Page 35 of Snowflakes and Ice Skates

I nodded as we zigzagged our way through the maze of tables and desks to the marketing department.

“You could start by finding and talking to Goldie.”

I cringed and move past the whiteboard wall to my desk. “That could take all day.”

She shrugged. “Half the office is gone this week. Matt should be grateful we showed up at all.”

That was partially true. It was the week between Christmas and New Year’s, and our floor was a ghost town. Most people took this time off to be with family, but those of us that didn’t have family nearby or the means to take off a week of work were still here, holding things together.

“We know he’s here, so now is really the best time to try to find him. There are fewer people to sort through.”

“Huh. Good point.”

She beamed. “I know. We can come up with some excuses for you to look around.”

That wouldn’t be too hard. Especially if I mentioned I was running an errand for Matt. It was believable, since his assistant, Peter, was out of town.

“Here. Take this up to the sales floor for approval from Gary. It’s the new backdrop for the tradeshow booth.” She handed me a folder, and I opened it, part of me doubting there was even anything in there. But sure enough, the papers were there.

Good, a real task.

“Thanks.” She moved past me to her desk, while I set the folder down next to my laptop and tried to get some actual work done.

I tried to focus on the pages of content I was supposed to be editing, but my mind was wandering. This crush was bordering on ridiculous. Sure, it provided a few of us with entertainment, but at some point, I needed to get over it.

If I didn’t find him today, I would move on.

That was reasonable. I’d give it my all for the rest of the day; then if it wasn’t meant to be, I’d accept it and move on.

I didn’t want to tell Matt or Cora though. They’d encourage me to keep trying, but I had to accept my pathetic state of loneliness and move on. After an hour of looking busy, I stood and picked up the file.

Cora looked up and winked. I made my way to the elevators and smoothed my hair and checked my makeup in the reflection. When I got in, I pressed the button for the tenth floor. My heart raced as the elevator rose. When the doors opened, I waved to the receptionist. I was pretty sure his name was Kenneth, but I didn't want to make a mistake. Luckily, he seemed to recognize me and didn’t question me as I walked past him.

I scanned the area, looking for the brown hair I’d memorized. There were maybe a dozen people on this floor, and none of them were Goldie. Undeterred, I sauntered to the corner office and knocked on Gary’s door.

“Come in.”

I pushed on the glass door and pasted on a smile. “Hi, Gary. I’ve got the new backdrop for your approval.” He didn’t look up from his computer, so I set the folder on his desk. I was going to walk out when he slid the folder closer.

He looked up and sighed. “Sorry, Taylor. I’m trying to wrap up the yearly numbers and something isn’t adding up.”

I appreciated that he was one of the few higher-up managers that took the time to get to know everyone’s name. I felt bad that he was having trouble, but numbers and sales were far out of my repertoire.

“I’m sorry. I wish I could help; maybe I can send up—”

“Don’t worry. I’ll get it figured out.” He opened the folder and smiled for the first time. “This is amazing. Tell Cora it’s perfect and I appreciate her making the changes I requested.”

“Of course.” I stepped back and turned.

“Oh, and Taylor?”

I glanced over as I pulled open the door. “Yeah?”

“Have a happy New Year.”

I couldn’t fight my grin. “Thanks, you too.”

As I walked back to the elevators, I looked around, going slower than normal. I thought he would be here. I really did. I was hoping fate would step in and reunite us. It was silly, but after thinking about him all day yesterday and last night, I hoped for amazing things.