by Anne Gable

Created on: January 20, 2009   Last Updated: February 14, 2009

The morning of Valentine's Day was like any other for Carla Thomas. As usual, she woke up early and headed off to work as a copywriter for her town's small newspaper. Although boring, she slaved away at it for the last seven years in the hopes of someday becoming a columnist for the publication. Unfortunately, her dedication to her work left little time for a social life.

As Carla made her way to her cubicle, set at the back of her tiny office, she couldn't help but notice the bright red bouquets of flowers on all of her lady co-workers desks. The sweet smell of roses and tulips invaded her nostrils. She had to hold her breath to keep from retching.

"Hey Carla!" Brittany's always-enthusiastic voice called from a nearby desk. "What are you doing for V-Day?

"What do you think?" Carla answered. "You know I think Valentine's Day is bogus."

"Or you just couldn't get a date." Brittany grumbled under her breath.

Carla ignored the comment. So she didn't date? She was too focused on her career and didn't have time for men, or at least that's what she kept telling herself.

As she neared her desk, she thought she noticed a flash of bright red through the opening of her cubicle. She quickened her pace.

Once inside, she had to rub her eyes to make sure they weren't deceiving her. Sitting directly in front of her monitor were two dozen red roses...and a card.

She snatched the card from the vase, just in case she woke up before getting to read the message.

It read:

Dear Carla,

I think you are wonderful. Please meet me tonight at O'Shannon's Bar at 7:30. 1748 Maple Drive. The hostess will be expecting you.

Carla flipped the card over in her hands to make sure it went to the right person. To: Carla Thomas. Yep, that was her. But who could have possibly sent such a mysterious gift?

She went through the catalogue of names in her head. The only two men she knew were the owner of the newspaper, and her best friend and editor, Steven.

The owner was married, and Steven had never shown any interest in her beside always complaining that she wasn't "bold enough," and nagging her to "go on a date, already."

"It must be a practical joke." She muttered to herself. She crumpled the card in her hand and tossed it in the garbage.

"Who are those from?" Came Brittany's bubbly voice from behind her, just as Carla was about to reintroduce her flowers to the mysterious card.

"Did you send these?" Carla accused.

Brittany furrowed her eyebrows. "Why would I send you flowers?"

Carla's face turned scarlet. Of course

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