Page 56 of The Guy Who Became My Grumpy Boss

I always expected people’s cars to smell bad, but Jessica must have had an air freshener hidden somewhere, because the subtle scent of apples filled the air.

“Buckle up,” she advised as she started the car.

I did as she commanded and tried to get my analytical observation mind to turn off. If left to my own devices, I’d simply look and learn, but I had a few precious moments alone with Jessica in a controlled environment. I didn’t want to waste it. So I quickly assembled a list of questions I could ask Jessica, but she beat me to it.

“Who came up with the idea of sourcing everything for the baskets from local businesses?” she asked as she turned onto the road.

“Marissa,” I said.

“Huh.” She sounded surprised.

“She likes to support locals.”

“Good for her.” There was always a tone in Jessica’s voice when she talked to or about Marissa. I knew there was animosity between the women, no doubt mostly fueled by Marissa’s insistence on pressuring Jessica whenever they worked together, but I suspected there was something more that I wasn’t catching.

“Do you have anything else to look at before we go to the office?” Jessica asked.

“No, Amelia picked everything else, although the timelines are going to be tight for a few items.”

“Meaning?” Jessica slowed for a red light.

I took a deep breath. “Meaning I might have to ask the committee to come in and put the baskets together on Saturday.”

“People will be willing to help,” Jessica said.

I wasn’t so sure but didn’t say so.

The combination of the unfamiliar car, Jessica’s proximity, and the stress of the retreat began to push in on me from every direction.

“No other stops?” Jessica glanced over at me before the light turned green.

“None.” I shook my head.

Jessica must have noticed my tone, or my expression, orboth, because she didn’t say anything else as she drove to the office.

Even though I was starting to feel suffocated, a warmth inside of me, provided by knowing Jessica in some way understood me and was willing to let me be me, fought back.

To pass the time, I sent the selfie to Aunt Mei.

She responded a moment later.

Auntie:Who’s the girl?

My picture came back to me, with an arrow drawn to where Jessica stood in the background.

I silently cursed myself for not looking closer and deflected.

Peter:I’m in the middle of a stuffed animal store and that’s your question?

Auntie:That’s the second time that girl has been in your picture.

I bit my lip and scrolled back through our conversation. Sure enough, I’d caught Jessica in a photo I’d taken at the office. I had an answer for this.

Peter:That’s Jessica. We’re working together on the retreat disaster.

Aunt Mei sent back a row of thinking emojis.

I put my phone away, but I couldn’t put away the thought that I’d been around Jessica so much in the past week, and I wasn’t ready to run from her.

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