Yes, just in time for Valentine’s Day, a tale of love lost, betrayal and perhaps even revenge. Former TJ Maxx executive vice president, Alex Smith has left his post at TJ Maxx and begun a new life as CEO of spiraling-into-the-dirt home furnishings merchant Pier 1. Sadly, TJ just doesn’t want to let Alex go. From Reuters:

Pier 1 Imports Inc. said on Tuesday it had received a temporary restraining order that would prevent TJX Cos. Inc. from filing a lawsuit against Pier 1’s new President and Chief Executive Alex Smith….
On Monday, a Pier 1 spokesman said in a statement the company was trying to stop TJX from interfering with Smith’s new employment agreement. Such threats were “improper,” said spokesman Tom Thomas, because the two companies are not competitors.

The restraining order was necessary “to assure that Alex will be at his post next Monday to oversee the beginning of Pier 1’s return to profitability,” said Thomas.

Look TJ, Pier 1 just wants you to let Alex go so they can move on. Ok? You’re embarrassing yourself.

Unfortunately, TJ Maxx didn’t return calls for comment. They were too busy painting over Smith’s parking spot and ripping up old prom photos. Happy Valentine’s Day.—MEGHANN MARCO

UPDATE 1-Pier 1 says gets restraining order against TJX [Reuters]

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