Page 36 of Glitched Play

The logic is flawless.

Unfortunately, it only works until eight-fifteen when Dara appears in my doorway.

"Your new employee is here."

I continue reading an acquisition proposal.

"Good."

"She asked where to report."

"Human Resources."

Dara doesn't move.

I glance up. She's staring at me.

"What?"

"You're hiding."

Dara is like a dog who won’t give up. "I’m working."

"You're hiding while working."

I return my attention to the proposal.

Dara sighs dramatically. "Fine. Be weird."

She finally leaves, but unfortunately, forty-five minutes later she's back. This time with Maci.

I immediately stop reading, not because I want to. Because my brain does it automatically.

Annoying.

"Maci Hart," Dara announces like she's introducing a heavyweight boxer.

Maci smiles.

"Good morning."

Her hair is dry today, falling over one shoulder in soft waves. She's wearing dark slacks and a fitted blouse and somehow looks more confident on her first day than most people do after five years.

Interesting.

I stand.

"Tour."

Maci blinks. "Tour?"

"Your first day."

"Oh."

Something about her expression makes me want to laugh.

I don't. Mostly because I never laugh.