Chapter 23 - THE WOMAN DELIVERING FLOWERSTwo years after wedding, Ava arrived at Imperial Astor for Bennett-Westmore board meeting.
She wore another simple cream dress.
Not same one.
But similar enough that Collins smiled.
“Good afternoon, Ms. Bennett.”
“Good afternoon.”
Before she entered, a young woman approached carrying two large flower boxes.
She wore jeans, sneakers, and a delivery jacket.
A newer security employee looked uncertain.
The woman seemed out of place beside wedding guests arriving for another event.
For a fraction of second, Ava saw old scene beginning.
Then Collins stepped in.
“Good afternoon. Delivery for which event?”
“Marshall wedding.”
“Great. May I see delivery confirmation?”
She showed phone.
He checked.
“Perfect. Service entrance is actually easier, but you can use this one if boxes are heavy.”
“No, service is fine.”
“Let me get someone to help.”
No comment on clothing.
No assumption.
No humiliation.
Ava watched.
Collins caught her eye.
She smiled.
He gave tiny nod.
That was change.
Not dramatic.
May you like
Procedural.
Real.
