“Knock much?” Claudia retorted.
“Sorry,” Octavia said sheepishly, “I was getting ready to knock, but I saw the door open.”
Claudia exhaled a deep breath. “You’re fine. I’m sorry didn’t mean to snap.”
“I wouldn’t call that a snap, but you’re good. What’s wrong? Anything I can help with?”
Claudia compressed her lips. “Unfortunately no. I’m grateful for the interruption. It’s past time for me to get my head out of the clouds.”
A sly smile spread across Octavia’s lips. “Would it have anything to do with one of those to die for Rose brothers? Because if so, I can definitely understand.”
Claudia’s mind went back to the moment she saw Jaden on the dance floor with Octavia. She pretended like she didn’t see him coming, but the truth of the matter was, she’d observed his every step.
“They have you under their spell, too?” Claudia asked.
Octavia laughed, her curly afro bobbing as her amusement increased. “Yeah,” she spoke. “That Jonathon may be a one of a kind.”
Claudia was relieved that Octavia had set her sights on another brother. She didn’t know how she would feel otherwise.
“I think they’re all one of a kind. Brothers, but definitely different. Are you and Jonathon going out?”
Octavia twisted her lips back and forth while she thought. “I wouldn’t say we’re going out, but he has asked me on a date.”
“Mmmm,” Claudia said waving her deeper into the office. “Why don’t you have a seat and give me the details. I’d love to take my mind off Jaden.”
“No, you wouldn’t.”
They chuckled. Octavia took a seat. “Jonathon seems to think, we’ve met before. But I would remember a man like him.”
“Are you sure? I know you’re a hot commodity these days. I’ve seen what, three good looking men come in to take you to lunch?”
Octavia giggled. “What can I say, I’m young and full of fun.”
The ladies laughed again.
“Sure you are, and you’re right to mingle. No need to look for anything serious.”
Octavia nodded. “Well, Jonathon will be the fifth man you see take me out to lunch. And although I’m having fun right now, I’m not stupid enough to let a catch like Jonathon get past me.”
“How do you know he’s a catch?” Claudia asked. “Just because Rose is a household name doesn’t mean he isn’t a dog. If anything, those are the ones you have to be most careful about because they can have anyone they want.”
“I don’t know,” Octavia mused. “Jonathon doesn’t seem like the type. But I guess the only way for me to know for sure is after a few dates.”
“It will take more than a few dates to find that out.”
“It didn’t for Samiyah.”
Claudia thought about Octavia’s statement. It was true. Samiyah and Jonas fell hard for each other quickly. It had taken all of two months for Jonas to propose. The ink on Samiyah’s divorce from her previous marriage had barely dried.
“I guess you’re right about that.” Claudia shrugged, “What do I know? Go with your heart girl.”
“That I plan to do. Do you need me to file those papers?”
There was a knock at the door, and both ladies looked up.
“Delivery for Claudia Stevens,” Selena Strauss said walking into the room with a bouquet of pink and white long stem roses.
Claudia blushed, smitten by the generous gift. “For moi?”