ROSES

(Joanne POV)

It's finally Friday, thank God. I haven't seen Maureen since she was at my house on Tuesday night. We have talked on the phone everyday since then. I love talking to her, whether on the phone or in person. She's so easy to talk to, I feel like I could tell her anything. I hope she feels the same. I hope I don't come across as a hard-ass lawyer that's not easy to talk to. Even if that's the case, it's just a front. But considering all the phone time, I think it's fine.

Work is going surprisingly well today. Not that many calls, mostly just boring paperwork. But the day is going by pretty fast, until my mom knocked on my door.

"Come in," I said distantly, trying to finish up a file before I left for the day. My mom walked in and I immediately knew she had something up her sleeve. "Hey Mom. Before you even start, I've already met someone. Her name is Maureen, and she's wonderful, and amazing, and the best thing that's ever happened to me." As I told her that, my smile seemed to get bigger with every word.

"Are you sure, baby? I just want you to be happy, and whoever brings that to you, I'm grateful for." She looked at me and smiled, albeit awkwardly.

"Thank you, Mom." I walked to her and gave her a hug. I could tell that she still had a hard time accepting that her only baby girl wasn't ever going to bring home a man as a potential husband, but at least now she's trying. "I've got to get outta here. I have a date tonight." I turned and gathered all my things and put them in my briefcase. I kissed my mom on the cheek and left the building.

I walked home in a bit of a daze, trying to imagine what Maureen could possibly have in mind for tonight. She had told me to wear semi-laid back clothes; I'm guessing that means jeans and a jacket of some sort. But what could that possibly mean for what we're going to do? She mentioned a movie and dinner, as for what else, I have no clue.

I entered my apartment and was totally shocked, and a little scared, as well as completely moved. On the corner of my counter sat a bottle of Merlot chilling on ice and a glass next to it. I set my briefcase on the counter and poured a glass of wine. In a sort of makeshift pathway from the living room to my bedroom, were tons of rose petals in all different colors. It was beautiful. I followed the path down the hallway to my closed bedroom door. As I approached the door, I became a bit nervous. I had no idea what to expect on the other side of the door. When I opened the door, I was awestruck. Scattered all over my room were tons more rose petals, colors all mixed together. Red, yellow, pink, and orange; it was gorgeous. On my dresser was a dozen long stemmed red roses. My eyes were welling up with tears. In the middle of my bed was an adorable pink jacket with a white heart on the back. And rested against all of my pillows was a huge tan teddy bear holding a big heart. Sitting on the bear's lap was an envelope with my name on it. I set my glass of Merlot next to my vase of roses and reached for the envelope. Opening it, I instantly smiled.

JOANNE,

I HAD THE MOST AMAZING TIME WITH YOU THE OTHER NIGHT. I ONLY HOPE THAT YOU HAD AS GOOD A TIME AS ME, AND THAT I CAN EVENTUALLY REPAY YOU. YOU ARE THE MOST AMAZING PERSON I'VE EVER BEEN BLESSED WITH KNOWING, AND I CAN'T WAIT TO GET TO KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU, STARTING TONIGHT. I'LL BE THERE AT 6:00 TO GET YOU. HAVE A GOOD DAY, AND I'LL SEE YOU LATER. I CAN'T WAIT.

LOVE, MAUREEN

P.S. – I'M SORRY ABOUT THE MESS :)

I was crying by the time I finished reading it. She is the sweetest person I've ever met. It's 5:30 and I decided to get dressed. I put away my suit, pulled on some jeans, shoes, and a white tank top. I walked over to my bed and put on my new jacket. It's so soft and will always remind me of Maureen. I'll keep it forever. I went in the bathroom and fixed my hair and makeup, and grabbing my glass of wine and note, returned to the living room. I stuck the note on the fridge with a magnet and just as I was putting my briefcase away, I heard a knock on the door.

A/N: Sorry this chapter is kinda short, but I have another one coming up right away. Please Review. As always, it's greatly appreciated.