Page 24 of Finding Home

“No charge.”

“Thank you.” That faint aroma of citrus filled her senses, cleansing away the lingering sadness. Once more her head found his shoulder and his arm draped around her as they settled into each other.

TEN

“I may have lost my heart, but not my self-control.”

~Jane Austen,Emma

“Idon’t know how many times I have to remind Wanda from accounting that my pronouns our they/them.” Braedon took their black rimmed glasses off, placing them atop their head before pinching the bridge of their nose.

Elle frowned. Most people at Sloan-Whitney were respectful of preferred pronouns but there were still some that required a repeat lesson in etiquette.

“I’ll speak with the head of accounting,” she offered, twisting the blinds closed to combat the glare from the late afternoon sun that obscured Braedon’s face on her laptop screen. She’d spent the afternoon working with them via video call.

“Already handled. They’ll be sending Wanda to a two-day HR training.” They waved a dismissive hand. “Also, did I mishear you earlier? Are you going to the VFW? That’s a real thing? Not just something in cheesy small town romance novels?”

"It’s real.”

“Go figure.” Braedon’s forehead wrinkled. “Aren’t VFW’s a private club for Veterans?”

“I have a guy.”

“A VFW guy?”

“Is there any other?”

They threw their hands up. “I can’t with you right now!”

“Jealous?”

“How does one get a VFW guy?” Braedon tapped their chin.

“It’s not as fancy as it sounds. Anyone can be a member of the VFW.”

Elle shifted in the chair, trying to loosen her tight muscles. She may not survive a month working in a chair that was closer to an antique torture device than the comfy ergonomic chair at her desk back in L.A. How had Jane Austen written five novels in a chair like this?

“I’m still going to tell people you have a VFW guy. It makes you sound mysterious.” Braedon motioned at the screen. “Found a great deal online for an ergonomic chair. Want me to have it delivered?”

“I do, but I should probably make sure it’s okay with the owner.”

“I already spoke with Dr. Owens, and he’s signed off.”

“You what? How?”

They gave her an “are you new here?” look. Of course, They’d spoken to Clayton. Braedon was the best assistant.

“I Veronica Mars’d who the owner was and found his contact info. I spoke with him earlier today and explained that I had concerns about debilitating back injuries from that chair. I might have dangled a potential lawsuit to make him see the light.”

“You did not!”

“Nah. I explained who I was and that I was concerned for your comfort. He shared the concern and said he’d go purchasea chair for you and asked me for recommendations. He was very nice and had a ‘hot guy’ voice.” A salacious grin stretched across their face.

Elle rolled her eyes.

“I told him that I would speak with the boss, AKA you, before any course of action was decided.”

“I appreciate your proactive thoroughness. Let me talk to Clayton and I’ll let you know about the chair.”

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