Treasure Box

Here I sat in my upscale high-rise office space watching the rain flow down onto the glass window pane. I enjoy looking out the window at the beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean until today. The view of the ocean isn’t that pleasant because of the rain and the fact that it’s cloudy. On a good sunny day, you’re able to see the waves come flowing onto the sandy beaches. Today isn’t any different from any other typical workday. My job as a forensic specialist has taken me to different parts of the world, yet nothing is more compelling then
being home in the United States.

I just recently returned to the good old USA from Japan. I went there to handle some important official business with the CIA and was putting the finishing touch on my preliminary report when my boss Larry appeared in my doorway. Tap! Tap!

“Hello Teresa”, he said. “Can I get a few minutes of your time? I wanted to come down to personally thank you for an outstanding job done for our agency.”

“Come on in and you are very welcome Larry”, I said.

“I would like to take you out to lunch to show our gratitude, if you don’t mind and to discuss some important business. You can pick the place for lunch.”

“Sure, you can take me out to lunch, Larry! What business do you have to discuss with me that couldn't be done in my office?”

“You’ve been working hard for our agency for the past two and half years and I want to discuss extending your contract with us over lunch. We have an excellent compensation package that we hope you will approve.”

I was very cautious with my response. I agreed to have lunch with him at one.

As Larry was leaving my office, he tells me about the possibility of someone joining us for lunch. I stopped writing and looked up at him. I pondered at the thought of who could be joining us? I wondered if it’s Mr. Jones, after all he is the head of the CIA. After playing guessing games in my head about
who’s joining us for lunch, I finally asked Larry.

“Tell me Larry”, who is joining us for lunch. “Is it Mr. Jones?”

“No, it isn’t Mr. Jones”, he said.

“So, who is it?” I responded.

“I have a friend joining us whom I haven’t seen in quite awhile because he stays busy. He kind of reminds me of you”.

At this point, I stared at him with suspicion. It has been awhile since I dated. I knew Larry has a history with trying to fix me up on blind dates. The last date he set me up on I ended up with a broken arm. The bumbling idiot couldn’t ice skate and came crashing down on top of me. I had to wear a cast for several weeks.

“What do you mean he reminds you of me?”

“Only that you both are workaholic and neither has time for a social life.”

“What he does with his time doesn’t concern me, besides I don’t need a social life! You’re not trying to fix me up on a blind date, are you?”

“Of course not, especially after that last fiasco! You have made it precisely clear you’re not interested in any relationship whatsoever.”

“I wouldn’t go to that extreme Larry”, I said. “I’m not ready to be involved with anyone yet.”

“Teresa, it’s been almost three years since the break-up, when will I ever see that glow that’s been missing in your eyes.”

“Don’t go there with me, Larry! You know my policy, I don’t mix business and pleasure. Rule one says never involve yourself with co-workers because it only complicates matters. Rule two says never involve yourself with married people or those individuals involved in other relationships.”

“I know your rules Teresa, so you can stop addressing them. How long has it been since you dated?”

“Larry, that’s none of your business”, I shouted!

“Don’t play games with me young lady! I’m not just your boss, but you are after all my god-daughter and I won’t let you use that tone with me. I know you a lot better then anyone here in this damn building. Hell, I use to change your diaper! Your father and I go back thirty plus years and I watched you grow into this brilliant and vivacious young woman. I’m not going to let you use that tone or talk to me any kind of way. You were raised better then that by your parents.”

“You’re right sir and I apologize for the outburst but I’m still not going to answer the question.”

“Teresa, I’m not trying to fix you up on a date with anyone. This young man’s father happens to be an old army buddy of mines. I’m not trying to play matchmaker. I was merely pointing out the obvious similarities that you both have about your work. It’s been awhile since I have seen this young man. He called just last night wanting to see me. I had already agreed to meet him this morning before I knew that Mr. Jones wanted me to talk
to you about extending your contract.”

“I’m sorry for jumping to conclusion Larry.”

“Apology accepted dear”, he said. “You know Teresa, I understand that you’ve been hurt and it takes awhile to recover from an ordeal like that one, but I must say that sometime love has a funny way of sneaking up on you
unexpectedly. Love will never find you honey, if you don’t open up to it. Teresa, you have been putting up a protective shield for so long. It’s been three years honey. Mr. Right might come knocking but he wouldn’t be able to get in because none of the keys will fit. Only you can show him the right key, but don’t wait until it’s too late. True love only comes once in a lifetime.”