How To Bake The Perfect Apple Pie. Gina Calanni

inspect her face and stare directly into her eyes. “Leena, I think you’re a great employee and I value you here at Calstone Corp. Considering this and since we have been cubicle mates for the past year, I think it would be best if you stayed on Javier’s team.”

      Leena rolls her eyes. “Right. So you think I’m great, but not good enough for your team?” Leena shakes her head and stands up. “Well you’ll regret this. I’ve seen your list.” She laughs as she exits my office.

      Wow. I hope she doesn’t end up on an episode of Killer Women; the anger in her eyes was beyond creepy. It’s now twenty after five—definitely time to leave. I shut my computer down and grab my purse from my drawer.

      I’ve got forty minutes to make it to the airport and fall into Jack’s arms. And I’m ready to fall hard. It has been a killer week and that was before psycho-Leena walked into my office. I shake my head as I make my way to the elevator.

      Elaine is striding down the aisle in my direction. Argh. Is it possible to exit the building without another confrontation? From the look on Elaine’s face, I’m going with not likely.

      “Hey Lauren, I’m so glad I caught you.” Elaine grabs on to my arm.

      “Ha, literally.” I eye her hand and then our eyes meet. She holds onto my arm for a second longer before she releases it.

      “I haven’t seen you for a couple of days.”

      “Yes, I’ve been busy organizing my new team.”

      Elaine laughs. “Yes, so I’ve heard. I was talking to Javier…you know we talk every day. I mean…I think he has me on speed dial. Probably before his wife.” She laughs again.

      I frown slightly. “I bet she wouldn’t appreciate that.” I stare at her.

      “Huh…ah maybe not, but who cares? Listen, Javier told me you went with your original candidates and…though I appreciate the boldness…I think you’re making a decision that you will regret.” She flutters her eyelashes at me.

      “Well, it is my decision, but I appreciate your concern,” I flat line my lips, wondering if this woman has ever shown any genuine concern in her life. “I’d love to chat more about this, but I’ve got an appointment.”

      There is no way I’m going to mention Jack to her. I can only imagine the digging that will follow.

      “An appointment, after five on a Friday? That’s odd. Who is it with?”

      “Just an appointment.” I smile and press the down button on the elevator.

      “Oh dear, it’s nothing medically related is it?” The false sweetness oozes from her voice.

      “Nope, not medical.” I sigh as the elevator doors open. Yes. I couldn’t wait a second longer before I opted for the stairs. Which honestly I should opt for. I’ve got to figure out a way to be more active.

      I step into the elevator and Elaine does as well.

      “Well if it’s not medical what is it?” Elaine touches my arm. “Is it mental?”

      “What?” I shake my head.

      “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to pry, but if you need to talk, I’m here.” She digs into her purse and pulls out a card, pushing it into my hand. “Here, this is my guy. He’s fabulous, and tell him I sent you. Trust me, this guy can fix whatever is going on up there.” She points to my forehead.

      The elevator door opens and I make a hasty exit. “Thanks, I’ve got to run. Have a great weekend.” I call over my shoulder.

      “You too, sweetie. And give me a ring if you need anything.” Elaine winks at me.

       What the French toast was that about?

      I can’t even begin to contemplate that situation. I rush to my car and hop in. My desire to see Jack has only increased tenfold. I turn the key and back out of my parking space. I can’t get out of this garage and the same breathing space as Elaine fast enough. My heart is beating rapidly, like I just sprinted a mile or something. I pucker my lips and let out a deep breath. Calm down, Lauren, you don’t want to be frazzled when you see Jack. Mmm…Jack. My stomach flip-flops with butterflies of excitement.

      The traffic is stop and go downtown and my heart is stopping at every pause to consider the reality of being with Jack in less than an hour. My office is located about twenty minutes from the airport. Getting onto the highway takes the longest amount of time, but finally I’m cruising down the 695 with the heat blasting on my seats. The leather is cold from sitting in the garage. As I’m about to exit, the seat is finally warming my legs enough to dampen the shiver.

      I steer my car into the parking garage and find a spot on the fifth level. I hop out and rush to the elevator. Being in a darkened parking garage is nothing I look forward to. I tap my foot as I wait for the elevator to arrive. My phone shows its 6:00 p.m. Jack’s plane should be pulling in to the gates. I tense. It’s almost as if time has been standing still since I left him at the airport in Texas a week ago. So much has happened for me here at work, but all of it seems to be washed away as if my life doesn’t exist without him in it.

      The elevator door opens and a man is standing in the back corner. Great. His baseball cap is lowered over his eyes. Even better. I push the level one button and dig in my purse for my phone. Time to play chat.

      “Oh hey, yes I’m in the elevator. See you in two seconds. I know…yes. Elevator Five. Perfect.”

      The door opens and I stride out. I hustle my way across the crosswalk and into Terminal A. I wouldn’t be surprised if Jack is already standing at the luggage carousel. I already checked out which one his flight would be circling. But since he is only staying a couple of nights, he might not even have packed luggage.

      I stalk over to the suitcases circling on the metal machine. I scan the group of passengers to see if I can find Jack. And I can’t find him. I make my way through the crowd and loop the entire group. He isn’t here. I swallow. My chest tightens. I glance up at the flight number on the board. It’s his flight. This is the right spot. I bite my lip and circle the carousel once more. There is absolutely no sign of him. My heart begins to flutter as panic starts to set in. Shiat. Did he not make the flight?

      I can’t believe it. The last time I came to pick him up from the airport he was a no-show. Followed by a long time with no word.

       Please tell me this is not happening again.

      Why? I don’t understand. I stumble towards a column and lean up against it. Take a deep breath, Lauren. It’s possible he’s in the bathroom or maybe I missed him during my circles? I seriously doubt it. But maybe I did. I let out a long deep breath. My cell phone vibrates in my purse.

      Another deep breath passes from my lips. I’m almost afraid to check my phone. What if it’s a text message from Jack like last time, where he said “something came up” and he couldn’t make it. I let out another deep breath and swipe my phone.

       “I’m sorry, Lauren, something came up. I couldn’t—”

      I don’t even finish reading the message. I throw my phone back into my purse. I cannot believe this. Are you freaking kidding me? Is this a joke? If so it’s a sick one. I fight back my tears as I charge to the exit doors.

      My flight is halted as two big strong arms wrap themselves around me.

      “Lauren, I’m here.” Jack breathes into my ear.

      I twist my body around to stare at him. My sorrow has turned to rage. I shove him. He doesn’t even budge.

      “Jack, that is so so so not cool.” I swipe back a tear.

      “Oh, Lauren, I thought you would think it was funny. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.” Jack pulls me in close to him and kisses my head. He wipes underneath my eyes. “Dammit, I