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“And what was that?”

“Tree.”

That makes her smile. “It’s a great first word.” Holding a brooch in the shape of a daisy, she says, “This is the one.”

“My grandfather gave that to my grandmother the day she gave birth to my mom. He told her when he saw it in the store, he knew he was having a daughter. My mom’s name was Daisy.”

Rubbing my arm, she says, “Andrew told me about your parents. I’m very sorry.”

“Thank you.” Surprisingly, I feel relieved he told her. It’s not something I want to go into every time someone finds out. I would have for Cookie, but I’m glad I don’t have to.

“This brooch is so beautiful, like your mom’s name.” She pins it, not asking if the diamonds are real or crystals. I have a feeling she knows just from looking at it because she says, “I believe in wearing our fine jewelry without waiting for occasions. Every day should be celebrated.”

I like Cookie. Just like Natalie said I would. She has a personality you’re drawn to, something in her aura that tells you she’s kind. I’ve missed having a mother figure around. I know that I’ve actually been very lucky having Gil and Nancy. They’ve given me a sense of family, even more so than my own parents did if I’m honest. I click more with Gil, though. Sports, people-watching, donuts. He and I just understand each other so easily. But I’ve missed a mother’s presence in my life. Not that I think Cookie will be that for me, as there’s no promise of forever with Drew. But if I were to wish for someone, it would be someone like Cookie. “Can I ask you something crazy?”

“The crazier, the better is right up my alley.”

I couldn’t ask just anyone, but based on the list she made Drew, I feel safe to assume I can ask her. “Do you believe our course is set before we’re born?”

Her gaze moves past me to the windows as she remains still in thoughtful repose. When her eyes return to me, she says, “I think destiny plays a part, but you have to have an open heart and mind.” With a laugh, she adds, “I’m sure you were warned about me. My sons and husband are more on the . . . how should we say, serious side of life. I think that’s why they were drawn to their professions.” Sifting through the open jewelry box, she finds dainty pearl earrings. “Classically beautiful.”

As I put them on, she says, “The guys think they’re humoring me, but it only takes one unexplainable event to occur, and they’re coming to me wanting to know what it means.” I slip on my heels as she sits in a blue velvet chair I have in the corner. “My husband trusts my instincts and now carries a crystal in his pocket. He’ll be the first to say it was his hard work and my faith that it would all work out. Nick . . .” Her bond is revealed in a smile for herself.

We walk back out. “What happened with Nick? He and Natalie seem like the perfect match.”

I grab a water bottle, and she stands at the island, and says, “They are. They have such a wonderful energy together. I knew if I could get him to open his eyes, he’d see what the universe was telling him. When he finally did, he met Natalie. It’s quite a love story. I’ve encouraged her to write a book about it. The third time was a charm for them. No matter how many obstacles were thrown in their path, they just never got over each other.”

“Sounds like a fairy tale come true,” I say as I fill my bottle from the fridge spout.

She holds the straps of my bag before her. “You have yours already written in the stars. Going back to your original question, I believe in destiny, but sometimes, it needs a helping hand.”

Taking the bag, I settle it on my shoulder. “You never told me about Drew. What was his first word?”

Pride bubbles up, and she says, “Leaf.”

Leaf.He’s speaking my language.

It’s tempting to tell her about our other connection, the one with the science fair project and my parents. Not to mention how we first met, when I rambled on about removing grass stains, but since he asked me not to, I keep that to myself.

Not so subtly, she says, “I hear you’re interested in botany?”

* * *

I hitcheda ride with the boss.

It was my idea to be dropped off a block before we reached the building to be on the safe side. He refused at first but changed his mind when I promised to make it up to him by wearing his favorite shoes next time in bed or on the kitchen island. The location is yet to be determined.

I’m seated at my desk when he comes from his office, and says, “The lobby looks nice, Ms. Jacobs.”

“Thank you.”

I look around, almost forgetting that all those plants had homes on the two floors of CWM, but I hadn’t had time to place them in their new homes in the office the morning they arrived. Also, the jungle vibe seemed to bother him, and I have a soft spot for that side of Andrew. So I might have accidentally on purpose forgotten to correct his assumption regarding the wildlife habitat in the lobby.

When I think about it, maybe I should be offended that he actually thought I’d leave a ficus mingling with a bamboo palm. My God, I’d have to be a lunatic to group a Dracaena with a Fiddle-leaf. They originated from completely different parts of Africa.

It’s probably best if I let that go, though.

He lingers in the doorway while I take a call. After I transfer it, he asks, “Do you mind sitting in on my meeting this morning?”