Her Heart's Desire

A warm smile brightened her face. “Anytime.”

For the second time that week, Tiffany found herself staring as he walked out of the store.

The phone rang, causing Tiffany to almost jump out of her skin. She picked it up.

“Hi, honey. You’re not busy, are you?”

“No, Ms. Jeannie. What’s up?”

“I wanted to make sure you’re coming to the party tonight.”

“Like I would miss Milán and Adrian’s anniversary party. Of course I’ll be there,” Tiffany said.

“Great. Are you bringing a date? If you’re not, I’ve got a few prospects.”

Sometimes Norma Jean was overzealous in her matchmaking quest. And it seemed it was too late to dissuade her now.

“Ms. Jeannie,” Tiffany began, “I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but—”

“Trust me, dear. It’ll work out great. I promise. Now don’t be late.”

Before Tiffany could say another word, Norma Jean had hung up.

A blind date was the last thing on her mind, but getting that point across to Norma Jean was more impossible than keeping shoppers orderly at a Bath & Body Works semiannual sale.

*

Ivan opened the door to his parents’ two-story home and flipped the light on. He juggled car keys, his grandmother’s gift and a large brown paper bag. Kicking the door shut with his foot, Ivan set everything but the bag on the hall table.

“I’m home,” he called out.

“Down in a minute,” his brother replied from upstairs.

He went in the kitchen for plates, silverware and beers. Back on the couch, he took his carryout dinner out of its bag and assembled his meal.

Cole Mangum walked into the room. “Hey.” He picked up the remote and turned the television on before sitting next to his brother.

“Hey, yourself.”

“It’s Friday night,” Cole pointed out.

“Yeah, and?”

“What are you doing home?”

“Cole, I’m home every night,” his brother replied in a dry tone. “What are you doing home?”

“Waiting to see what’s for dinner,” he joked.

“Thai food,” Ivan replied, while dumping a mound of shrimp pad thai onto his plate. “I got your favorite.”

“Cool, thanks.”

Cole picked up a plate and helped himself to red curry with chicken. He strategically spooned it over his brown rice.

They ate in silence until Cole asked, “How’s work going? It’s been a few weeks since you’ve had an assignment. Aren’t you getting restless?”

“No. Helping people out while I’m here has kept me busy. In fact, I’m working on an alarm system now for a small boutique owner, Tiffany Gentry. I’ll need your help on it, by the way.”