THE morning sun streamed through the boutique, casting a golden glow over the polished displays. Ryan was carefully adjusting a hat on a mannequin, making sure it sat just right, when a familiar voice called out behind him.
“Ryan!”
He spun around sharply, a small smile forming as he recognized the voice. It was Clara. Relief and surprise mingled in his expression— relief because he had heard her approach, surprise because he hadn’t expected her to be here.
“Clara! Hey, what are you doing here?” he asked, straightening up and brushing imaginary dust from his hands.
Clara laughed, shaking her head in mild exasperation.
“Seriously? I came to see my friend of course. Stopped by at her office to drop off some designs and… guess what? One of the sales reps told me she is not on her seat. N
