Page 29 of Romance with Mr. Bossy Pants

I sigh, realizing that I have no choice.

“I’m here. I’ll be there soon, but I just want to make sure there aren’t any spare clothes in the office anywhere for situations like this to get her through the day?”

I place the phone on speakerphone as I begin to grab a few things from the office for home.

“Unfortunately, not. We have to get them cleaned from the last accident.”

“Ok. I’m on my way.”

“Great. She’s ready, and I’ve been meaning to see you.”

“Why? Is something else wrong?”

“No,” she chuckles, clearing her throat. “Nothing really. It’s just…it has been a while, that’s all.”

Oh, great.

I grit my teeth, a bitter reminder of Michelle's revelation about Ms. Rose's supposed crush. I can’t wrap my head around how she could possibly be interested. We speak about simple things, grades, school fairs. She’s probably just in love with the suit like everyone else.

Since Maddie’s passing, my older brother, Garamond Andrews, has paraded a few of his colleagues and friends before me, hoping to spark some connection. Each introduction was followed by polite smiles, hollow conversations that never went beyond the surface, and flirty glances that led nowhere. It was exhausting. Eventually, I gave up. No one could ever measure up to Maddie, and judging by Chloe’s debacle today, the dating scene hasn’t improved in the slightest.

“Thanks, Ms. Rose,” I say, feigning professionalism.

The call ends. I look up to see Chloe silently observing me.

“What’s going on?”

“It was Michelle’s school. I have to go get her.”

Just then, the lights flicker.

“What’s that?” Chloe asks.

“Power outage, probably. It happens occasionally. As much as we pay for utilities around here, you’d think everything would work just fine.” I shake my head, realizing the day's challenges aren't over yet.

“I guess it’s safe to say that we can wrap up work then? In the office, I mean.”

“You can bring your stuff to my place and work from there.”

“Why? I can just work from home instead.”

"Well, since my afternoon plans have changed, we can review things for the convention together. It’ll be easier if we’re in the same place.”

“But—”

“Please grab your things. We have to get going.”

Chloe is quiet but returns to her office to get her laptop.

I smirk as I do the same.

The car ride is unbelievably icy. Not a word spoken until we pull into the school parking lot. Was I too harsh? I’m not sure what she’s feeling, except that she thinks I need to change. She’s only been here a month and barely knows me, yet she’s suggesting I need to change. Then again, I’m basically doing the same thing, right? Whatever. I’m her boss.

“It’ll just be a minute,” I say.

“Sure.”

Someone knocks on the window before I can step out. I turn to find Michelle grinning in her drenched uniform. Sure enough, she is covered in purple and orange paint. I muster a smile and wind down the window.

---