Free Love, Technically by Lynne Silver

flowers, though she knew Sark had no idea how over-the-top the arrangement was. He must’ve been exuberant when he called the florist. Calla lilies, hydrangea, and other, more exotic species overflowed from a square crystal vase. A gorgeous vase, not the cheapie generic kind most Valentine’s roses came in.
    “Yeah, Michelle, open it.” Sydney sounded amused and slightly annoyed.
    She extricated the white envelope from the leaves and pulled out the card to read silently, Congratulations on your first day. Sorry I’m missing it. Love, Sark.
    “So, who’s it from?” Both Sydney and the receptionist circled her with wide eyes and expectant faces.
    Oh boy. She and Sark hadn’t discussed office etiquette. She didn’t think their relationship was forbidden according to company rules, but maybe he wouldn’t want it circling as the office gossip either. “Um, they’re from the guy I’ve been seeing.”
    “Flowers like that?” scoffed the receptionist. “You’re doing a lot more than seeing him. Lucky girl.” She turned toward the hallway. “I gotta get back to the desk.”
    “Thanks for bringing me my flowers.” The receptionist walked away and Michelle turned back to their little work area, a rectangle of carpet defined by two filing cabinets, three desks, and a narrow space on either end for access.
    Sydney was back at the filing cabinet, hunched over a pile of papers.
    “Sorry about that,” Michelle said quietly, slipping back into her chair and trying to pick up where they’d left off.
    “Don’t be. It’s cool.” But she didn’t look up from the papers.
    Michelle tried not to let Sydney’s coolness affect her mood. Sark had sent flowers. What a sweetie. After he’d dropped her at home on Sunday, they’d talked on the phone late into the night until he’d finally ended the call because he had to pack. They’d spoken about everything and nothing. He mentioned an idea for a product LightWave should work on. It was a bit technical for her, but she’d encouraged him to go for it.
    He’d said he was too busy with current projects to start anything new. He hadn’t been too busy to send her flowers. And all the way from Spain, no less. Her mother would never mention Brad’s name again if she could get a look at the gorgeous bouquet. But it was the sentiment behind it that had Michelle’s heart pounding. It could’ve been a single wilted daisy, and she would be equally thrilled by the romantic gesture.
    Then again, the obviously expensive floral arrangement didn’t hurt her standing with Sydney. She’d be lying if she didn’t admit to satisfaction that she’d been the one to receive the massive display on her first day of work.
    She and Sydney worked in silence for a while until someone else approached their space.
    “Oh, hey Dad.” Sydney stood to greet a handsome man in his sixties wearing a power suit.
    “Hi Syd. I know I promised to leave you alone at work, but I couldn’t resist coming by to see how your first day is going.”
    “Great,” Sydney said brightly.
    “I tried to find Noah Frellish to meet you, but he’s away on business.”
    “It’s fine, Dad. Now go away so I can finish my work in time to meet you for lunch.”
    Michelle smiled and waved as Sydney’s dad walked away, despite not having been introduced.
    “God, that’s embarrassing.” Sydney collapsed back onto her chair, pink staining her cheeks. “I can’t believe my dad would’ve dragged the CEO over. Thank God he’s out of town.”
    Michelle couldn’t imagine her father ever doing something like that. Waving and yelling to a favorite athlete at a sporting event, yes. Hooking up his daughter with power players, no.
    “I’ve heard he’s kind of cute, though,” Sydney said.
    “Your father?”
    “No, silly. Noah Frellish, the CEO. I’ve seen pictures, but maybe he’s less nerdy in person. I wonder if he’s dating someone.”
    ”I wouldn’t know, I’ve yet to see him around the office. Besides, I