I take in the sight of her, suddenly noticing just how flushed her cheeks are. “You should definitely head home.”
“Did you finish the reports I requested?” Adrian cuts in before she can say anything. “If not, I’d still like you to get those finished by the end of the day.”
I shift in my chair, facing him. “Are you serious right now? She’s clearly sick. Let the woman go home and rest.”
Adrian’s jaw ticks. “I asked about the reports.”
Maddy’s shoulders straighten. “They’re already in your Dropbox.”
Adrian purses his lips. “Then please go home and get some rest.”
Atta girl.I grin as she exits.That’s my Maddy.
Chapter 11
Caleb
Oh fuck, she looks bad.
Maddy’s desk is littered with tissues, and she’s gathering up her things like a sloth.
She clicks through her computer with a slowness that’s so uncharacteristic, it’s concerning. She tries to slip her bag over her shoulder and nearly tips her chair over when she bumps into it.
“Maddy? You okay?” I ask.
She jerks, startled, then tries to stand up straight. “Yeah. I mean, yes, just… finishing up. I’m taking off early.” Her eyes are at half-mast, but she musters a wobbly smile. “I think I’ve come down with something.”
I stop at the edge of her desk, nodding. “You look like death warmed over.”
She laughs, then immediately coughs. “Thank you, that’s what I was going for, actually. I’m so glad you noticed.”
I shove my hands in my slacks pockets, trying to play it cool but failing miserably. “Are you going to the doctor?”
She shrugs, then busies herself zipping her laptop sleeve. “If I still feel like garbage tomorrow, I’ll go to urgent care. They’reusually not much help. They tell you to take some Motrin and get more rest.”
“Gotcha,” I say, choosing not to argue with her. I glance over to Adrian’s office and then back to her. “Did you get all of Adrian’s reports done? Because if not, I can finish those for you.”
She nods. “Thanks, but I finished and even remembered to update his Dropbox with them. I think I deserve a medal, or at least a sticker for finishing it in this state though.”
I grin. “If you want a sticker, I can find you one.”
She’s about to reply when the elevator dings and Marissa strides in.
Damn, I don’t like her.And I won’t pretend like I do.
She gives Maddy a look that could strip paint. “Leaving early? Must be nice.”
Maddy’s jaw tenses, but she doesn’t look up. “I’m sick, Marissa. They don’t want me to pass it to anyone else.”
Marissa’s voice goes syrupy as she sets a few pieces of mail on Maddy’s desk. “It must be hard, you know, keeping up. I remember my first year—so many sick days, you wouldn’t believe. Some people just don’t have the resilience for this kind of company.” She glances at me, as if I’ll join in with her bullshit.
I don’t even blink. “Thanks for the mail. You can go back to reception now,” I say flatly.
Marissa bristles, then looks away. “Whatever. Hope you feel better, Maddy.” She looks at her like she’s got the plague and then drifts off, her heels clicking against the floor with excessive vigor.
Once she’s out of earshot, Maddy exhales. “Thanks. I don’t know why she hates me so much.”
“She hates everyone that doesn’t give her the attention she wants,” I mutter. I wait until Maddy meets my eyes. “Seriously, are you okay to get home by yourself? I can take you.”
