If you have time this afternoon, I would be relieved to have your assistance with this matter.
If you hear anyone mention a squeal that erupted from my office, please know that it was a different person in my department. Being the proud and dedicated feminist that I am, I call on my heroic female entomologist to save me from this peril.
Sincerely in need of a gallant rescuer,
Finn
TO: Finn Ashford
FROM: Millie Oaks
SUBJECT: Re: Afraid For My Life
After laughing until my abs were sore, I have recovered enough to inform you that I do have time in my schedule to save your office from said spider. The image in my mind of an impressively strong and sturdy man jumping and screeching because of a spider has given me a great deal of joy this morning.
I do think I heard that squeal you mentioned all the way on my side of the museum, and I thought it was the elevator malfunctioning.
Have you contained the offender? Hopefully you have not started vacating the office yet, because it’s likely harmless.
Your gallant rescuer,
Millie
TO: Millie Oaks
FROM: Finn Ashford
SUBJECT: Re: Re: Afraid For My Life
Peter Parker is contained inside a coffee cup on my desk. In full disclosure, I should clear up some confusion. The “impressively strong and sturdy man” was, in fact, me.
I will also mention the spider was gently, carefully tossed away upon initially finding him or her on my hand. However, I quickly apologized and have since given them a pleasant coffee-scented home for the morning. Since he is contained, I will bring him to you. Maybe he can find a nice home in entomology to continue his life.
Your malfunctioning elevator,
Finn
***
Armed with a pastry bag from Maggie’s and the coffee cup containing Peter Parker, I walk down the hall toward Millie’s office. When I reach it, her brows are furrowed in concentration as she types something on her keyboard.
The surprise package crinkles as I slowly pull it out, and her eyes snap from the monitor to laser focus on the brown paper. “Is that what I think it is?”
There was one almond croissant left when I got to Maggie’s this morning, and I bought it without thinking twice. Because, apparently, I have a weakness for seeing Millie’s face light up.
“That depends. Are you thinking it’s a spider in a coffee cup?”
She huffs and purses her lips.
“Oh, this thing?” I hold up the pastry bag. “Mmm, this is mine.I just wanted to show you I got one.” I bring it under my nose and inhale the sweet, almondy aroma. “I think you have a little drool.” I point to the corner of my mouth and nod toward her.
She shakes her head with a glare. “That better be a joke, Spock.”
I narrow my eyes, dropping the package into her waiting palm. “I liked it better when you were comparing me to Kylo Ren.”
“Too bad.” Her eyes turn greedy as she pulls out the croissant. “You’re amazing,” she says, eyes on the pastry as she takes a big bite. She looks up at me, nodding and chewing. “And you’re amazing too. Pull Micah’s chair over here, and we can share it.”
I slide into the seat and roll over to her desk. “You don’t have to share with me,” I say, setting the spider coffee cup beside her keyboard.
