“Ally?  Where do you want these baskets to go?” asked Kira. “Over there,” Ally pointed from her paperwork.  It had been about 3 weeks since her mother’s death, and it was time to get on with her life.  She had decided to keep the house, but she hadn’t moved in yet because she was selling her own house in Tampa.  She went back to immersing herself in her work, forgetting about Howard and all the things that had happened with him.  She went into her office, letting Kira handle the front since it was a slow day. A couple of hours later, Ally heard a knock at the door.  “Yes?” Kira stuck her head in.  “There’s someone to see you.” Ally looked up from her desk.  “Who?” “Um, I don’t know how to say it.” “Ki, just spit it out.” “It’s Howie.” “Oh.”  She continued her paperwork.  “Tell him I’m busy.” Kira let herself in, and took Ally’s pen from her hand.  “Hey!” “I’m not telling you as your employee, but as your friend.  You’re being rude.” Ally stood up.  “Listen, you don’t know half of what is going on!” “All I know is that he came to see you, and you brush him off.”  Ally sighed.  “If you want him to leave, you tell him yourself.” “You are so fired when I get through with him.” “Yeah, like it is the first time,” Kira smirked.  She followed her outside where Howie was looking around. “Hi Howard,” said Ally. “Hey,” said Howie.  “Nice place you got here.” “Uh thanks.”  Kira cleared her throat.  “Oh, this is Kira, my assistant manager.” “We’ve met,” Howie shook Kira’s hand.  “All I know is my little sister is not going to believe this.  She is one of your biggest fans!”  Kira became star struck.  Ally rolled her eyes. “Well, I’ll get you an autograph picture from the other guys for her.” He said with a wink. Ally gave her a look.  “Don’t you have that display to finish?” “Oh yeah,” Kira turned to Howie.  “It was nice to meet you.” “You too Kira.” Kira went off.  “I hope I’m not bothering you.  My mother told me where you work.” “No not at all.”  Ally said, no smile.  “Listen, can we go somewhere and talk?” “Why don’t we go to my office?”  Ally led him to the back office where he sat down and Ally sat behind her desk.  “What can I do for you?” taking a professional tone. “Well, I was… well…” “Yeah?” “I wanted to see how you were doing.” “I’m fine.  My business is going well, I settled my mother’s estate, and I’m moving back in the house.” “No, I mean, with everything else…” “Fine.” “Look, I know that you probably don’t want me here… but I just wanted to let you know that…” Ally stood up.  “That you would be there for me.  I think I’ve heard that before.” Howie looked up at her.  “I…” “Look, I’m real busy with work and all, and this isn’t the time or place for this, so if you don’t mind.”  She went and opened the door. “Alright.” Howie walked out of her office, feeling dejected.  He left the store and went into his car.  “Not pushy my ass,” he said to himself. Chapter 7 Contents Chapter 5