I walk over to the sink and quickly trim my beard. It’s gotten longer than I’d like, but it's still enough to grab hold of. Once, I tried shaving it off and going bare, but it ended up being the biggest mistake of my life—next to Blake, of course—because I looked ridiculous. Some men were born to be clean-shaven, and some men were born to have a beard. I am that man.
Feeling better about myself, I head into the kitchen and take my medication—Sertraline for mood, anxiety, and depression. Mike swears therapy’s essential for someone with BPD. Maybe he’s right. Maybe I’ll talk to him about it someday. But not today. Today I’m going to take my meds like the good boy I am and try to keep things less chaotic.
The pills help more than people realize. If they think I’m intense now… well, they haven’t seen me off them. And I’d rather not go there—I’m already enough to handle.
Swallowing them back with the rest of my water, I make a cup of coffee to go and head into the office.
“Theo!” Frank barks as soon as I walk off the elevator. “My office now.”
Oh shit. I’m in trouble.
“Coming,” I reply, trying not to let his sour mood affect me. I hate it when people are mad at me; it makes me feel really uncomfortable.
Walking into his office and acting as if a lecture doesn’t fill me with dread, I sit in the chair opposite him and cross my right leg over my left before relaxing back.
“Everything okay, Franky baby?” I ask, swallowing back the bile creeping up from the leftover alcohol in my stomach.
“No, everything is not okay, Theo. You’re acting like a fucking child, and Michael’s not impressed,” he shouts, the vein in his forehead popping out. “Sort your shit out. You’re supposed to be teaching, not playing silly pranks. Get it together before you lose your promotion,” he rages, aiming a finger in my direction.
Hmm, maybe I’ve been going a bit too hard on Blake? I’ll need to be sneakier about it.
“I apologize, Frank,” I reply, giving him my best puppy dog eyes. “I was just welcoming the new girl. I didn’t think she’d bite back like she has. I’ll stop.”
Like fuck I will.
His eyes narrow as he looks at me, and I try not to squirm under his gaze. For an old dude, he can be pretty scary when he wants to be. “How’s Blake getting on? Other than the games you two keep playing with each other?” He gives me a look of derision, his lips pursed.
Guess he doesn’t find this half as funny as I do.
I rub my thumb across my bottom lip, wondering what to tell him. I could go with the truth—she’s been working day and night and has probably done more work than I have. Or I could lie and tell him she’s not been pulling her weight, and she needs to be fired.
“She’s… okay,” I say with a shrug. “I’m not seeing what everyone else sees, but it’s still early days. Hopefully she picks up soon, otherwise I might have to cut her loose.”
I went in the middle. Sue me.
“Hmm. Okay. Well, keep me updated. I’ve heard nothing but good things about her, which is why I gave her the position. Maybe I was wrong?”
“Maybe,” I agree, trying not to let my grin out.
I love it when a plan comes together.
“What’s happening with this contact of yours, and how does it fit in with Harper?” he asks as he sits down.
“I have a meeting with them this week to set up the details. I don’t want to give anything away just yet. The severity of the situation is paramount, and I don’t want anything fucking this up,” I explain, a cold bite to my tone. “I’ll make sure she’s safe and watched at all times. You have my word.”
Frank nods. “Make sure you do. I want that fucker behind bars where he belongs.”
“Same.”
“Starlight Children’s Charity is holding a gala this weekend,” he continues. His abrupt change in conversation gives me whiplash, but I already know about the gala.
“I know. I’m going as a guest of James Smith.”
He nods. “The senator will be there and will be expecting an update,” Frank says, steepling his fingers. “Take Blake with you and introduce her to a few people. See if you can get her some potential clients.”
Over my dead body.
“No problem,” I agree, smiling yet dying on the inside at knowing I have to spend even more time with her.
