"I don’t have time for this discussion," Lena said brusquely.

Lena fussed with the collection of flowers for the third time. The vibrant display of textures and colors were magnificently displayed in a crystal bowl that had belonged to her grandmother.

"Mr. Handsome is coming over tonight, isn’t he?" Lynda probed. She scurried from behind the kitchen counter. "He’s interested if he sent you flowers within hours of your meeting today."

Lena stopped and gave her sister a "mind your own business" look. "He’s coming over to discuss business."

"You can’t throw away these golden opportunities," Lynda said forcefully. She glanced around and noticed that her sister had set the table. "At least you’re eating in the dining room. Where do you keep your candles?"

"Lynda," Lena mumbled.

Before she could utter a word of protest, her sister had vanished to the hallway closet. The distinct sound of boxes and toiletries being moved about came from behind her sister’s back.

Lynda had arrived on her doorstep moments after she had received the roses. Her sister had nearly jumped out of her $75 sneakers. She had immediately begun to ask her questions with the precision of a military general. It took several minutes to calm Lynda’s enthusiasm so Lena could confirm who had sent the flowers. Lena stubbornly admitted to herself that she had been surprised to receive the breathtaking spray of flowers. The note Gage had provided was even more unexpected.

Lena’s first reaction had been a warm feeling that had traveled straight to her heart. The alarm bells had begun to ring. The flowers and message was definitely an overture to move their acquaintance toward a more intimate one. Why didn’t she keep the mantra "this is not a date" firmly planted in her mind. Instead, she had the sinking feeling she was falling for this man.

"Hurray." Lynda’s muffled shout confirmed her success. "I found those darling crème candles with the angels. They’ll be gorgeous with your place setting."

Lena was too tired to stand up against the storm of her sister’s excitement. She could already feel the fatigue settling in from lack of sleep. She was certain that her sister’s plans for a romantic evening with Gage were a fantasy. Lena would be lucky to keep her eyes open until 9:00 p.m.

"Thank you," Lena said. Her resigned sigh should have been a hint, but Lynda did not seem to notice.

Foreign Affair - 34 >>>