waking

Chapter 28 

After breakfast, Shawn brought Naomi with him to work. Rolling him through the halls in his wheelchair, she couldn’t help but notice the surprised glances from every employee they passed–except for those in the administrative office on the 63rd floor. Whispers started. “Who’s this mysterious woman rolling with the big boss” It didn’t take long for some to figure they should stay on her good side. Meanwhile, a few of the other women felt a sudden urge to get closer to Shawn, especially now that there was another woman in the picture who seemed so at ease by his side. 

Naomi didn’t pay much mind to the office chatter; she was there just to do a good job. 

Upon reaching the CEO’s office on the Gard floor, she wheeled Shawn in, brewed him a fresh cup of coffee, and made sure he had everything within reach. Then, Naomi pulled out her half–done sketches for some jewelry designs.. 

While Elaine jewelry wasn’t pressing her for time, Naomi was committed to delivering quality. Designing was her true calling, after all. 

The office seuled into silence. The only sounds were keyboard clicks and Naomi’s pencil dancing across her sketchpad. 

Valentine’s Day was just around the bend, and Elaine Jewelry wanted to unveil a love–inspired collection. Naomi sketched with themes of loyalty, romance, and originality in her heart: “You’re my one and only; here’s to a lifetime of unwavering love! 

Every Valentine’s Day, tons of dudes decide to pop the big question, and sure, some girls too. With that in mind, Naomi sketched out two sets of designs–one for the guys and another for the ladies. 

Most girls liked flowers, so Naomi came up with a design featuring forget–me–not petals shaped to hug a diamond. Tiny blue flowers opening up at the stem, petals that one could stamp with a girl’s initials, and a sparkler right at the Bower’s heart–sized to order. She fine–tuned those petals to perfection, and with the vow, “Til always make you happy,” this piece was a slam dunk for any Valentine’s Day engagement or just to show some love. 

As for the guys, who usually went for the no–fuss, “yeah, I’m taken vibe, Naomi kept it simple: a drawing of two pinky fingers linked together. No rocks, just a plain silver band, the girl’s pinky topped with a splash of red to scream lady.” The guy’s side? Straight up clean. “Your hand’s the only one I ever hold.” 

After ions of tweaks and chasing perfection, Naomi felt pretty proud of her work. She brought them to Shawn. “Mr. Fischer, check out my Valentine’s Day designs.” 

He looked up from his mountains of paperwork, gave the sketches a quick look, and said, “Take these straight to Elaine Jewelry–for future reference, you don’t need to run this by me.” 

“But, Mr. Fischer,” Naomi started, with a lile lip bite and that hopeful sparkle in her eye kids got when they craved a gold star, “I wanted you to be the first to see them. If you’re into them, chances are others will be too.” 

Shawn looked up again, taking in her sincere look, her silhouette glowing softly against the backlight, her long hair tied back neatly. She was rocking a sharp black suit and heels, her makeup on point but understated with just a touch of lipstick. When the light caught her face, he could make out a delicate fuzz on her cheeks. But beneath that, all angles and edges, she looked way too skinny–it had Shawn worrying if she was eating enough 

Out of the blue, Naomi’s hand drifted to a fresh scar on her wrist from last night when she noticed the rough marks on Shawn’s face. “Mr. Fucher, did you remember to put ointment on that?” 

He grunted a yes and then added, Tm hungry. Go make some food. And I’m not a fan of eating alone.” 

“Got it,” she responded. 

Naomi headed for the kitchen, but behind her, Shawn’s eyes stayed on her bandaged wrist, his brow knitted in concern. The next second, he snatched up the intercom and barked out an order to Chandler. “Take over for Naomi in the kitchen, will you?” 

“Yes, Mr. Fischer, replied Chandler. 

Chandler took over the kitchen duties, and Naomi got the hint to take a break. Back in his office, Shawn swiftly autographed her design drafts and sent them express to Elaine Jewelry’s design director, Elsie Conway. His signature was like a golden ticket, and Elsie would know it meant business. Naomi had a real knack for designing, and Shawn figured a little nudge in the right direction couldn’t hurt 

Soon enough, Elsie got in touch with Naomi, letting her know her sketches were a hit. They needed to touch base in person, though. Elsie invited her to swing by Elaine Jewelry, intrigued by the mysterious designer who had Shawn’s stamp of approval. Naomi was more than happy to go. 

She asked Shawn, “Mr. Fischer, mind if I pop over to Elaine Jewelry for a bit?” 

“Go for it,” Shawn said, glued to his computer. He was deep into strategizing for the big jewelry competition a month away, betting that his secret weapon, the TrueLove’s Kiss collection hiding in his room, would clinch a prize. 

Elsie greeted Naomi with open arms at the Elaine Jewelry’s main entrance. After the pleasantries, Elsie whisked Naomi off to her office. 

1/2 

0 

Chapter 28 

“Ms. Edwards, not what I pictured,” Elsie remarked, handing Naomi a glass of warm milk, “Chandler was clear coffee and soda are off–limits for you. That was Shawn’s rule coming through, without him saying a word, 

“Thanks, Ms. Conway, Naomi said, taking the warm beverage. 

Decked out in striking earrings, her makeup on point with bright red lips, and dressed to the nines with heels that touched the clouds, Elsie oozed fashion icon vibes. Yet, she came off as gentle with Naomi, treating her like a kid sister. 

“Drop the formality. What are you, eighteen, nineteen? Diving into work this young, especially design, has gotta be tough. I’ll hook you up some walnuts later for your noggin, she quipped with a warm chuckle. “Around me, kick back. No need for nerves. I’m friendly.” 

Naomi clutched her warm drink, and her guard dropped in the face of Elsie’s genuine warmth. “Actually, I’m twenty 

with 

“Twenty?” Elsie’s eyebrows shot up. “Here I thought you were a teen! How do you keep it together at such a young age with these killer skills! As for me, I’m this close to balding.” 

Naomi took a peek at Elsie’s full hair, speechless. 

“You think it looks good, huh! Here’s my little secret–I’m all about hairpieces Elsie even popped one out to prove her point. “Now you’re in on Spill the beans, and you’ll wish you hadn’t.” 

Naomi clasped her throat playfully and then swore with a raised hand, “Mum’s the word, I didn’t see or hear a thing: mercy please!” 

1. it. 

Elsie’s easygoing nature was infectious, and Naomi couldn’t help but feel at ease. Once the ice was broken, Elsie shifted gears to talk shop. 

Every Valentine’s Day, all the companies under the Fischer Group umbrella went all out with promos, sinking mega bucks into marketing, just the cost of celebrity endorsements was through the roof. 

With the designs springing from Naomi’s brain, Elsie was all caps for her take on who should be the face of their new rings. 

2/2