“Okay, I’ve heard enough.”
“Oh, wow. She’s sure not shy. Hey, what do you younger people consider sexting? I think that’s what?—”
“Goodbye!”
Tempted to throw the phone across the room to get it away from me, I settle for aggressively and repeatedly tapping myindex finger on the button to end the call. The last thing I need is to hear about Ruthie sexting someone I have to continue working with, or Ruthie sexting anyone.
I need to leave in a few minutes, and I received an email from Sally that the lunch I ordered for the staff—subs and smoothies—just arrived. She’s having them set up downstairs and sending a message out to all staff for me.
When I walk out of my office a few minutes later, Delaney’s not at her desk. She must have already gone downstairs. When I arrive at the lower level, several staff members are in line to get food, but I don’t see Delaney. I walk to Sally’s desk. She scoots a drink holder with three smoothies in it to me.
“Thanks, Sally. I appreciate you putting these aside.”
“Of course, anytime. It was nice of you to buy everyone lunch.”
I shrug and nod at her in response, and I feel my cheeks heat. I need a subject change.
“Hey, has Delaney already been down here?” I still don’t see her.
“No, not yet. Glad she’ll be eating something other than those pitiful cheese sandwiches she makes.”
“Yeah. You and me, both.” Still not seeing Delaney, I’m guessing she’s back at her desk. I hope she’s not thinking about skipping this lunch. “All right, I’m gonna head up with these before they melt.”
Once upstairs, I walk past Delaney’s empty desk and into Holden’s office. He’s frowning, glancing down at his phone.
“Here.” I put one of the pink smoothies on his desk, and he looks up, still frowning.
“You got me a smoothie?” His eyes grow wider as he pieces together that I did something nice. “Why?”
I shrug. “Because you’re not always an asshole.”
I was sure that one would land and amuse him, but his frown remains.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” I ask. He shakes his head in response.
“Lester just sent me confirmation. Ella’s officially sold, and so did the empty storefront next to hers. Ella’s closing down and heading out in a week.”
“It’s only donuts and coffee, Holden. You’ll be okay. We can get you one of those fancy coffee machines here.”
“Uh, we already have one, but it’s not just that. It’s my routine. This change will seriously mess up my mornings now.”
“Um…” Shit, what do I do? Henry’s the one who is more connected to his emotions. I scratch my head. My eyes dart around the room as I try to think of something to say. Then, Holden… laughs. I turn my attention to him.
“Sorry, brother. It’s just that you should see how uncomfortable you are. It’s because I’m expressing emotion, right?”
Yes. Dickhead.
“I should take your smoothie away.” He hoots even louder. I flip him off as I walk out of his office door. I’d never let him see it, but I think he might’ve actually made me smile.
Delaney’s desk is still empty when I walk past, and I’m a little worried. I hope she’s not sick in the bathroom or something. Maybe I should go ask one of the women to check on her. Ellie’s out today, so I’ll head over to Leah’s office and see if she’ll do it.
The elevator dings as I approach it, and I stop. Maybe Delaney and I just kept missing each other, and she’ll be on her way back up. When the door opens, and Leah steps out onto the floor, my shoulders sag in disappointment.
“Hey, boss. You okay?” Leah asks.
“Yeah, sorry. I’m just looking for Delaney and can’t find her. I was heading to your office to see if you’d check the women’s restroom. I want to make sure that if she’s in there, she’s not ill.”
Leah chuckles. “You know if we were in a cartoon, you’d have little hearts floating all around you.” I roll my eyes at her. “It’s a good look on you, Harrison. C’mon, I’ll check.”
