Page 63 of Company Ink

New house. Everything is becoming more real right now. In a few weeks, Mon-Mon will be gone-gone. And I'll be here, still sick, because this is apparently my life now—Kleenex, Reality TV, and a hefty dose of self-loathing. Okay, well, maybe that's a tad dramatic, I've only been sick for under 24 hours, but itfeelslike a lifetime!

"Huh, that's a good idea." Monique purses her lips and nods. "Let's hope Ekene will go for it. Matt's mom is a bit scary, to be honest."

"Scarier thanyourmom?" I ask, sniffling.

Monique blows a raspberry. "My mom's a saint compared to his!" She sighs, looking at her watch. "Alright, my sick little one, I have to go to work now but I'll put the kettle on for you, okay? Drink that Throat Coat tea I bought last night it should help."

"Go, go, enjoy your freedom," I whine, groaning and burying my face into the pillow.

It's only 9 am. I shouldn't even be awake right now. Damn internal clock! At least I have The Bachelor on my PVR to keep me entertained. Just as the rose ceremony starts, my phone pings. I pat my surroundings looking for the torture device. Why is it so loud?!

Adrian: Morning, Cassie. Just checking in. How are you feeling?

I guess Nadine sent him an email saying I'll be off for the day.

Cassie: I feel like I'm dying a slow and excruciating death

Adrian: From the sniffles?

Did he just say sniffles? Or is my NyQuil kicking in?

Cassie: Very funny MR. CAV. You and my roommate should really start an Anti-Sympathy club.

Adrian: Oh, don't be like that, I was just joking. I'm sorry you're not feeling well. Is there anything I can do?

Cassie: Build me a time machine so that I can go back to yesterday and not park in the drop off zone

Adrian: I would if I could, Cariño, but my flux capacitor is on backorder

I grin at my screen.

Cassie: OMG... Is that a Back to the Future reference? I'm dying (from laughter, thought I'd clarify)

Adrian: This stays between us. I don't need the whole office knowing that I'm a closeted sci-fi fan

Cassie: My lips are sealed. I'm learning so much about you. What else is hiding under that stoic exterior? Are you secretly a Potterhead too? It's leviosA not levioSAR!

Adrian: ... I regret making that joke now

Cassie: Stooop, it's endearing. Big bad lawyer man is an 80s cult movie fan. Who would've thought?

Adrian: Big bad lawyer man? Is that my nickname?

Cassie: It is now!

Adrian: Good to know, maybe I'll add it to my email signature

Cassie: LOL can you please?

Adrian: Maybe just for you

Cassie: I'm honored

Adrian: It's nice to see that yoursense ofhumor hasn't suffered due to your...dying

My eyes dart around the living room. I do feel much...happier now.

Cassie: I think the NyQuil's kicking in

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