Lost and Found

Chapter 8

Sydney got to the library the next day around noon. She walked towards the desk, seeing Natalie and Audrey sorting through a few books.

"Afternoon ladies," She said as she approached. "The elementary school returned their books I see."

Natalie smiled. "Yeah, about half an hour ago. But that wasn't the only thing dropped off today though."

Sydney looked at the woman. "We weren't scheduled for a delivery today."

Audrey snickered. "The delivery is on your desk."

Curious, Sydney went into her office. She walked in and saw a dozen long stem yellow roses on her desk. She smiled as she approached them. They lay on her desk in a light blue box with a white ribbon tied around it. She opened up the box and searched for a card. She sniffed their fragrance and found nothing. She placed them back in and looked at the top of her desk, thinking maybe it slipped off. She left the roses on her desk and walked back to the desk.

"Was there a card on top?" she asked the two women.

"Not that I saw," Natalie replied. "I assumed it was inside."

Sydney shook her head. "Nope. Kind of weird."

Audrey looked at her. "Like we don't know who they're from."

Sydney smiled. "Must be another thank you bouquet."

Audrey laughed. "If it was anyone else but you, I'd be jealous." Audrey gave her a wink. "So, how did the meeting go today?"

"Same as always. The mayor wants three tables this year though."

Natalie laughed. "Like he knows that many people."

Sydney and Audrey laughed. "Well, I told Larry that I'd see what I could do, since the RSVP deadline is next week. Who knows, maybe I'll have to charge more for an extra table."

"You're meeting with Kate next week, right?" asked Natalie. Sydney nodded. "Why won't they talk to you directly again?"

"Because they're political cowards that are afraid to speak to her directly," Audrey said as she piled her books into a cart.

"Oh yeah, I keep forgetting that," Natalie said as she and Audrey laughed.

"You two are impossible." Sydney turned and started walking away. "I'll be in my office going over the guest list and seating arrangements. Audrey, do you think you can look it over after I'm done?"

"Like you're going to forget anyone."

"Hey, you know me when it comes to these things. I can't make mistakes." She walked back into her office and put the flowers on a chair on the corner. She sat down and pulled her phone out of her purse before putting it in her drawer. She sat down and turned on her computer, pulling up last year's guest list. What we really need is new people, she thought to herself as she read over the names. Sure, these people always contribute well, but it still seems not to be enough. Sydney sighed as she started to print out the list. She started to look through her emails when her phone buzzed. She grabbed it and smiled at the incoming message.

Hey gorgeous

Bryce, she thought as her body involuntarily shuddered.

Hey stranger. Thanks for the flowers, they're beautiful

I didn't send you flowers. Did the card say they were from me?

Sydney frowned at her phone.

There was no card. I'm sorry, I assumed they were another thank you bouquet for last night. Must be a mistake then

She saw bubbles appear on and off the screen for a minute. Damn, I hope I didn't embarrass him.