Another Shot: A Modern-Day Ruth and Boaz Story Read Online Free PDF

but I told him I had the code. I was coming up to tell you Frankie and Viv want to have you over for dinner tomorrow night."
    I glanced at Laura and we both nodded. "Tell them we'll be there," she said.
    "All right, that's good." He pointed at the package I was holding. "Enjoy."
    I absentmindedly wondered if he somehow knew what was in it, but didn't think that was the case. Mike tipped his hat to us both before he left.
    "What is it?" She asked as the door closed behind him.
    "I was gonna ask you the same thing," I said.
    "Well, what's it say?" she asked.
    I turned the box around, inspecting it. I was perplexed to find that there were absolutely no markings on the thing—not a name, or address, or any clue of what was inside or who it was from.
    I took it to the table where I set it down before using a key to cut the tape that was holding it closed. I started to open it, but then stopped and looked at her. "You don't think it's sketchy that it's not marked, do you?"
    "No, Mike said he knew the guy carrying it."
    I smiled as I continued opening the box. It was packaged with the same brown paper I often saw when I opened a box at work. My first thought when I saw it was that it might have come from Nic's, but I quickly passed that off. We both looked in curiously as I pulled out the top layer of brown paper.
    There were a bunch of boxes that I instantly recognized from work. I wasn't a mathematician, but one glance into the box and I knew there was a lot of money involved. There was an envelope on top that was marked with my name.
    Rae Milano
    I stared down at it before glancing at Laura with a bewildered expression.
    "Did someone send you a camera? Is that what this is?"
    There were three boxes that were visible, and based on the size of the container, they were stacked two deep. I'd done enough research recently to know the level of equipment I was staring at.
    "It seems that's the case, but I'm almost scared to investigate, because I'm already looking at a ton of money right here."
    Her eyes got big. "Well, what are you waiting for? Open the letter and see what it's all about."
    I was extremely skeptical that this was all for me. It was just too much. There had to be another explanation.
    "It's got your name on it," she said, handing me the envelope. I opened the letter cautiously and read it out loud.
    Rae, I'm glad we had the chance to meet today. Here are a few things to get you started taking pictures. I've included an assortment of my favorite lenses and look forward to finding out which one you like best. I think you'll really enjoy this set-up.
    The letter wasn't over, but I paused and looked up at Laura. "Why would he do this?" I asked.
    She shrugged. "Did you mention wanting it?"
    "I mean, I might have casually said I'd like to get into it, but my goodness, I certainly didn't say I wanted him to do this ." I sighed and focused my attention on the letter.
    I've also included phones for yourself and Lulu .
    I glanced up at her with wide eyes and put the letter down so I could dig in the box. I carefully took one of the lenses out and set it on the table. I peered into the box as I took a second lens off the top layer. I set it on the table as I looked into the box again. Sure enough, there were two small boxes that contained the latest, greatest smartphone. I took one out and turned it over. "What's going on?" I asked.
    "Just read the letter," she said.
    I focused on the piece of paper, which was now shaking slightly.
    I added the two of you to the same plan I provide for my managers at work. Calls, texting, and data are unlimited so don't worry about overages.
    I glanced up at her in disbelief, but then focused on the letter again.
    The phones have been activated, but you need to use them to call the service provider and confirm a few things. I get a good price on the service with my group plan. It's my pleasure to take care of this, so please let me. I'm sure you'll be a manager soon enough, anyway. I am going to