“That’s how things here usually work.”
“I did tell you.”
“When?”
“Right after the meeting when you asked if there was anything important discussed.”
“I did?”
Joan turned back to their new associate. “Thank you, Ash. You can go back to getting ready for that meeting that’s been on the calendar since yesterday.”
“Thanks.” He disappeared down the hallway.
Joan turned back to Stone. “Need me for anything else?”
“No, you’ve done enough damage,” Stone said.
The front door buzzer sounded from down the hall.
“That’ll be Sara,” Joan said and left.
“Are we meeting here or in the conference room?” Stone asked.
Herb pointed at Stone’s computer. “The details are in the meeting invite.”
“You’re not helping things.”
“We’re meeting in here.”
“How hard was that?”
Ash walked in, carrying his laptop and a legal pad. “Sara’s here.”
He started to set his things on the coffee table, in front of the couch, then seemed to question his choice. “This isn’t your spot, is it?” he asked Stone.
“It is not,” Stone said.
Ash sighed in relief and put his laptop and pad down. He then straightened his tie, ran a hand through his hair, and checked himself via the camera on his phone.
From outside Stone’s office came the sound of Joan and Sara talking.
Ash quickly put his phone away and moved to the door, getting there a moment before the women appeared. Sara was sans neck brace but was still sporting the splint on her wrist.
“Miss Hirschy,” Ash said. “Thank you for coming in today.”
There seemed to be an extra sparkle in her eye as she looked at him. “Thankyou, for helping me with this.”
They held each other’s gaze for a moment before Joan cleared her throat.
“Please come in,” Ash said, ushering Sara inside.
Stone and Herb greeted her, and everyone but Joan sat.
“Would anyone like something to drink?” Joan asked.
“Miss Hirschy?” Ash said.
“Water’s okay for me. Sparkling again, if you still have some.”
