Your Heart's Desire (15 page)

“It must be from Tom Stephens.” Evelyn stated this as if she knew it for a fact.

“Oh, really?”

“Yes. We assumed the other heart was from him,” Miss Thornton confided, “but it seems we were wrong. I guess that was from someone else.”

“Probably someone from the assembly line,” Evelyn said with authority.

“Probably old Walt.” Miss Thornton giggled. “I heard he fancies you.”

“Anyway, I just wanted to tell you congratulations on snagging Tom. Based on the size of that candy box, he must be very interested. I'm guessing that boy won't be available much longer.” Evelyn jabbed Miss Thornton with her elbow. “And there are some girls who weren't too happy to hear about that.”

“Oh, brother.” Miss Thornton rolled her eyes. “Is nothing sacred?”

“Anyway, I also wanted to say no hard feelings.” Evelyn gave Caroline a catty smile. “So if I said something to offend you the other day…well, my apologies.” She laughed. “Once you get to know me, you'll realize that I tend to speak first and think later.”

“One of your greatest charms,” Miss Thornton teased.

“So, really, no hard feelings.” Evelyn smoothed her platinum hair. “And good luck with Tom. Really, he's a nice guy. Good catch.”

Caroline was too stunned to respond, and as she walked to her office, she wondered which of them belonged in the nuthouse now. But instead of trying to figure out that crazy conversation, she focused on getting Mr. Hancock his coffee and completing her morning chores.

It wasn't until lunchtime that she learned from Mrs. Gallagher that Mr. Gordon had made an emergency trip to a chocolate supplier in South America and wouldn't be back until Wednesday night. But, as far as Mrs. Gallagher knew, no one had been laid off yet. “I think the VPs decided to wait until after Valentine's Day,” she said quietly.

“Valentine's Day is just three days away,” Doris said. “I can't wait to find out who's behind some of those Heart's Desire candy boxes.”

“That will be fun,” Mrs. Gallagher said.

“The engagement pool has been growing this week,” Doris told them. “Rumor has it that Mr. G is going to propose to Miss Stuart when he gets back from his trip.”

“That should be very romantic,” Caroline said stiffly.

“Now tell us about Tom Stephens.” Doris lowered her voice. “Is it true?”

“Is what true?”

“That he's going to pop the question? That you'll be engaged, too?”

“No, of course not.” Caroline firmly shook her head. “I barely know the man. That's just another stupid rumor.”

“That's what I told her.” Mrs. Gallagher turned to Doris with a knowing smile. “Best not to listen to idle gossip, dear.”

“But why would he get Caroline such a huge, impressive heart?” Doris asked.

“How do you know it's from him?” Mrs. Gallagher demanded.

“I heard it from a good source. Someone who saw him picking it out.”

“Oh…?” Mrs. Gallagher's brow creased. “Well, I suppose time will tell.”

Caroline didn't know what to think. Was it possible that Tom Stephens really was behind the mysterious heart? And if he was, what did she think about it? And, really, she didn't have time to worry about Tom Stephens right now. That was truly the least of her problems. Everyone knew that Miss Bentley's six-week recovery time ended this week. And that meant Caroline would soon be unemployed.

Chapter 16

The next two days
passed uneventfully, except for a phone call Wednesday from Miss Bentley announcing that she planned to return to work Thursday, Valentine's Day. “But I do hope you'll stick around for the day,” Miss Bentley cheerfully said. “I already spoke to Mr. Hancock and he felt it was a good idea. We can both work together, and you can fill me in on everything. That way you'll get to enjoy the Valentine's Day festivities before you leave.”

Caroline reluctantly agreed, but as she walked home that evening, she felt certain she'd made a mistake. Perhaps she'd go into work in the morning, meet Miss Bentley, explain a few things, then say her goodbyes and go home. The last thing she wanted was to be forced to wear a cheerful smile as she “enjoyed the festivities,” knowing that it was her last day on the job. Not only that, but these rumors about Tom Stephens were getting way out of hand. The idea of the attractive, mild-mannered man in Sales being her secret admirer was partially flattering, but mostly unsettling. How would she react if she discovered he was behind the Your Heart's Desire display? What would she say to him? If she took her sister's advice, she and Tom would be dating soon, planning a wedding by summer. But she did not feel ready for that. Not at all!

She found Joe in their apartment, working on the Valentines that he was expected to exchange with his classmates the following day. “Need any help?” she asked as she removed her hat.

“I'm almost done.” He held up a card with a bear on it. “This one's for Jimmy. ‘I can't bear to be without you.'” He chuckled. “Get it?”

“Yes.” She made a forced smile. “Cute.”

“Are you sad, Mom?”

“No,” she said quickly. “I think I'm just tired.”

“Did you figure out who your secret admirer is yet?” he asked with a twinkle in his blue eyes.

Now her smile turned genuine, remembering the sacrifice he'd made to get her the box of chocolates. “Not exactly. But I've sure had fun trying to figure it out. And I can't wait to open that box of chocolates. I hear they're a good selection.”

“Yum!” He eagerly smacked his lips. “Do you get to have it tomorrow?”

“That's the plan.” She hadn't told Joe about the other box—the gigantic one that everyone assumed was from Tom Stephens. So much was being said about it that she was almost starting to believe it herself.

“Is this your last week to work at the chocolate factory?” Joe's eyes darkened with concern.

“I'm afraid so.”

“Are you worried, Mom?”

“I suppose I'm a little concerned.” She unbuttoned her jacket. “But I've put my application in at a lot of places. And once I'm not working, I'll have time to go around town and talk to people. I'm sure that something will open up.” She smiled. “Remember how I walked into MG Chocolates and got a job the same day?”

“Yeah.” He nodded eagerly. “I bet that's what will happen again.”

She ran her hand over his hair, looking at how neatly he was writing his classmates' names on the envelopes. “Those look very nice, Joe.”

“Thanks. And I helped Danny do his Valentines already. He only has twelve kids in his class. I have twenty-two.”

The next morning, Caroline put on the periwinkle suit as well as her “party” face. Determined to end her short stint at the chocolate factory with grace and style, she had decided to put in a full day's work—without a single complaint or frown for anyone. Not even Evelyn. As far as that business about Tom Stephens, well, she had decided to simply put it out of her mind. Or, like Scarlett O'Hara, she would think about it tomorrow.

Besides, she reminded herself as she carefully styled her hair in the way that Marjorie had taught her, she and Joe could use the extra money from a few extra hours of work. Who knew when another paycheck would come her way.

“I have a little Valentine's Day present for you.” She held the baseball mitt behind her back as Joe emerged from the bathroom, with his hair all neatly combed into place.

“Really?” His brows arched. “I, uh, I have something for you, too. But I'll give it to you later…okay?”

She grinned. “Okay. Now guess which hand.”

He pointed to the right one, and she held out the package. “Happy Valentine's Day, Joe.”

As he peeled off the brown paper, he let out a happy yelp. “Thanks, Mom! This is amazing! It's exactly the mitt I wanted! Thank you so much!” He hugged her tightly.

“You've been such a good sport about everything. The move here and helping with Danny.” She leaned down and kissed his forehead. “Thanks!”

“I can't wait to show this to Jimmy.” He eagerly grabbed his jacket. “Do you care if I leave early?”

“Not at all.” She dangled the paper sack of Valentines. “Don't forget these.”

She told him to have a good day and, still relishing the look of pure joy in his eyes, took her time walking to work. She planned to enjoy this day fully—the warmth of the sunshine on her back, the sounds of the birds flitting through the trees, the cheerful plants and flowers blooming along the way. California truly was a wonderful place, and despite knowing she would be jobless by the end of the day, she did not regret this move. Not one bit.

Caroline knew from what Mrs. Gallagher had said that Mr. Gordon would be back from his trip by now. She also knew that, as usual, a special catered luncheon would be served in the break room. And, unlike her experience with the New Year's Eve luncheon, she planned to partake and enjoy this one fully. Even if Evelyn showed up with a huge diamond ring and the “happy” news that she and Mr. G were engaged, Caroline would manage to keep her party face in place to the end of the day. Oh, she knew this was extremely unlikely, but somehow it comforted her to know that she could face the very worst if she had to. She just hoped that she didn't have to.

As she went into the building, she grew curious about the oversized heart with her name on it. Despite her resolve not to think about it, she knew she would have to face facts sometime today. What would she do if it really was from Tom Stephens? How would she act when this was revealed? Already, due to her own embarrassment, she'd gone out of her way to avoid him of late. And, unless she was mistaken, he seemed to be avoiding her, too. Or else he was feeling shy. Whatever the case, it was probably a good thing this was her last day, since she had no idea how to handle this unsettling dilemma. Someone in this company really ought to read page nineteen in the employee manual.

As usual, the display case was surrounded by female workers, still twittering with speculations and expectations, pointing out a few boxes of candy that had been added since yesterday. Instead of ignoring the women, like usual, Caroline tossed out a friendly greeting, then headed for the elevator, where Doris was waiting with several others.

“I can't believe it's your last day,” Doris said quietly as they rode up. “Are you okay?”

Caroline gave her a bright smile. “I'm perfectly fine. Thank you for asking.”

But as soon as she went into the production department, she felt a wave of dismay. There, sitting at what had previously been her desk, was an attractive brunette. “You must be Mrs. Clark.” She rose to shake hands. “I'm Miss Bentley.”

“Welcome back.” Caroline twisted the handle of her handbag, unsure what to do.

“Go ahead and put your things away,” Miss Bentley instructed. “I already got Mr. Hancock his coffee. And he informed me there would be a company-wide meeting first thing this morning. Down on the production floor.”

“Oh.” Caroline went to the closet, finding a new spot for her things.

“I saw the display case downstairs. Looks like you've been having some fun around here.” Miss Bentley winked. “That huge heart for you—I hear it's from Tom Stephens.” She made a mock frown. “And a lot of the girls are furious. Including me. I've had my eye on Tom Stephens, too.”

“I honestly don't think it's from him,” Caroline explained. “We've barely exchanged words.”

Miss Bentley waved a hand. “Oh, that's okay. I'm just glad that Mr. G isn't taken, too. Everyone keeps saying he and Miss Stuart will get engaged one of these days. I was worried it might've happened while I was gone.” She laughed merrily.

Fortunately, it was time for the company meeting and Caroline was spared more of Miss Bentley's romance chatter. But as Caroline watched Mr. Gordon stepping onto a wooden crate, preparing to make some sort of speech, she felt a catch inside of her heart. And she knew that, in so many ways, she wasn't much different than Miss Bentley…or any of them. She was a romantic, too. And seeing Mr. Gordon just now filled her with some very mixed emotions.

Instead of giving in to these unsettling feelings, she kept a pleasant smile on her face, listening as he described his recent trip. “And I have good news for everyone,” he said happily. “We have just landed a huge account. That's why I visited our cocoa suppliers, to make sure we can fulfill it.” He went on to explain how well everything was working out and how the company needed to retain all the assembly line employees, and how everyone could celebrate that their jobs were secure. Well, everyone but her, Caroline thought glumly, as he finished his speech by reminding everyone of today's celebratory lunch. They all let out a loud cheer—including Caroline. Although her heart was not in it.

“Isn't that wonderful?” Miss Bentley said as they returned to the office. “I'd heard things were getting rough around here. A lot of folks expected to be out of work by the end of the week.”

“Yes, it's very good news.” Caroline forced a smile. “I'm so relieved for everyone.”

She spent the next hour bringing Miss Bentley up to date on the state of the production office and explaining why she'd rearranged some of the files. “Of course, you can put it all back if you like.”

“No, I think this makes sense.” Miss Bentley paused to answer the phone. “Yes, Mrs. Gallagher, I'll let her know right now. Thank you.” She hung up the phone and turned to Caroline. “You're wanted in Mr. Gordon's office. Sounds like it's related to the termination of your job.” She made a sympathetic face. “Sorry.”

“Oh, well.” Caroline made a half shrug. “I better go then.” As she walked around the catwalk toward the president's offices, she felt a tiny glimmer of hope. It didn't make sense that Mr. Gordon would call her to his office to terminate her job. That would be up to Mr. Stokes. Perhaps Mr. Gordon planned to offer her another position. And in light of this morning's speech, it seemed reasonable.

Mrs. Gallagher greeted her warmly. “Go right in. He's expecting you.”

“Good morning, Mrs. Clark.” Mr. Gordon stood as she entered his large and handsomely decorated office. She returned his greeting, giving him a pleasant smile as she attempted to ignore the fluttery feeling inside of her chest. “Please, have a seat.”

“Thank you.” She sat down, smoothing her skirt with her hands. “Congratulations on the new account. That was wonderful news for everyone.”

His face lit up. “It's a
huge
relief. The last thing I wanted to do was to let people go.” Now he got more serious. “Which brings me to your situation, Mrs. Clark. I hear that Miss Bentley has returned and this is your last day.”

She nodded. “That's right. But I've really enjoyed my time here.”

“There's a rumor going around, Mrs. Clark, about you and Tom Stephens.” His dark eyes twinkled with what seemed mischief.

“But I already told you that wasn't true,” she said a bit defensively.

“I'm not talking about the box of chocolates from your son. I'm talking about the huge heart-shaped box.” He tapped his fingers on the desktop, watching her. “You're certain
that's
not from Tom?”

“I guess I can't be certain. But I have no reason—well, aside from gossip—to believe that it is.”

“Do you know who it's from?”

She felt a fluttering in her heart as she shook her head. “No…”

“It must be from someone who's very interested in you…”

She felt a warm surge go through her. “It would seem so.”

“And you're not the least bit curious as to who it might be?”

“Of course I'm curious.” She sat up straighter. “And that brings me to something that's been bothering me lately, Mr. Gordon, something I read in the employee manual. In fact, I was instructed to read it specifically.”

“What's that?”

“Page nineteen. It says that romance in the workplace is grounds for immediate termination. I don't understand how you can encourage that Heart's Desire display case without contradicting the rules in the manual.”

“That's just what Mrs. Gallagher was telling me.” He chuckled. “And you make a good point.” His face grew serious. “For that reason, I am forced to terminate you, Mrs. Clark.”