February's Theme: Romance 

A VALENTINE SURPRISE

The girls at Acme Typing Service were buzzing when Catherine arrived for work on Valentine’s Day. A dozen red roses in a crystal vase had been delivered for her. The girls were itching for details. Catherine dropped a hint that she expected  her boyfriend Peter would be popping the big question.

Her hands trembled slightly, and her eyes sparkled, like the diamond she was expecting to receive, as she plucked the small envelope from the arrangement.

"Oh, please read it out loud!" begged Harriet.

Catherine blushed slightly and unfolded the card.
"To my dearest, on this most romantic day of the year. My heart is with you, always. Peter."

The office erupted in delighted squeals.

"He’s going to propose!" Martha declared. 

“Next time we see you, you’ll be flashing a diamond!” Elsie added. 

Catherine could barely suppress her smile. It certainly seemed like the moment she had been waiting for was near.

Across the office, one girl seemed unmoved by the excitement. Juliette remained at her typewriter, her fingers tap-tapping away as if she hadn’t heard a thing.
Just before lunch, another delivery arrived—a huge heart-shaped box of chocolates with a little card attached. The girls crowded around as Catherine lifted the lid, revealing the sweet assortment inside.

"Read the card!" Harriet urged.

Catherine obliged. "Sweets for my sweet. From your loving Peter."

She beamed and passed the box around, inviting the girls to help themselves. Everyone eagerly selected a piece—everyone except Juliette, who shook her head politely and returned to her typing. 

Harriet leaned in close. "I think Juliette might be jealous," she whispered. 

Catherine merely shrugged. Juliette never spoke about any suitors, and she certainly never seemed interested in the gossip of the office.
After lunch, yet another delivery arrived—this time, just a note. 

Harriet grabbed Catherine’s arm. "You have to read it aloud!" 

Catherine smiled as she unfolded the slip of paper. 

"My sincere apologies, Catherine. I am so busy at work today, I will be unable to see you tonight. Do forgive me. Peter."

Her heart sank, but only for a moment. 

She reassured herself and her co-workers, "Peter’s job is important and I’ll enjoy the anticipation of the proposal."  

The workday ticked by, and at five o’clock, the girls covered their typewriters and punched their time cards. Catherine gathered her things, still clutching the roses, chocolates, and the promise of the impending celebration.

As the group headed toward the subway, Juliette quietly bid them goodnight and headed in the opposite direction.
Catherine didn’t give it a second thought—until she looked back and caught a glimpse of a familiar face, a man clutching a dozen red roses and a heart shaped box of chocolates.

Juliette smiled up at him knowingly. “My dear Peter, did you enjoy your day?” she asked playfully.
Peter smirked, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Almost as much as you did, my sweet.”

And they laughed.

The girls at Acme Typing Service would be buzzing.