Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 69858 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 349(@200wpm)___ 279(@250wpm)___ 233(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69858 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 349(@200wpm)___ 279(@250wpm)___ 233(@300wpm)
We walk to the third floor, and Brian points to the front of the building. “This is you. In my opinion, it’s the best space in the building. High enough up to enjoy the big old maple, but not so high as to be totally blocked by it.”
“It’s big,” I say, relieved that it’s not the claustrophobic space I envisioned.
“It’s technically a four-person office. But sounds like it’ll just be the two of you from your company?”
I make a noncommittal noise as I lean over a desk to look outside. He’s right. A floor lower and we’d be staring at just the trunk of the beautiful maple tree, another floor up, and the leaves would block a lot of the light. At least as long as there are leaves. I smile when I realize it’s early October, and we’ll likely get to see the leaves on the tree change from green to gold to red, and finally fall during the three months that we’re here.
It doesn’t quite make up for having to share a space with Thomas, but it’s a bright spot, and I’m clinging to it.
“You need anything, that’s the front desk number,” Brian says, holding up a business card and then setting it on the desk nearest to the door. “Though, most people just yell down the stairs. If I’m not there, Kaylee will be, at least till six, but your key gives you access to the building 24/7.”
“Got it. Thanks for the help.”
“Welcome!” Brian calls, as he leaves the office. I hear him whistling “Here Comes the Sun” as he makes his way back down the stairs. I wonder if he’s ever not cheerful.
I boot up the work station that’s already set up, as promised by Christina, and begin the process of logging in and setting up all of my programs as I like them. Since I don’t have a clue what I’m supposed to be doing as it relates to the C&S project, I spend the next hour catching up on emails and chatting with Sadie who’s filling me in on her most recent fling.
“Good morning.”
I jump at the sound of Thomas’s voice, my fingers fumbling a little in an attempt to lock my screen, even though he’s standing at the doorway and too far away to read my conversation with Sadie, which was definitely not workplace appropriate.
His eyebrows go up at my clumsy obviousness, but he says nothing as he drops his bag onto the chair and looks around. “So. This it it.”
I nod, and point at the computer. “You cool if I take this one?”
“Isn’t it a little late for that? But yeah, it’s fine.” He sits on his desk rather than his chair, fingers tapping on either side of his hip as he studies the office.
“You meet Brian?” I ask.
“Yup.”
I nod. Cool. “So, um, I’ve just been doing my regular work, but if there’s something else I should be focusing on . . .?”
He makes an irritated sound as he crosses his arms. “Truthfully, Mac? I feel as clueless as you on this whole thing.”
I smile. “Are you supposed to admit that to your subordinate?”
“Probably not,” he admits.
Thomas shrugs out of his trench coat—Burberry, I note—fancy—and hangs it on the hook by the door. He glances around the office, but doesn’t seem nearly as enamored as me by the tree outside the window. In fact, I get the sense he’s not seeing anything at all, that his mind is elsewhere.
“Everything okay?” I ask.
“Sure. Yes.” He pulls out his chair and sits.
“Okay,” I say with a shrug, starting to turn around.
“Do you remember your first week at this job?”
I pivot my chair back towards him, surprised by the question. “Yeah, of course. Why?”
He hesitates a moment. “You liked it?”
“Loved it, actually,” I say automatically. “I mean, it was a little intimidating. It was only my second job out of college, and the first job had just been a temp gig at a much smaller company. But beneath all the overwhelm, I remember feeling really excited. As though I was where I’m meant to be.”
He listens intently, watching me carefully, as though genuinely interested. “You still feel that way?”
This time I hesitate before responding. “Yes.”
Gray eyes narrow on me, and I let out a little laugh.
“I do still love the job,” I insist.
“But?”
“But,” I add, surprised by how easy he is to talk to. “It’s also not where I imagined I’d be six years later.”
“Where did you think that was?”
“Anywhere else. I’m not really the long-term commitment kind of gal. Personally or professionally.”
“I see. What kind of gal are you?” Thomas asks.
“I like trying new things. New people.”
“And yet, you’ve been in the same job for six years. Had the same best friend for that time as well.”
It’s an annoying observation because it’s true, so I lean back, cross my legs and turn the conversation around. “Your first week on the job. You like it?”