Her boss!

Christine stood in front of her mirror, adjusting the collar of her blouse and smoothing down the fabric of her fitted skirt. The soft light of the morning sun filtered through her window. Today was the day she had been looking forward to—her date with Eugene. She had chosen her outfit carefully, wanting to strike the perfect balance between casual and chic. With a final spritz of her favorite perfume, she grabbed her purse and headed out the door.

The restaurant was a quaint little tucked away on a quiet street, its outdoor seating adorned with twinkling fairy lights. As Christine arrived, she spotted Eugene waiting for her at a table, his face lighting up with a smile that sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach. He looked handsome in a crisp button-up shirt, his hair slightly tousled in that effortlessly charming way.

“Hey, you look amazing!” he said, standing to pull out her chair.

“Thanks! You’re not looking too shabby yourself,” she replied, her cheeks warming as she took a seat.

As they settled in, the conversation flowed easily, just like it had in high school. They reminisced about their awkward teenage years, the silly crushes, and the unforgettable moments that had shaped their friendship. Laughter filled the air as they exchanged playful jabs about their past selves—Eugene’s infamous dance moves at prom and Christine’s disastrous attempt at baking for the school bake sale.

“Remember when you tried to make those cupcakes and they turned out like little hockey pucks?” Eugene teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Christine laughed, shaking her head. “I still can’t believe you ate one anyway! You were so nice about it.”

“Someone had to be,” he grinned, leaning back in his chair. “But hey, I was just trying to be supportive!”

As they continued to share stories, the waiter approached to take their orders. Christine was about to ask Eugene what he wanted when her gaze drifted across the restaurant. That’s when she saw him—a tall, strikingly handsome man with chiseled features and an air of confidence that made her heart skip a beat. He was laughing with a group of friends, his smile infectious.

And then it hit her like a bolt of lightning. She recognized him instantly. It was the stripper she had slept with five years ago, just before she had left the country. The memory flooded back—his playful banter, the wild night they had shared, and the way he had made her feel alive in a way she hadn’t experienced before.

“Christine? You okay?” Eugene’s voice broke through her thoughts, pulling her back to the present.

She blinked, trying to shake off the surprise. “Uh, yeah! Just… um, I think I saw someone I know,” she stammered, her heart racing.

Eugene followed her gaze, his brow furrowing slightly. “Do you want to go say hi?”

“No! No, it’s fine,” she replied quickly, forcing a smile. “Let’s just order.”

But as they placed their orders, Christine couldn’t help but steal glances at the man across the room. Memories of that night flooded her mind, and she felt a mix of embarrassment and nostalgia. She was on a date with Eugene, the boy she had crushed on for years, yet here was a ghost from her past, reminding her of a different time in her life.

“Everything okay?” Eugene asked, concern etched on his face.

“Yeah, just… a little distracted,” she admitted, her mind racing. “Let’s just enjoy our meal.”

As they waited for their food, Christine tried to focus on Eugene, who was animatedly recounting a story from their high school days. But her thoughts kept drifting back to the handsome stranger, the memories of their night together swirling in her mind like a whirlwind. Would he recognize her? Would he come over? The tension in her chest grew, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that the past was about to collide with her present in a way she hadn’t anticipated.

"Why would he be here? Or is this just a coincidence? A lot of questions were going through her mind as she kept on staring at him.

******

The door of the restaurant swung open with a soft chime, and Reyes stepped inside. The rich aroma of grilled meats and spices filled his senses, mingling with the low hum of conversation and clinking of glasses. He scanned the room, his eyes landing on a table in the corner where a group of his business partners were already seated, their laughter filled the air

But as he moved deeper into the restaurant, he felt it—a gaze, sharp and unwavering, resting on him. It sent a shiver down his spine, a curious mix of intrigue and unease. He turned slightly, and there she was: a woman with striking features, her auburn hair cascading over her shoulders, framing a face that seemed both familiar and elusive.

Reyes squinted, trying to place her. Was it from a past meeting? A fleeting encounter at a conference? The more he stared, the more the memory danced just out of reach, teasing him with its familiarity.

He took a step closer, hoping to catch a whiff of her scent, something that might anchor the memory. But as he inhaled, he was met with a heavy cloud of perfume—sweet and floral, almost suffocating. It enveloped her like a veil, masking any trace of her true scent. He frowned slightly, frustration bubbling inside him.

With a resigned shake of his head, he turned away, dismissing the moment as he approached his partners. They greeted him with hearty smiles.

As the conversation flowed, Reyes tried to focus on the numbers and projections laid out before him, but the image of her face lingered at the edges of his thoughts, a puzzle he couldn’t quite solve. He stole another glance her way, but she was now engaged in conversation with a friend, her attention diverted.

He sighed, shaking off the distraction.

*******

Arriving home, the door creaked open, and before she could even set her bag down, a small whirlwind of energy rushed toward her. “Mommy!” Nadia squealed, her pigtails bouncing as she flung her arms around Christine’s waist.

“Hey, sweetheart!” Christine laughed, lifting her daughter off the ground and spinning her around. The familiar scent of crayons and the faint hint of bubblegum filled the air.

“Guess what?!” Nadia exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. “I made a picture for you! It’s a rainbow with a unicorn!”

“That sounds amazing! I can’t wait to see it,” Christine replied, her heart swelling with pride. She set Nadia down and knelt to meet her at eye level. “I have some news too. You’re going to start at a new school tomorrow!”

Nadia’s face lit up, her small hands clapping together. “A new school? With new friends? Can I have a unicorn backpack?”

Christine chuckled, brushing a stray hair behind her ear. “Of course! And guess what else? I’m starting a new job as a secretary. We’re both starting fresh!”

“Yay! We’re like superheroes with new powers!” Nadia declared, her imagination already soaring. “Can I be Super Rainbow Girl?”

“Absolutely! And I’ll be your sidekick, Miss Secretary!” Christine replied, her heart warming at the thought of their shared adventure.

As they settled onto the couch, Christine pulled out her phone to show Nadia the pictures of the school. They spent the next hour chatting, planning out their first day and dreaming up all the possibilities that lay ahead.

The next day came faster than she imagined. Christine stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her blouse—a crisp white shirt paired with a tailored navy blazer. She wanted to make a good impression on her first day at work, and the elegant outfit made her feel confident.

In the next room, Nadia was twirling in front of her own mirror, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Christine had chosen a lovely dress for her daughter—a bright yellow sundress adorned with tiny white flowers that danced as Nadia moved. Christine knelt down, fastening the last button on Nadia's dress and brushing a few stray hairs behind her ear.

"You look like a princess, sweetheart," Christine said, her heart swelling with pride.

Nadia beamed, her small hands clutching the hem of her dress. "And you look like a queen, Mommy!"

With a shared smile, they made their way to the car. Christine helped Nadia into her booster seat, fastening the straps securely before sliding into the driver’s seat. The car hummed to life, and they set off.

As they drove, Christine glanced at Nadia through the rearview mirror. "Are you excited for your first day of school?"

Nadia nodded vigorously. "I can’t wait to meet my new friends and play on the swings!"

Christine chuckled. She pulled up to the school, a cheerful building with bright colors around. "Okay, my little princess, here we are."

Nadia unbuckled herself and hopped out of the car, her backpack bouncing against her back. Christine watched as her daughter ran toward the entrance, her heart swelling with pride and a tinge of sadness. She took a deep breath, reminding herself that this was a new chapter for both of them.

After waving goodbye, Christine drove off, her mind racing with thoughts of her new job. The company was known for its innovative projects and vibrant culture, and she felt a mix of excitement and nerves as she approached the towering glass building.

Upon entering, she was greeted by a sleek, modern lobby. A friendly receptionist directed her to the elevator, and as the doors slid shut, Christine felt a flutter of anticipation in her stomach.

When she reached her floor, a woman in a smart business suit greeted her with a warm smile. "Hi, you must be Christine! I’m Sarah, the office manager. Let me show you to your office."

Christine followed Sarah through the open-concept workspace, her eyes wide as she took in the vibrant atmosphere. Employees were engaged in animated discussions, and the walls were adorned with inspiring artwork.

As they approached a large, glass-walled office, Sarah paused. "And here we are—your boss is waiting for you."

Christine’s heart raced as Sarah opened the door. She stepped inside, and her breath caught in her throat.