Total pages in book: 111
Estimated words: 105311 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 527(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105311 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 527(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
Laurie and Joseph have brought some of the top talent in the city to CWM over the past six months. I rely on them to add to the foundation we’ve laid and create a great work environment. Working with over a hundred unique personalities is never easy, and they allow me to stay out of the fray. Most of the time. “Just overheard Justin being crass about one of his coworkers.”
As they wait for the microwave to finish heating their food, Laurie asks, “What did he say?”
“He was talking about the new girl,” I say as if I’m knowledgeable to who that is.
Joseph says, “I’ll remind him of the company policy to show due respect to all employees.”
“Thank you.” I watch the coffee machine percolate but then turn to them as they whisper to each other. Trying for nonchalance, I ask, “Who’s the new girl?”
Laurie replies, “We were just talking about her.”
“I guess everyone is. Do I need to give you a warning?” I joke.
Laurie is closer to my mom’s age, but she still blushes around me. This time her laughter precedes it. “That won’t be necessary. It’s the temp we hired to replace Melissa at reception while she’s on maternity leave. Joseph and I were saying that we’re hearing great things about her.”
On cue, Joseph adds, “It’s only been three days, but she’s accomplished a week’s worth of tasks and done them well.”
“While juggling the phones, I might add,” Laurie says. “She’s very impressive.”
“That’s good to hear. Keep an eye on her. We’re always looking for exceptional employees.” And maybe a new accountant down the track.
Joseph pops the microwave door open to remove his dish. “Melissa has been an asset to the front, but she wants to move upstairs to the brokerage division.” He turns to Laurie. “Maybe now is the time we consider it.”
She says, “I agree. If things keep going the way they are with Ms. Jacobs, we definitely need to consider it. Let’s redefine the job description as well.”
“I think Ms. Jacobs already has.” They sound giddy. Laurie turns back to me and says, “Have a nice day, Andrew.”
“You too.”
I walk back to my office with coffee in hand, tempted to detour to reception to meet this stellar Ms. Jacobs. I’m not that foolish, though. I set the mug on my desk as I settle into the late afternoon.
As soon as my concentration returns, my phone screen lights up with a text from Nick. Are you available?
My brother may be a punk half the time, but in business, he’s always shown me respect. I’ll be right there.
A call that should have taken less than an hour kept us tied up for over two. When I returned to my office, I shuffled through a few emails and then got lost in the numbers on my screen. Mary checked in before leaving, but I lost track of time after that. I didn’t even notice my office was dark until the door opens, allowing light to flood in. Nick asks, “Why are you sitting in the dark?” and then flips on the light.
Briefly blinded, I blink until my eyes adjust. “It wasn’t dark when I sat down. What time is it?”
“Seven thirty.”
“Phew. That’s good. I can still get some stuff done.” As he holds up the wall with his shoulder, I keep typing and ask, “Is there something I can help you with?”
“How are you, brother?”
My gaze shifts past the monitor. “It’s been two hours since I saw you. You already miss me?”
Chuckling, he replies, “I miss partying with you when we had fewer cares. I miss hitting the waves at sunrise and then grabbing breakfast tacos from a food truck while trying to hustle to get to school on time.” I sit back and listen because I miss those times too. “But I’ve been thinking about what Mom said earlier, about taking you out.”
“You don’t have to worry about me, little brother. I’m good . . . I’m fine.”
“Yeah,” he says with little faith in my words. “I can tell.”
My brother is one of my best friends, always has my back, and can read me like a damn book. But the thing is, I am fine. I am good. The way he’s staring at me like I grew a third eye in my forehead has me questioning my sanity, though. “What?”
“You’re too uptight.”
“I have good reason to be.” I drag the keyboard closer and return to my work.
He makes himself at home on the other side of the desk, sitting there without a care in the whole fucking world. “You always have been, but if it’s possible, you seem tenser than usual. What gives? Work? The move? Let’s grab a drink and talk about it.”
“Like you said, it’s only seven thirty.”
Nudging the desk with his knee, he says, “I didn’t say only. Come on, Andrew. It’s Friday night, and no one’s left in the office but you.”