Page 95 of My Favorite Boss

Still, she hesitated.

“I know this is all new. It is to both of us,” I assured her. “But we’ll figure it out. And let’s face it. I’m a lot nicer when I have a good night’s sleep. Makes it better for everyone.”

“Well, when you put it that way,” she teased.

I had to chuckle. “Yes. Do it for the sake of the office, Myers. Stay with me.”

“Okay, then.”

“Night, Maggie darling.”

“Goodnight, my Alex. Sweet dreams.”

“If you’re in them, they will be.”

I hung up, looking at my empty bed. I hadn’t been lying when I said I didn’t sleep as well without her. The bed felt too big and empty, even with Hedgy purring away in my ear. He missed her too, meowing more and looking around as if searching for her.

I would have to figure out a way of getting her to stay more.

A little voice in my head said the words I didn’t dare speak out loud.

Every night. Forever.

The next night, Magnolia was quiet during dinner. She had, in fact, been quiet all day. Withdrawn. I studied her over the coffee cup rim, a pit of worry in my stomach.

“You said your dad was better tonight?” I asked.

“Yes, he was brighter. Didn’t know me, but we had coffee.”

“Okay. Good.” I reached across the table, taking her hand. “But something is wrong.”

“What makes you say that?”

“You didn’t give me any lip today. No sass of any kind. You barely ate your sandwich. You picked at your dinner, and I got you wonton soup—your favorite.”

She sighed. “I have a lot on my mind.”

“Me, you mean?”

She offered me a ghost of a smile. “Shocking, I know, but I have other issues in my life than a grumpy boss.”

“Tell me.”

She took a sip of coffee. “Grant and Lily are moving. He was offered a position in their BC office, and they decided to accept. They’re selling the house, and the new owners want the basement apartment for their daughter.” She set down her mug, her hands shaking a little. “They came down and told me last night after you and I talked on the phone. So I have three months to find a new place.”

“Magnolia,” I murmured, covering her hand. “I’ll⁠—”

She shook her head. “You’ll do nothing. There is nothing to be done. I knew there was a chance it would happen at some point. I’ll find a place. I’ll have to get a storage locker too since I doubt I’ll get that much room, and I’ll need a place to store the furniture and boxes in the attic. But I’ll be fine. I’m simply coming to terms with it.”

“I’ll help however I can,” I insisted. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“Because we are Bane and Myers in the office, not Magnolia and Alex. You were busy, and I was processing.”

“If you have a problem, I’m Alex at any moment,” I said firmly. “You never have to wait if something is upsetting you.”

She smiled. “Thank you.”

I leaned forward and kissed her. “Anytime,” I reiterated. “What can I do now?”