“OK.” He nods. “Make it sound good.”
I make a cringe face. I can’t.
“I know the timing is not amazing,” I admit. “But my parents are throwing my sister an engagement party this weekend and they need help with all the prep.”
This diverts his attention. He tilts his head. “Where is home?”
“Canada.”
“Aren’t Canadians supposed to be nice?”
“Oh, that’s just a rumor. It was a Canadian who startedit.”
“How long are you proposing to be away for?”
“Maybe a week?”
I can see that this answer has not impressed him, and hastily add, “I’ll work remotely for most of it. Besides, it gives you a chance to prepare my onboarding or whatever.”
He raises an eyebrow. “And if I sayno?”
I place a palm on my throat and cough lightly. “Now that you mention it, I think I might be coming down with something.”
This has its intended effect. He laughs.
“Are you always this outrageous?”
“Mostly, yes.”
He tips his head back and sighs deeply. “What have I done?” he mutters.
“Made anamazingdecision,” I tell him. “I will go home for a few days and then come back here ready to be the model employee.”
“Somehow I doubt that.”
“You’ll see,” I promisehim.
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” he says. He mulls it over. “Fine. Take Thursday and Friday. You’ll officially start Monday.”
I salute. “Yes, boss.”
“EarlyMonday.”
“I love early mornings,” I tellhim.
“And I expect you back in the office by Thursday.”
“I will be here. Also early.”
“Fine.”
“Great,” I chirp back.
“And now can you please do something forme?”
“Sure,” I say. Only seems fair. “What isit?”
“Go home for the day,” he tellsme.
