by Jenna Brandt
“A work friend, Tiffany, how nice of you to invite him. You should introduce him to my grandson. He’s around here somewhere,” Diane said with a rascally grin. “I’m sure he’d love to catch up with you and finally take you out on that date.”
“We need to be getting inside, Diane. Celeste is waiting for us,” Roger interrupted the matchmaking grandmother.
With a disappointed look, Diane handed all of them their bulletins with the weekly announcements in it before they entered the sanctuary. They found Celeste towards the middle of the sitting area. She waved them over, a smile on her face.
“Good thing you got in here when you did. The place is nearly full. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could hold these spots.”
“We appreciate it,” Tiffany said, returning her new sister-in-law’s smile. “We wouldn’t want Conrad to have to stand during his first time here.”
The music started prompting all of them to turn to face the stage. The band began with a couple of upbeat contemporary songs, followed by a set of slower ones, finishing out the time of worship.
Everyone took their seats as Pastor Greg came to the front. He took his usual spot behind the glass podium, placing his tablet and Bible on it.
“Good morning, Journey Church. I know the weather is wonderful today and you’d probably rather be out at the park, so I’m glad all of you decided to come here anyway. When the snow melts and the weather warms, it reminds me of when I was a child and I couldn’t wait to go play outside during the first weeks of spring. When the grass came back and the flowers bloomed, I became so excited. I couldn’t wait to run down the block to my friend’s house and go with him to the park down the street.
“Eventually, we grow up, but even as an adult, I still love when the seasons change. I may not run down the block like I used to as a kid, but now I get to see my own children playing with their friends at the park and it brings a smile to my face.
“You’re probably wondering by now, why I’m going on and on about springtime. It’s because I want to point out that like the flowers, bees, and grass, we are meant to re-emerge. That though for a time we may have remained hidden due to doubt, or fear, or loss, we aren’t meant to remain like that. Like nature, we have a designer who has created us to bloom. And like the changing of the seasons, we have a purpose. We are meant to be exactly where we are, doing what God has designed us for.”
Tiffany glanced over at Conrad, curious to see how he was reacting to the message. He seemed to be listening intently, but she couldn’t tell anything more than that.
Once the service concluded, their group made their way into the foyer.
“What did you think of the service?” Celeste asked Conrad. “Would you want to come back?”
“Don’t press him, Celeste,” Tiffany chastised, not wanting to force Conrad to make a snap decision about anything without time to think.
“It’s all right, I don’t mind answering your questions, Celeste. My mother wasn’t religious, nor any of the foster families I ended up living with, so I don’t have anything to compare it to. That being said, though unfamiliar, I found myself engrossed with the experience. I could see myself coming back.”
“That’s good to hear,” Roger admitted. “Coming here and finding a relationship with God has changed my life for the better. I hope it can do the same for you.” Turning to his sister, he added, “We need to go get Marcus, but we’ll see you later tonight for family dinner with Mom.”
Celeste and Roger took off for the kid’s area, leaving Tiffany and Conrad on their own.
“I’m glad to hear you enjoyed church today. I wasn’t sure how you would feel about it.”
“I have to admit, I’m rather surprised myself. I never saw myself as the church-going type. It’s funny how so much can change in a short amount of time.”
Tiffany nodded. “I know what you mean.”
“I was wondering, would you like to go out to lunch with me? You pick, and I’ll pay. I’d love to—”
“There you are, Tiffany. My grandmother told me you were here,” Timothy said, coming up to them. He glanced over at Conrad—who didn’t look pleased—and seemed to finally realize he was interrupting something between Tiffany and Conrad.
Tiffany wasn’t sure what to do but figured it would be better to introduce them. “Timothy Turner, this is Conrad Gaines. Conrad this is Timothy Turner.”
“Dr. Timothy Turner,” the young man corrected with pride, sticking out his hand towards Conrad, who in turn took and shook it. The exchange was awkward to say the least. Timothy turned his attention back to Tiffany. “I’m starting my internship at Johns Hopkins next month, but before I go, I would really like to take you out sometime.”
“That’s really kind of you to offer, but I’m still so busy with everything going on with my company,” Tiffany said, though it was only part of the truth. She also couldn’t date anyone else, knowing she had feelings for Conrad.
“I’m sorry to hear that, but I understand. Maybe when I come back for a visit, things will be different. I should probably go find my grandmother.”
Timothy took off. Once he was out of hearing range, Tiffany turned to face Conrad. “I’m sorry about that. I don’t know why he thought it would be okay to do that, especially when I have a guest with me.”
“Is that all I am to you, a guest?” Conrad probed.
She shook her head. “No, you’re more than that. It scares me to admit this, but I care for you, Conrad.”
“I’m glad to hear it’s not just one-sided. When I heard him ask you out, I hated it. I don’t like the idea of you being with anyone but me.”
“I’m glad we’ve established where we stand. Now, as far as lunch goes, I was thinking we could go for Chinese food. I love this little place just around the corner.”
“That sounds great. Lead the way.”
10
Another month had passed, and the warmer weather was permanently taking over Manhattan. Along with the heat, everything had settled at Boswell Energy.
As Conrad and Tiffany finished up preparing for the final stage of the solar energy technology integration, Conrad wondered how he was going to feel once it was done. He’d gotten used to being around Tiffany on a daily basis and hated the idea of that changing.
It had been exhilarating keeping their budding relationship a secret, having covert meet-ups in dark corners of the office and stealing touches and kisses when no one was looking. In the evening after work, they would often spend time going to dinner together or watching a movie at one of their apartments. Now that the merger was finally complete, what did that mean for their relationship?
“The new solar energy sales team is ready, correct, Mr. Smith?” Tiffany inquired, looking up at the older man sitting across the conference table.
The sales manager nodded. “Yes, Miss Boswell, the team is up-to-speed on the new pitch points, and they seem to be responding well to the incentives.”
“And we’re meeting our production numbers, so we are ready for the initial sales?” Tiffany followed up with the production manager.
“We are exceeding them, Miss Boswell,” the elderly man said with pride.
“Good, that’s good,” Tiffany praised. “I think we have everything in order. If anyone has questions, shoot me an email after the company picnic.”
The assembled executives stood from the table and exited the room, leaving Conrad alone with Tiffany. He glanced around the room, making sure no one was around to see them.
“I’ve been waiting all day to do this,” he whispered, reaching out and pulling her towards him. His lips came down upon hers, a kiss that he hoped conveyed how much he didn’t want things to end between them.
Tiffany leaned into the kiss, letting herself melt against his frame. She sighed, before gently pulling back. “I could do that all day, but someone might walk in. Besides, we both need to get going so we can get ready for the company picnic. You’re coming, right?”
“I think I’m
on good enough terms with Roger he won’t tell me to leave. Do you think you’ll finally feel comfortable enough to tell him about us? Once you do, we can finally go public with our relationship,” Conrad coaxed.
“I’m not sure, Conrad. I still worry what everyone will think. Let’s pray on it a bit longer.”
Though he wanted to date her openly, he didn’t want to push her and perhaps scare her enough to end things. She was too important to him to risk that. He would just have to do some praying of his own for God to grant him patience while he waited.
Conrad reached out and gently squeezed Tiffany’s arm. “I’ll see you at that picnic then. I promise to be on my best behavior.”
After going home and changing into a pair of jeans and a fresh blue-button up, Conrad had his driver deliver him to Central Park. Tiffany had explained the company’s annual picnic had been held there for the past two decades, making it a tradition started by their father, and one the siblings wished to continue even after his passing.
There was a tent set up near the falls with two large tables filled with food and drinks, along with a dozen other smaller tables with chairs. The place was decorated with fresh spring flowers on the tables and hanging light strands that brightened the tent.
Conrad entered, greeted by several people he recognized from the office. They introduced him to their families as he made his way further underneath. Towards the center, he saw Tiffany standing with a glass of punch in her hands. She was talking with several employees including Harry Stine. Conrad forced himself to not let it show how it irritated him to see her with the other man, who was so clearly interested in Tiffany in more than a professional manner. Conrad couldn’t blame the other man though, Tiffany looked amazing in a pair of white pants and a light pink cashmere top. Half her blonde hair was piled on top of her head with the rest cascading down and around her graceful neck. She was smiling in a way that even from several feet made her face light up, making it impossible to look away.
He continued to say hello to people as he made his way towards Tiffany, trying to keep his reaction to how good she looked under wraps. All he wanted to do was grab her and plant a huge kiss on her perfect lips, but he knew that was the last thing she would want considering where they were.
“Good afternoon,” Conrad greeted with a friendly smile. “How are all of you doing?”
“We’re good, Mr. Gaines,” Harry answered, returning the smile, but it was clear it was forced because it didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m surprised you made it today, considering we all assumed that since the solar energy tech merger is finished you would be moving on to other projects.”
“Miss Boswell invited me, and I figured it couldn’t hurt to come,” Conrad explained, then looking directly at Tiffany, he added, “Besides, there’s still some things at Boswell Energy that make it worth my time.”
“Planning to steal company secrets and divulge them to others?” Harry inquired snidely. “I heard it on good authority you were good friends with Daniel Maddox, which isn’t surprising; water seeks its own level after all.”
“I’m not sure where you got your information, but I am anything but friends with Mr. Maddox,” Conrad defended, gripping his fists at his side in anger.
“Really? I heard you were the one who encouraged him to undermine the company because of your rivalry with Roger Boswell. Daniel Maddox lost his job and career because two spoiled rich boys were fighting over territory.”
“Mr. Stine, that is enough,” Tiffany snapped. “You have no idea what you’re talking about. Mr. Gaines is a good man and has helped this company tremendously. If you continue to attack Mr. Gaines, Mr. Maddox won’t be the only one to lose his job at Boswell Energy.”
Harry’s eyes narrowed as he swiveled his gaze from Tiffany to Conrad and back again. “I can see the rumors about the two of you are correct, too. Not surprising, since it takes a rich snob, to know one.”
Tiffany opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, Harry raised his hand and continued. “And before you try to fire me, let me be the one to quit. I received a job offer from Daniel Maddox’s new start-up company, which considering the direction this company is headed, I have no desire to stick around.”
Harry turned on his heels and took off, leaving a flabbergasted Tiffany and Conrad in his wake.
“I can honestly say, I didn’t see that coming,” Conrad observed. “Man, that guy has a temper.”
“Looks like I dodged a bullet by refusing to go on a date with him, not to mention a potential wrongful termination complaint down the road.”
Conrad chuckled. “He did you a favor by quitting; good riddance to bad rubbish.”
Tiffany’s eyes grew round with surprise by Conrad’s statement, then her face scrunched up in the most adorable way right before she joined in and laughed with Conrad.
They spent the next hour talking with various employees and managers from the company, making the rounds. Several times, out of the corner of his eye, Conrad found Roger watching them. Each time, he seemed more irritated than the last time Conrad observed him. Why did he hate Conrad spending time with Tiffany so much? Their own father saw the merit of Conrad with Tiffany, why couldn’t Roger?
“I think I’ve had one too many glasses of punch,” Tiffany confessed. “I need to visit the ladies’ room. I’ll be back in a few minutes. Don’t get into any trouble while I’m gone.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Conrad teased with a lopsided grin. “But I can’t promise anyone else won’t want to start trouble with me.”
“Maybe you should just come with me,” Tiffany suggested with a weary sigh.
Pushing his hands in his pockets, he relented easily. “Lead the way. I’ll never pass up the chance to get a few minutes alone with you.”
They exited the tent and made their way over to the luxurious portable bathrooms. Leave it to the rich to be uppity enough to need high-end bathrooms even at the park. He’d been at events like this before, where the custom trailers sported suites for both women and men including hands-free pedal flush white ceramic china toilets, full vanities with granite countertops, air conditioning, and even a bathroom attendant for each suite.
“Will you wait for me here?” Tiffany requested, before turning to ascend the steps that led inside the ladies’ room.
He couldn’t help himself. The overwhelming need to kiss her pushed all rational thoughts out of his mind. Before she made it past the first step, he grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her back towards him.
“What…what are you doing?” Tiffany stammered out with surprise as she looked up into his eyes.
“I can’t let you escape without tasting those perfect lips,” he whispered, claiming her mouth with his own.
Tiffany was stiff at first, probably frightened by where they were, but within a couple of seconds, she relaxed and wrapped her arms around his neck. She leaned into his embrace, letting her own lips move with desire against his.
“You have to be kidding me,” Roger’s angry voice boomed right beside them.
Tiffany jerked back, her startled wide eyes darting between Roger and Conrad. A flush crept across her cheeks as her chin dipped down with embarrassment.
“I thought I told you not to go down this road, Tiffany. I understand you had to finish working with him, and you might have even felt bad for him, which is why you invited him to church, but to get romantically entangled with him is sheer stupidity. Why aren’t you listening to me when it comes to Conrad?” her brother asked in disapproval.
“What we do, or don’t do, is none of your concern,” Conrad growled out, not liking how Roger thought he had a right to interfere in their relationship. When was the man going to finally stop acting like he was better than Conrad, like he wasn’t good enough to date his sister?
“You’re wrong about that. She’s my little sister, which means everything she does concerns me.”
“She’s a grown woman and can take care of herself.”
“She needs pr
otecting from the likes of you,” Roger countered.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about. I care for Tiffany, very much.”
“I highly doubt it. You’re just using her to get at me. I have a good mind to go get security and have you escorted from the area,” Roger threatened.
“What, too afraid to do it yourself? Why am I not surprised? Sounds like the same old Roger Boswell, letting everyone else do his dirty work,” Conrad spat out scornfully.
Roger moved towards Conrad, a menacing glare in his eyes. Conrad readied himself for a fight, balling his fists up at his side. He half-hoped Roger would be rash enough to swing at him. Little did Roger know, he had been on the wrestling team in high school and had been so good he took the Florida State championship, and nearly the national one with it. He would mop the floor with Roger if he dared to make this confrontation physical.
Tiffany stepped in between them, placing her hands against both their chests. “Stop this right now,” she barked out at both of them. “This is ridiculous.”
“What’s ridiculous is you thinking being involved with Conrad Gaines is a smart idea,” Roger retorted. “I demand you break it off with him right now. The merger of his solar tech into the company is done, there’s no need for you two to see each other anymore.”
“You’re wrong, I care about Conrad. You need to accept that, and if you can’t, then we won’t have anything but a professional relationship, Roger.”
“You don’t mean that, Tiffany. I’m your brother. You can’t cut me out of your life, not over him.”
“It’s not up to me; how you decide to proceed will determine what type of relationship we have going forward,” Tiffany warned.
“I just want—”
Before Roger could finish, Celeste came up with a worried look on her face. She didn’t even comment on what she interrupted, but instead, asked, “Have any of you seen Marcus? I’ve been looking for him for several minutes and don’t know where he is. I thought he was playing with a group of boys on the field nearby, but when they came back to grab some food, he wasn’t with them.”