Page 54 of Her Always Choice

“I’m sure that won’t be necessary,” Jordan stated. “I know for a fact that the ballroom is being remodeled next week.”

“How do you know that?” Mr. Nelson inquired.

“Because my company’s the one doing the remodel, actually whoever did it saved us some work. This will help rip up that carpet easier.”

“Did you know about this Melinda?” Ms. Simmons asked.

“I take care of all of our clients so yes, but as Jordan said, I’m not a magician. I don’t have the first clue about putting together a video like that let alone getting a sprinkler system to go off,” she said shaking her head lightly in disbelief.

“Then I’d say that about covers the issue, wouldn’t you?” Mr. Nelson said looking around at the management who’d come out to see them.

“Will this affect the bill for the remodel?” the manager asked Jordan.

“Not a bit and it’s a nice way to remember the old room,” he told them.

“I see no issues with it then; you’re welcome to use the room still; it appears the back of the stage area wasn’t affected though the floor might be wet.”

“I think we’ll just cancel the rest of the dance,” Mr. Nelson stated. “Alright ladies and gentlemen, prom’s over.”

“Wait…who won king and queen?” Stephanie asked.

“Well, I guess we could announce it here,” Ms. Simmons said opening the envelope. “A surprise twist, our king and queen are Mr. Tatum and Ms. Taube. Tate, Melinda, congratulations.”

Stephanie ripped the card out of her hand and screamed flinging it to the ground as she stormed off. Tate leaned down and picked it up staring at it with an amused look on his face.

“Now who the hell pulled this one off?” he asked handing it to her.

“Not a clue,” she told him, “but it looks like you’re queen-less.”

“Why’s that?”

“Well, I’m not really Melinda Taube anymore am I?”

“Fiddlesticks, come on queenie, dance with me,” he said taking her hand and twirling her out of Jordan’s arms.

“But there’s no music,” she teased.

“When have we ever needed music?” he countered twirling her until Jordan caught her and pulled her back into his arms.

“I think that’s enough dancing with my girl,” he said lightly but there was no mistaking the seriousness behind his words. “Shall we go home?”

“Yes please,” she grinned at him kissing Tate’s cheek as they passed by.

“You forgot your crown,” Ms. Simmons called out after them.

“I don’t need it. I have the best prize on my arm,” she said adding the last to solely Jordan.

“Well you’re the queen of the office, maybe you should have a crown.”

“Not unless you want me kicking your butt out the door.”

“Never,” he assured her proving precisely how much he didn’t want to let her go once they were home.

∞∞∞

“Come on Mel, we’re gonna be late,” Tate yelled at her as she pulled the door shut.

“I’m ready,” she said sliding into the car and kissing Jordan’s cheek. “Geesh you’d think someone wanted to graduate.”