Page 5 of More Than A Boss

“Your weekend. How was your weekend?”

“Oh, work and more work.” He smiled. Allie could see the fatigue in his eyes.

She cleared her throat and said, “You were saying that you made a new discovery over the weekend?”

Zane snapped out of his wanderings and back to Allie’s question with a start. “Yes, by the way, do you like boating?”

Taken aback by this sudden change of topic, she responded, “Well, the few times I’ve been out on a boat were lovely experiences. I regret that I really haven’t had much opportunity. Why do you ask?”

“With the trial looming closer, I thought we could go to my lake house this coming weekend to immerse ourselves in the defense strategy. Maybe even get a little ahead of the case instead of chasing the damn thing. I wasn’t sure if you could get away on such short notice, but it would be a paid weekend and maybe we could make some progress, for a change.”

“We’ve been hitting this case hard, so we would also make a little time for R and R. It is supposed to be a little warmer this weekend, and I’d like to get out on the lake one more time before I put my boat in storage for the winter,” he continued.

“I will check with the folks that keep my horse, since weekends are typically my responsibility. I’m sure it won’t be a problem. I may even be able to get my nieces to fill in for me. They usually check in on my cat when I’m away, and it’s just a couple of miles from my house to the farm.” What Allie was really thinking was that it wouldn’t be a problem for them, but for her, the warning signals were going off like a five-alarm fire! A weekend alone with her handsome boss? Hmm, well that could be dangerous.

Zane tapped his pen against his desk, seemingly in deep thought, as if weighing a decision over before finally glancing at Allie and saying, “Let me know. We will leave Friday morning and return Sunday afternoon. Let’s see what we can accomplish this morning in the meantime.” Suddenly, he was all business again, leaving Allie to wonder if her imagination was working overtime.

She nodded her head and replied, “Yes, Sir,” and opened her notebook.

—

Lunch with her mom and Casey did not disappoint. They laughed over everything from Casey’s mismatched socks to her mom’s escapades on a dating site for seniors called “Life Ain’t Over at 65.” Some of her stories were so outrageous they sounded like they were made up. Her mom, Sarah, was sparkling and vivacious at sixty-eight years young and had no trouble attracting men. Everyone was drawn to her, and why wouldn’t they be, Allie thought. She was funny, sassy, beautiful, and kind. She was very involved with the local food pantry and with the current mid-term election campaign. Allie was proud that her mom was so engaged in life after the loss of her dad. It hadn’t been easy.

Casey was just, well, Casey, Allie thought. Beautiful, with her curly brunette hair and hazel eyes, loyal, smart, and full of good old-fashioned common sense. She and Allie had always balanced and smoothed each other out. Their friendship had stood the test of time. They had backpacked across Europe the summer after graduating from high school and before starting college. It had been a glorious adventure. It cemented their bond, and they gained a worldlier perspective. It introduced them to other political views, cultures, and ways of life.

They met loads of people and stayed in different homes. Casey even had a brief fling with an Italian boy about their age. She was brokenhearted when she had to say goodbye. They kept in touch briefly, but it fizzled out. The experience in Europe was priceless, and they both returned from their summer adventure much more enlightened.

The three women huddled together in a booth at the diner, attempting to eat the absolute best French onion soup ever. Grappling with the hot melting cheese brought up even more laughter. It was so hot that it scalded their mouths but so tasty they couldn’t wait for it to cool. Allie liked these kinds of problems!

“So, Mom, have you decided to bring anyone to my Thanksgiving soirée yet?” Allie asked, very curious about how Sarah would respond.

“Well, as a matter of fact, remember the one I was telling you about, Pete? He lost his wife a few years ago to cancer and is just beginning to date again. I am the first one he has gone out with from the dating site. He is in good physical shape, likes to hike, likes good food, and he is funny and sweet. On our first date we went bowling. I hadn’t done that in 20 years! It was fun!” she said with sparkling eyes. “If things continue on the same track, I will definitely have a plus one!”

“Just be careful. You know I don’t totally trust those dating sites. I’ve watched too many Dateline episodes.” Allie said, only half joking.

“This site is very safe, and they vet their applicants thoroughly,” Sarah said reassuringly.

“Well, I think it’s fantastic and romantic!” Casey chipped in. “I hope we get to meet him soon.”

Just then, their favorite waitress, Crystal, joined in on the fun and sat with them, taking a short break since all her tables were served and content for the moment. She had been married and relocated from California, but after her divorce hadn’t returned to So Cal. She had single-handedly raised her daughter on the money she earned from waitressing. The diner had a stellar reputation for using natural ingredients and locally sourced produce, and it boasted its own pastry chef, soup man, and master chef.

Crystal’s daughter had left for college that fall, leaving her an empty nester with no family here. The four of them had kind of adopted each other, and Allie considered Crystal a part of the family. She had been invited to Thanksgiving dinner, but since she was traveling back to So Cal for the holiday, she wouldn’t be able to attend.

Finishing their lunches, and after much discussion about who would pay the bill, Allie won and settled-up, remembering to take that piece of pie for Joe. Allie hated to say goodbye to her dearest ones, but she had a full day of work ahead of her so they reluctantly parted ways after several hugs and promises to do lunch again soon.

—

Zane and Allie were immersed up to their eyeballs in preparing Will’s defense, and most days they opted to order lunch in rather than take a break. Zane really did look exhausted, Allie observed once more, as she covertly observed him scribbling something on a notepad.

“Zane, are you getting any rest at all?” Allie inquired.

He glanced up at her, admitting “Not much. It isn’t unusual for me to live on adrenalin during criminal defense preparation. How about you?” he asked.

Smiling, “Not much!”

“When we get to the lake house, we will try to balance out the workload with some well-earned relaxation,” Zane said.

“That sounds heavenly right about now!” she agreed, stretching her arms overhead and yawning. She and Zane had settled into an easy working rhythm that was pleasant and efficient. They had been skipping their lunch breaks and eating at their desks and had also been working well past the normal five o’clock quitting time. It was currently six o’clock, and Allie, glancing at her watch, was surprised by it.

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