Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Oliver lay sprawled in the same spot Josefina had once occupied, staring blankly at the ceiling above. His phone broke the silence with its insistent ringtone. He reached over, swiped the screen, and put it to his ear.

"Hey, Ollie, how's it hangin'? Must be tough, leaving the agency and getting back to the Baldwin clan's daily grind."

Oliver listened to the old man's voice, as detached and emotionless as ever. "What do you want?"

The old man's chuckle was warm and teasing. "You're still as frosty as a winter in Chicago, kiddo. I'm calling 'cause I wanna set you up. You seeing anyone? If not, I've got the perfect match for ya." Oliver's reply was curt. "I'm taken. No need to play Cupid."

The old man wasn't deterred. "Oh? And who's this girl? She can't hold a candle to my protégé. She's a real knockout, kind-hearted, and cute as a button. Nimble, smart as a whip, and the apple of her brothers' eyes. You sure you're not interested?"

"Not in the slightest."Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

"Come on, Ollie. You haven't even met her. Let me tell you, skip out on this one, and you'll be kickin' yourself for life."

Oliver frowned, his patience wearing thin. "I told you, I have a girlfriend. She's all that-beautiful, kind, adorable, agile, brilliant, and talented. She's the darling of the Baldwin family and the queen of my heart." With that, Oliver hung up. The old man, fuming, slammed his hand on the table. "That little rascal! How dare he snub my protégé!"

Josefina had barely arrived at the office when her mentor's call came through. "Josie, I'm livid! I just got dissed. You've gotta avenge me."

Her face broke into a smile. "Who's gotten under your skin this time?"

"It's not one of my protégés. It's Hellfire! I tried to set him up with you, and he had the gall to refuse!"

Pouring herself a cup of coffee,

Josefina sighed. "I may be the best

in your eyes, but that doesn't make me the best pick for everyone. Parents always think their kid's

bee's knees, but others make

agree."

"You always know how to cheer me up."

not

"I'm just being honest. Besides, who says I'd even like the guy?"

"Josie, you're right as rain. We can do better than him. I was just trying to bring some sunshine into his dreary life. I wouldn't bother otherwise."

Josefina took a sip of her bitter

coffee, her mind drifting to Oliver's passionate kiss. Blushing, she quickly changed the subject. Was there anything else you needed?"

"Josie, girl, you got a secret beau? You're in a hurry to hang up."

"What are you talking about? I'm at work. There's a lot to do."

"Take care of yourself, Josie. Don't work too hard. I called to tell you your wayward apprentice has gone missing."

"What!" Josefina gasped. "What's going on with him?"

"I wish I knew. He bolted not long after you left. I always said the boy wasn't right in the head, but you had to take him in."

Frowning, Josefina responded, "Please see if you can find out anything. I'll ask Luke to look into it, too."

"I'll havethem on it. Even a stray cat or dog gets affection after a while."

Josefina knew her master didn't

care for the boy. If he was willing to help, that

ask was as much as she could

ask for. After the call, she diated

Luke's number to enlist his help as

Well.

Josefina clocked out early that day. She had this nagging worry that if she didn't, Oliver might show up at her office and sweep her off her feet-quite literally.