Shocking Sapphires - Ann Omasta Page 0,43

my annoyance with people who refused to deal with anyone but the manager for even the simplest things.

The delivery man approached, wheeling a heavily loaded dolly. “Molly Malone?” At my nod, he asked, “Where do you want this?”

“What is it?” I asked, perplexed by the large, draped shape. It didn’t look like any of our usual orders.

After righting the dolly, the man dramatically swept the white sheet away. I stared in awe at the amazing sight before me. My palm lifted to my mouth as I tried to absorb what I was seeing.

Avery was the first to speak. Her tone sounded as dumbfounded as I felt. “It looks like a Converse Christmas tree.”

The tall structure was overflowing with more colors of Converse tennis shoes than I had ever even imagined were possible. They peeked out from the middle creating a bright, beautiful rainbow of awesome shoes.

Avery stood to inspect inside one of the shoes before turning to me and saying, “Size 7… He’s good.”

“You have no idea.” I beamed at my friend.

Clearly uncomfortable with my unsubtle sexual innuendo, the delivery man shoved a card in my direction before asking, “Should I take them to the alternate address?”

When he rattled off my apartment’s address, I nodded and thanked him.

He whirled around to leave. I couldn’t wipe the wide grin off my face as I watched him wheel away my unique, thoughtful, and useful gift.

“Read the card,” Avery encouraged me, once the delivery guy was out of sight.

I ripped into the envelope and stared down at the wonderful words written in Grant’s messy scrawl. Last night was the best night of my entire life. I can’t wait to spend many more fantastic nights with you. You’ve stolen my heart, Molly Marie Malone. Love, G.

This note was too personal to share with Avery, so I folded it and tucked it inside my apron pocket––certain that I would reread his marvelous words until I had them memorized.

When I looked back across the table to my friend, the unabated joy must have been visible on my face because she said, “I take it this note was better than the last one.”

“Much,” I agreed as my friend patted my hand before getting up to go.

35

Grant

The last thing I wanted was to move too fast and scare Molly off, but I craved a permanence with her that I’d never had any desire for with anyone else.

During a break from filming, I called her at work––needing to hear her voice and wanting to secure concrete plans to see her again.

She thanked me profusely for the Converses. I couldn’t wait until she had time to really inspect them and see the special edition ones that couldn’t be bought in stores. The delight in her tone made me want to send her creative gifts every single day for the rest of our lives. She deserved it, and I wanted nothing more than to make her happy.

“Will you meet me at Bristol Bluff after your work shift ends tonight?” I asked her, hoping that my rash decision wasn’t going to make her feel pressured.

Her tone sounded surprised and uncertain, even though she quickly agreed.

Preferring to discuss it in person, I said that I was needed on the set and quickly ended our phone conversation.

I spent the rest of the afternoon trying, rather unsuccessfully, to keep my nerves at bay. My jitters were making me cranky, which caused everyone to practically tiptoe around me––everyone except Kristen, of course. That woman wouldn’t let me get by with anything.

Immediately after the director called, “Cut,” Kristen let out an undignified and unladylike burp. She waved a hand dramatically in front of her mouth and winced as she said, “Oh, those red hotdogs get me every time.”

“Charming,” I snapped, for once not enjoying our ridiculous game.

“What is your problem?” She asked, glaring down at me. When I didn’t immediately answer, she added, “You’re as grouchy as an old bear today. Do you need to get laid, or what?”

I turned away from her, hoping that she wouldn’t be able to read my face, but we’d been friends far too long for that to work.

“Hold on,” she practically squealed. “That’s not it at all, is it? Are you in love?”

“Is it written across my damn face?” I grouched, but I couldn’t keep the smile from emerging.

She beamed at me and said sincerely, “Congratulations. Whoever she is, she’s one lucky lady.”

“Let’s hope she thinks so,” I said as I rolled away and wondered how Molly would react to my