Finding Love

CHAPTER 11

Secrets

Ruth tried calling Thomas to invite him over to dinner. She felt guilty neglecting him over the past few weeks because she was so busy with work. She smelled the roses he had sent earlier that day with the words "Miss you. I love you." As she started to pack up for today Spencer walked near the door. He was impressed with Ruth's work ethic and character. The past few weeks she was relentless and committed to the story. Right away he saw beauty and humility in a woman that was very rare. When he first met her he was impressed with her work, gorgeous, warm smile, and bright brown eyes. Ruth was breathtaking and beautiful. If he was not dating his current girlfriend he would have given the guy Ruth was dating a run for his money. 

"What a radiant smile! Who is the lucky guy?" Spencer teased her as he witnessed Ruth smelling the roses. Ruth blushed and grinned after being caught red-handed. "I looked at the story," Spencer started intentionally building up to a climax. Ruth looked up at him hanging on to his every word. Spencer smiled, "Ruth Dawkins, Congratulations! You exceeded my expectations. The article was fantastic. Keep up the good work," he clapped.  "Thank you," Ruth said well pleased. 

Ruth Whatsapp Thomas and headed home really excited about her successful day. When the message came through Thomas got up out of bed and smiled. He saw the miscalls and WhatsApp from Ruth. Joanna looked on jealous watching how his face lit up receiving the message from Ruth. "When will I see you again?" she asked watching him get dressed. "I will call you," he said heading out the door. Joanna was angry that he was treating her as if what they shared was nothing.

Back to You

When Thomas walked inside the apartment Ruth embraced him. "I missed you so much," she confessed. "I miss you too Ruth," Thomas said melting in her embrace. "Thank you for the flowers," she smiled.  "You are very welcome," he continued to grin as he took her hands. "My hard work paid off. The boss loved my lead story," she said with much enthusiasm. "Congratulations" Thomas cheered her on. Thomas was so proud of her. "We have to celebrate," he announced embracing her another time. Thomas spent the rest of the evening with Ruth. They talked and enjoyed each other's company. Ruth invited him to the office party. She was excited to share more time with him. 

New Problems Emerge

The office party got off to a good start. Ruth and Serenity both got drinks for their dates.  Steven smiled as Serenity passed him some cider. Together they walked away as Serenity mingled with a few of her colleagues. Thomas enjoyed the atmosphere for the most part and stood close by Ruth. He was not interested in small talk and preferred to spend time alone with Ruth. Ruth was surprised by his silence most of the night and wondered if something was wrong. Thomas was a bit annoyed when he saw Spencer Donaldson watching him and Ruth the entire evening.  

Spencer finally approached them prompting a smile from Ruth. Ruth felt him Thomas tensed up beside her. She was confused by his reaction as she was seeing another side to the man she loved. "Ruth, how are you?" Spencer asked still well-pleased with her work and presence. "Fine thank you," she nodded in appreciation of his warm attitude. Her last boss was stoic and did not appreciate her work.  Ruth felt Thomas brush closer to her and knew he wanted a reference to be made about him. "My boyfriend, Thomas Caldwell," she said politely hating this aggressive side of Thomas. 

"Spencer Donaldson, how are you?" Spencer said already annoyed with Thomas's attitude. Spencer was a good judge of character and could see this man was all wrong for Ruth. "Good," Thomas said with a few words.  Ruth looked at both men even in height wondering what the tension was all about. Spencer remained cordial but concerned about how dominant Thomas came across when it came to Ruth. "You are a blessed man. Ruth is one in a million, an excellent worker who puts her heart into her work. If you don't mind can I borrow her for a second? Several of the partners want to meet the journalist behind the story,"  Spencer continued.

Thomas nodded yet was still annoyed about this man's presence. He felt as if Spencer liked Ruth and he was a bit jealous. He had no plans of allowing her to be taken from him. Ruth touched his hands and whispered, "I will be right back." Thomas looked on angrily as Spencer escorted Ruth with his hands gently touching her back. 

When the night was coming to an end Ruth rejoined Thomas who was agitated. All eyes focused on Spencer Donaldson who was becoming well-liked by his staff. "I want to thank everyone on staff for coming. You are valuable to this paper. I have two announcements. This year everyone will be getting bonuses and pay raises. In addition, you all are invited to my Spring wedding. I want you to meet the woman behind Spencer Donaldson. Meet Celine Pinder," he said beaming as a beautiful red hair woman emerged from the background. Everyone cheered in support. Ruth thought hearing that Spencer had a fiance would take Thomas out of his jealous mood. However, he stood as if the words did not even register to him. Ruth for the first time was getting mix signals from Thomas.