Page 135 of Unspoken Rules

I put the phone on the receiver and stare out the window for a long moment. Charles is the head of marketing, not just the floor manager. And I’m pretty sure I’m about to be fired. For what? I have no idea. But I can’t imagine another reason he’d want to see me on a Monday morning without setting up a meeting.

I try not to worry about it as I take the elevator, even though my palms are sweating, and I feel like I’m going to pass out. There’s nothing in this elevator to keep me occupied, and I left my cell on my desk in my rush. Not that I have much time to do anything. The ride up takes seconds. It only feels like hours.

The eighth floor comes all too quickly. I’ve never been up here before, but it looks like all the other floors at first glance. Until I move deeper and see it’s not as open. There are many closed offices, which makes sense. The department heads need privacy.

I wonder if Cole built these offices… He said he did work here. I never asked specifically which floors he worked on or what he did. It could be anything. He could have touched the desk I’m at. Walked along the same floors I do.

My thoughts are pathetic, I know.

I reach the receptionist, who is a young girl with dark hair and large, round glasses. She looks up at me with a smile. “Hi, can I help you?”

“Good morning. I’m here for Mr. Baker.” I shove my hands into my pockets to stop myself from wiping them on my pants.

“Your name?” she asks.

“Bryson Montgomery.”

“Just have a seat by the windows, and I’ll let him know you’re here.”

“Thank you.”

I move to the small waiting area but don’t sit. I move directly to the window and look over the city. The view is beautiful, just like I thought it would be. I could sit up here for hours and just look out. Imagine being able to wake up to something like this? See it every day?

It’s at this moment I decide one day I’m going to live in a penthouse in some big city. I want to be at the top of a tall building, looking out at it with the best view. May be a silly goal, but it’s something I want.

“Mr. Montgomery? He’s ready for you.”

I take another second to look out at the tall buildings and busy streets, then head back to the secretary. She’s standing by the desk.

“I’ll take you to his office.”

We walk down a few halls, and she knocks when she reaches the door with his name on it. It isn’t a plaque, but it’s carved into the door.

I wonder if this was Cole’s idea.

I really need to stop thinking about him.

“Come in!” Mr. Barker calls.

The receptionist opens the door and gestures for me to go inside with a wave of her hand and a bright smile.

The man behind the desk is younger than I expected. Maybe mid-thirties, possibly a little older. I haven’t had the chance to meet him face-to-face before now because he’s a busy man, but I see him copied on most emails. The door closes behind me and it’s as loud as a prison door slamming shut.

“Please, have a seat,” he says, pointing to the chair in front of his desk. His back is to a wall of windows that also has a spectacular view. From here, you can see one of the small lakes in the distance. “Can I get you a drink? Coffee? Water?”

“Water would be good, thank you,” I answer as I sit, swallowing hard.

He moves to a mini fridge in the corner of his office by a coffee station and pulls out a small bottle of water, putting it down on the desk in front of me. I take it and take a sip, trying not to choke because my throat is tight.

“How do you like it here so far?” he asks, taking a seat and leaning back. There’s a slight smile on his face, and this doesn’t feel like I’m being fired.

But that doesn’t stop me from thinking it.

Why else would I be here?

“It’s wonderful,” I say. “Everyone is friendly, hardworking. I like what I do.”

He nods thoughtfully. “That’s important. I’m glad you enjoy your job. So, let me ask you this: How attached to this location are you?”

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