here and back again

 It was a happy occasion. Although small, everyone could fit into the breakroom for Lynsey's baby shower. And even better, Jory showed up which made Lynsey even more proud.

There were so many gifts and Lynsey let him help her open the presents since Casey wasn't there. He wasn't into gatherings yet. He definitely used COVID for lots of excuses. He was practically a recluse these days, but she didn't talk about it.

Thankful none of the other clerks brought it up. Casey's brother Chance was now a clerk. He took over Steve's position. Of course, Steve dropped in with flowers and a gift card.

He chatted a bit about his new job. He did look happy, but Lynsey couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Finally, it hit her and she smiled as if spring arrived and there were a lot of changes happening.

"I think he's in love," she told everyone after he left. Of course, they got a laugh over that. Nobody believed her.

"How do you know these things?" Jory grinned.

"I just feel it," she looked at him. "It could be happening to you." She teased as she pushed her index finger into the side of his arm, and he pretended to be hurt ever so playful.

"What?" He laughed.

"I think something is going on that you aren't even telling me?" She smirked as she looked him in the eye.

"What's her name?" Lynsey wanted to know.

"Poppy?" Jory squinted as if was agony just to say his ex's name.

"No," Lynsey winced and shook her head as if she might be a fortune teller. "Somebody new."

"What has pregnancy done to you?" Jory looked at her ever so sly. 

"Come on, you don't look so down and out. There must be somebody?" She laughed ever so sweetly.

Jory couldn't help but smile. "I don't think I'm ready for you to meet her yet."

"Oh, come on," Lynsey needed to know.

Jory shook with laughter.