Page 2 of Room One Hundred and Twenty Nine

“Where are the other two?” he asks, noticing Parker’s office door open.

“They’re in Elijah's office.”

“Awesome. Well, I hope you enjoy your sandwich.” Before he leaves, he says, “I noticed you’re off next week. Got any plans?”

Daydreaming about the men I can’t have.

“Uh, not really. I’m not going anywhere, so I’ll be at the softball game. I might just sleep all week. And read.”

“Of course,” he says, then nods a goodbye before heading to Elijah's office and shutting the door.

His questions felt like something a friend or boyfriend would ask, but I have a feeling it was just about the game. We don’t have the type of relationship that Parker and I have. Everything we talk about is work related. But it’s nice to imagine, just for a second, that it’s because he’s curious about my life. Even at the softball games, we don’t talk about much outside of work. It's work or the game.

I shake my head and get back to work. If I was going to enjoy my time off, I needed to get as much work done as possible. Parker, Nicholas and Elijah do so much, yet they only have one assistant. If you ask me, I think they each need one. I’ve seen them all come out of their office after pulling an all-nighter several times over the past year.

I think they don’t hire more people because they’re control freaks. In their own way, they like doing things themselves, or they want to keep it between the three of them.

Well, it’s their work and their life, so I won’t say anything unless it affects me. I can handle the workload right now. But if it doubles, I’ll definitely have to ask for help. My dad taught me that, as an employee, I have as much of a voice as the boss and I plan to use it if I need to. So far, everything has been good.

My phone dings and it’s my best friend Dani. I pick it up and read her text.

Dani - I got you a date next week!

Haruko - You did what?!

You can’t avoid dating forever. And unless you quit or get fired, you won’t be dating your bosses. Assuming they’ll date someone without a job.

Dani is my best friend, so of course I told her everything. Including my crush on my bosses.

Haruko - Lol. You’re mean. But also, thank you. You’re right. I should go out.

Of course I’m right. I’m always right. You want to hear about him?

Duh

Well, he’s a guy from work. He’s tall with tattoos. He always makes us laugh. I haven’t talked to him much, but he’s single and he asked me if I knew any single women and said you.

What about you? You’re single, too.

I work with him.

And? He’s not your boss.

I know, but he’s just too… young for me. He’s twenty-four. I want a guy in his thirties or forties. And rich.

I’m glad you know what you want.

;)

Got a time and place?

Maggie’s Place at seven on Friday. He’s meeting you there.

Thanks.

Don’t forget to tell me about it. I want all the details. Especially if you get laid.

I thought I was looking for love, not a hookup. Don’t you want to know if I heard cherubs singing? If I got hit by Cupid?

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