Spring has sprung, and with it, smiley faces. When yellow crocuses bloom all over town in the shape of an emoji during April’s first warm days, reporter Nero Storm is sent out to discover their meaning and origin.<br><br>Nero has little to smile about himself, what with dysfunctional family drama and a tragic love life. The previous fall, it seemed as if he might have finally met the man of his dreams in dog daddy, ride share operator, and charity organizer Z. Though the two spent but ten morning and evening car rides together, sparks flew. Unfortunately, at the end of that time, Nero witnessed a crime, and Z disappeared.<br><br>Now, as the rest of the world looks forward to a new beginning promised by spring, Nero is left to wonder. Are the smiley face flowers a message for him, and will he ever see Z’s smile again for real?

21 Smiles

Z nodded. I had to wait for him to swallow for anything more. “I’ve been showing up so many years, eventually, they just gave me a title. Everyone pitches in. My name might be listed as chairperson, now, but believe me, it takes a village. Eat. The burgers are better hot.”


Abby’s was gone, while mine went untouched. Naturally, my pup thought that meant I should share.


We sat like that quite a while, chitchatting and smiling. When Carmen joined us, I tried to get Z on camera, but he balked.


“Let’s just hang a while more. We can get to business after.”


“Okay.” I was enamored enough to do whatever he wanted. “Today, you’re the boss.” Maybe he knew that.


Carmen looked at me, all gaga again, when Z whispered something in her ear.


“See?” Z’s tone was both teasing and tantalizing.


Chapter 28