Page 30 of The Guy Who Became My Grumpy Boss

That was it. That was the whole message.

No apology.

No acknowledgment about all the work I’d put into the options.

No gratitude.

Had I somehow hurt his feelings?

Did I care?

Brooke had suggested that I give him the benefit of the doubt, just this once. Fine, I could do that, but I’d proceed with caution from now on.

I took a breath and focused on the topic of the message.

He’d picked two good options for the activity, but we would have to narrow it down to one eventually.

For mini golf, we would split everyone into teams of four, give them a set amount of money with which they would then go buy nonperishable food. With that food, each team would builda mini golf hole. Everyone from the company could play through the course, and at the end, there would be prizes for most food bought, most fun hole, easiest hole-in-one, and whatever else we decided to judge on. Then, after the activity, we would take the food to a local food bank. I’d suggested we focus on kids who didn’t get meals before or after school.

The bookshelf activity would be simpler, but less fun. The company would buy bookshelves and have them at the retreat. The employees would assemble the shelves for schools, kids, people, or hospitals—or whatever else we chose—and then take them to their new homes. I’d suggested that people also provide books to go with the shelves.

Each of the things could be split into multiple phases, which could accommodate people who liked different things. Some could shop. Others could assemble or build. Others still could play the game or deliver the final offerings.

Everyone should have fun. We’d help locals in need. They were both a win-win.

Only, I didn’t want to give Danger Zone the satisfaction of validation just now.

Was I being childish? You bet I was. Did Danger Zone deserve worse? You bet he did.

I glanced at the clock. Danger Zone had three minutes before his next meeting. If I had to guess, I’d say he wanted an answer from me before that.

To my surprise, he sent another message.

Peter:I’d like to apologize for my earlier behavior.

I read the message, blinked, read it again, and shook my head. Why did I hear the words in his smooth, silky voice? I wasn’t ready to let it go, but I felt my resolve soften.

Peter:You did an excellent job with your suggestions. I prefer the mini golf option, but I’ve never played. I would like to experience it before we make a final decision.

What did that mean? I jumped when more came through.

Peter:Would you be willing to accompany me to a mini golf course this evening?

I stared at the message with my mouth hanging open.

What was Danger Zone doing? Asking me on a date?

No.

That couldn’t be it.

But reading the words again I had to admit, that’s what it sounded like.

I couldn’t handle this and quickly typed a reply.

Jessica:I’ve got plans tonight with a friend who’s in from out of town.

Thank goodness for Brooke. That should stop this madness.

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