the hope on his face, but here I go…

“It’s work related.”

“But, she really likes him,” Vix adds.

Dash sighs. “It’s a start. You haven’t bought anything new since that red piece.”

“But that red piece got the job done last night.”

Literally.

Don walks over and says, “You know, I have something that would look great against your skin.”

He goes to the storeroom and comes out with a box. When he lifts the lid, I gasp.

“Don, it’s stunning.”

Dash pats Don’s arm. “My Donner is the best.”

I had to agree.

Vix grins. “Go try it on, Candy.”

I step into a fitting room put the new piece on. Holy crap. Suddenly I can’t wait for the evening to get here so I can talk to Nick.

* * *

My employees can’t hide the shock on their faces when I walk in, whistling. I greet everyone and head to the second floor, to my office. Jack is right behind me. I groan when I see the stack of papers on my desk.

“Sorry, man,” Jack says as he flops down on my red velvet couch. “There’s only so much of your job that I can do and this isn’t part of it.”

“I know. And I appreciate everything that you’ve done.”

He smirks and I know what’s coming next.

“Enough to-”

“Don’t even ask. Besides, you know I wouldn’t tell you, even if I could.”

“Yeah, yeah. What’s the point of having all this power if you can’t even drop your friend a bone?”

I laugh and put on my reading glasses.

I look over the rim and say, “I believe you get to enjoy other perks of my power.”

“True.” He stands. “I’m going to run. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He leaves with a wave of his hand. I shake my head and reach for the first stack of paper. Dipping my quill in the inkwell I begin my work. Jack is right – my funk has put everything behind schedule. Without looking I know there is only a week left to finish the lists. Otherwise-

“Sir?”

I glance up. “Hello, Peppermin. What’s up?”

Next to Jack, Peppermin helps keep things running at the shop. He serves as a liaison between the other workers and myself.

“Welcome back. I can’t tell you how happy we are to see you.”

“I’m happy to be back.” I have to know, “How is the morale in the workshop?”

Peppermin never minces words. “They were starting to get worried. Some even questioned if you would be back.” He gestures toward the paperwork in front of me. “But now they will have tasks to look forward to.”

I put my quill down. “I’m sorry for putting everyone in a state of unease.”

I truly was. In a million years I never thought my ex would leave me, causing this turmoil.

Peppermin’s face softens, as if he knows where my thoughts have taken me.

“Sir, the main thing is you’re here now and you’re happy. I can’t tell you how uplifting it was for everyone to hear you whistling. You haven’t done that in a long time.”

I smile. “Thank you.”

Peppermin hesitates before adding, “She called today, asking if she can stop by to see some of the staff. I told her now isn’t a good time.”

My heart slams against my ribcage. I shouldn’t be surprised that she wants to see her friends, but it still makes me angry. She is the one who chose to leave!

“You did the right thing by telling her no. If she shows up, please let me know.”

He nods. “I will. I’ll let you get back to work. I know you have a lot to do.”

When he’s gone I stare out the window, my mood turning dark. We were together for so long, but I wonder if I really knew her at all. And she never fit in, not really. I rub my temples and turn back to my work. I won’t waste anymore time dwelling over her.

I make my way through the list. Midway through I notice some pages are missing. I call Peppermin.

“I’m missing some of the J’s and most of the K’s.”

Peppermin grumbles. “It’s that new printer. I swear they don’t make them like they used to. I’ll look into it and have the pages sent to you.”

I hang up and glance at the clock. Seven o’clock. I’ve put in a full days work and now it’s time to go home. I tidy my desk and grab my jacket before leaving my office. Candy’s face crosses my mind and my pace picks up. Oh, yeah, I’m looking forward to hearing her voice. Among other things.