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“So am I.”
They came full circle to the entrance of the factory again and removed their white jackets, hats, and caps. Kurtis waved at the man he’d spoken to before as he left the clothing on a table. He opened the exit door, but didn’t hold it for her this time. He stepped through first and peeked back and forth before motioning for her to follow him.
She wasn’t sure why that bothered her. He was acting a little strange. But then he led her to the front of the building again, and they walked in like normal.
“Did he die?” Genevieve asked, thinking back to the story about Ephraim.
“Who?”
“Ephraim’s father.”
“Yeah. He had lung cancer and passed away before he got to see all of his son’s success.”
“That’s so sad.”
“I’m sure he’s looking down from Heaven with great pride.”
She liked that he had said that.
“You go on ahead,” Kurtis told her. “I have one quick thing that requires my attention, and then I’ll be up.”
“Uh, okay.” She wondered what thing he had to do.
“See you in a few.”
She watched him walk down the hallway toward the executive elevator—the one they had taken the other day to the roof. She wondered why he kept using that elevator? It seemed there was a lot about him and his work there that she didn’t know yet. She was sure she’d learn over time. Maybe since he’d been there for ten years already, he had earned the right to certain perks. Maybe he was considered a prized employee—Employee of the Year, like he’d joked.
She let out a sigh and took the plain old employee elevator to the marketing floor. This time when she reached her office, there was a new name plate on the door that read “Genevieve Willis. Event Coordinator, Schultz Foundation.” It made her giddy to finally see that there.
And then she noticed a small white box in the center of her desk with a shiny gold bow on top. She lifted the top of the box to find a brand new iPhone within.
“You said you didn’t have a smart phone,” Kurtis said from the doorway.
She gave him a look of disapproval. “I didn’t say that so you’d go buy me one.”
“I know you like your old fashioned ways.” He walked over to stand beside her and tapped his finger against the notepad on her desk.
A giggle escaped her. “Yes, I do.”
“But the company likes everyone to have them.”
“Oh.” It disappointed her a little that the phone hadn’t actually come from Kurtis.
“Look under the phone.”
She lifted the phone and a layer of tissue paper to reveal a sturdy looking phone case in pink with the silhouette of a cowgirl barrel racing.
“That’s from me,” he told her. “I hope the color’s okay.”
“It’s perfect.” Nobody had ever given her such a thoughtful gift. Kurtis made her feel so special, and before she thought about what she was doing, she wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him, resting her cheek against his chest.
He nearly stumbled back, but then his arms moved around her shoulders and held her to him. She thought she felt him kiss the top of her head softly, but she couldn’t be sure.
“I’m glad you like it, Genevieve.” His voice was deeper than usual and vibrated through her body.
“Thank you, Kurtis.” She pulled back and let go, even though she didn’t want to. Being in his arms felt good. It felt right.
But when she looked at him again, his expression wasn’t what she expected. He seemed uncomfortable, awkward even, and she wondered if she’d crossed a line past professional that she shouldn’t have.