Page 20 of Be-Leaf in Love

After I shower and change, I stride to the office at top speed. Nobody else is in yet. I don’t even start the coffeemaker before dropping into my desk to call up the security footage from yesterday.

I’ve never mentioned to the employees that we have the cameras. They’re so unobtrusive that they’re easily missed. In fact, other than when I was first setting them up last year, I’ve never needed to check them.

There’s a camera in Accounting, and I watch as Violet and Chad bring in the tables and large plants. She arranges them just so, then he leaves and she begins wiping the leaves down with a cloth, turning them slightly toward the window.

There’s Mark, who is indeed glaring at her slightly from his desk as he’s picking up his phone to make a call. I zoom in and crank the volume. The audio isn’t clear, but combined with the video, it’s easy to figure out he’s saying, “Hello, John. Yes. She’s here now.”

Ass.Hole. I would never have believed that the head of my accounting department would betray me.

He’s gone. Like, yesterday. It’s understood by the various department heads that my father is to be kept at arm’s length. Treated politely, but just barely.

I leave a voicemail with Kai in IT to revoke Mark’s access to every company computer and server immediately. Then I alert security that Mark is categorically not permitted in the building, and to let him know that any personal effects from his desk will be couriered to him this afternoon.

I don’t need to tell him why. He’ll know.

I find myself pacing circles around my office, staring out at the clouds that have sunk so low they’re almost at eye level.

I believe in what Violet and I have together. Yes, it’s fast, but it’s right, I’m positive about that. I’m also positive she feels that way as well, even if she’s nervous. She’s never dated before. Never dealt with this kind of situation. It would make sense for many men to put their business first.

She doesn’t understand that I am completely in control of this company. Nobody else’s opinion matters at all. Certainly not Dad’s, or Mark’s.

Spinning toward the door, I almost bump into Melati. She gracefully backs up a step, managing not to spill the coffee she’s holding. “You’re in early.”

“So are you.” I take the coffee, almost burn my mouth on the first few chugs, then set it on the desk. “Please tell me there’s nothing essential booked for today.”

“Hm. Several small things can be dropped, but you really should attend the charity event at the art gallery this afternoon. Even just walk through and shake hands for twenty minutes.” Her eyes widen when a smile spreads across my face.

“I’ll go. Tell them I’ll be bringing a date.”

15

VIOLET

My pencil drags looping circles in my sketchbook, half-heartedly trying to think of a new way to make discount bouquets look more appealing. My entire body feels like it’s made of lead, sinking into the chair.

I did this to myself. I wanted to believe in love so badly that I ignored reality staring me in the face. Jack and I are not one hundred percent compatible. We made a mistake. We need to prune off the damaged branches and move on.

I startle when Iris comes around the corner, setting a cup of tea on the edge of my desk. “It’s obvious you don’t want to talk about it,” she says gently. “But when you’re ready, we’re here.”

Jasmine pops her head up over a shelf full of spider plants that are putting out some adorable spiderettes. “You’re the first of us to have any serious boy trouble, so we probably won’t have any good advice. But we’ll try our best. “

“Thanks.” I sigh. “It’s just one of those things. Like a plant that looks amazing at first, but then you dig into the roots and see they’re rotten and realize it isn’t going to live more than a few weeks.”

“I’m sure it’s not that bad,” Iris says softly. “Maybe it’s…” She trails off, tilting her head toward the front of the shop.

We all hear Mom exclaim, “For me? How sweet. Of course. She’s right in the back. “

Even through the shelves filled with dense greenery, I can make out Jack striding into the room. He comes right over to my corner, flashing me the sexiest grin I’ve ever seen. Then he turns to Iris, handing her a box of those exquisite handmade chocolates. “Hello. I’m Jack.”

“Iris. Thank you.”

“Which would mean you are Jasmine.” He hands her an identical box as she beams at him.

Then she shoots me a look. “This the guy?”

“Yes.”

“Is he allowed to be here?”

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