Beautiful

22. Settling into Surprise

Settling Into Surprise

Tierra walked around Northampton's Main Street for about an hour after she left Mr. Wade's office. There were a million things going through her mind. She kept replaying Mr. Wade's statement, "Technically, you're in charge now," in her mind.

She was technically the acting CEO, the minute she signed the contract. So, when she returned to Springfield and walked back into the office, she would be the HDIC (Head Diva in Charge). She smiled, trying to deter the feelings of inadequacy that were building within. What in the world made him think she could handle this? She didn't know, but she was determined not to let her mentor down.

She returned to the office, trying not to show any sign of the uneasiness she was feeling, as everyone watched her like a pack of hungry vultures. Ever since she walked out of her meeting with Mr. Baxwell a few days ago, the rumor mill was on overload. Soon, all would be brought to light, as a mandatory company meeting was planned for Friday. Tierra smiled, continuing her way to her office. They had no idea they were eyeballing the new boss. She lifted her head a little higher and sashayed confidently past her staff.

**********

"Tierra, wake up!"

But there was no movement from the sleeping Diva.

"Ms. Rodriquez, wake up. You're going to be late," Terri nudged her gently.

Hearing the word late, caused Tierra to instantly sit up and open her eyes. Terri was standing in front of her holding a garment bag.

"It's 7 O'clock. Did you forget about your dinner with Malcolm? You have an hour to get there. Your car will be here in 30 minutes."

"Thank you," Tierra said, wiping her eyes, taking the white bag from Terri and rushing into her private bathroom.

Fifteen minutes later she emerged wearing a red dress with a scooped neckline, that hugged her at the waist and then flared out with various lengths of cascading fabric. The jaw dropping dress stopped just at below her knees. On Tierra everything was breathtakingly beautiful, and this one of a kind creation was no different.

"Ms. Rodriquez, can I ask you a question, woman to woman?"

"Sure."

"Do you really think Mr. Turner is the right man for you?"

"What does everyone have against him?" Tierra asked, turning to face Terri.

"I don't know about anyone else. But as for me, he seems devious. I've heard you say more than once, that God can send you a message through anyone and in anyway. What if we are all delivering a message that he isn't your God-sent, like you think he is?" Terri asked as she handed Tierra her Ruby earrings, and matching gold necklace with a Ruby heart slider.

Tierra put on her jewelry as Terri made her way out of the office. She sat down on her chaise and picked up the picture of her grandma off a nearby table, and whispered, 'Is love really supposed to be this hard, Abuela?'

"Ok... yes... she'll be right down," Terri "The car is here," she informed Tierra standing at her door, pausing before continuing, "Be careful boss, okay?"

"I will. Thanks Terri," they hugged before Tierra exited and made her way to the car that awaited her on the street below.

**********

When the doorman at JC's opened the car door for Tierra, she was whisked inside immediately. Once inside, she stood looking around in amazement. JC's had been transformed into a virtual flower garden. In the center of the dance floor stood Malcolm with a huge bouquet of mixed blossoms in his hands.