Page 84 of Business Casual

I turned around quickly. “Good morning!” I chirped, hoping I didn’t look like I was just face fucked by our boss. “You’re here early.”

“So are you…” She put her hands on her hips. “What are you doing here?”

“I think I left something in my office on Friday,” I blurted out, walking away from the door as if I wasn’t just about to leave. “I have a meeting later today and I don’t know where I left it.”

“Mm hmm.” She eyed me skeptically. “Well, you know where your office is.”

I walked down the hall and around the corner to my office. When I opened the door, I pretended to look around. My mind was spinning with different ways to ensure it didn’t look like I came to the office for Tre. Coming out of the office empty-handed, I tried to look disappointed when I saw her waiting at the end of the hall with a stack of bound papers.

“Did you find your notebook?” she asked.

I shook my head. “It’s not there.”

She looked like she didn’t believe a word I said. “Hm.”

“I was also in Mr. Franklin’s office for a meeting. I could call once the office is open and ask him to check,” I told her as I reached her. “If it’s not there, I don’t know where it could be.”

She silently assessed me.

Is she buying it?

“He’s preparing for a meeting, but I can ask him if he’s seen it,” she said finally.

“Oh, that would be great! Thank you!”

She gave me a tight smile. “Very well.”

I think this is working!

I followed her as she made a beeline to his office. “Mr. Franklin,” she said as she knocked.

When Tre opened the door, he did a double take. “What’s going on here?”

Before Josephine could say anything, I jumped in. “I can’t find the notebook I had with me on Friday, and I thought I left it here. Since we had our meeting before I left, I was wondering if it’s in your office.”

He held my gaze for a second. “I don’t think so, but when I finish this meeting I’m preparing for I can take another look.”

“Can I just check the table, please?” I put my hands together. “If it’s not in my office and it’s not here, I don’t know where it could be. I need it for a meeting later today.”

He stepped back and beckoned me inside. “Of course, you can take a look.”

I could feel Josephine eyeing me as I walked into his office.

“Where do you want these, Mr. Franklin?” she questioned sharply.

“I’m sorry about that, Josephine. Let me get these from you. Thank you for this.” His voice was full of genuine gratitude.

“You’re welcome,” she crooned. “I’m glad I was able to assist. But I do have a question for you…”

I pretended to look around the table. I even stooped down and looked under the table. After feeling like I sold my performance, I walked back over to them. “It’s not here. I’m sorry to bother you both so early. Have a great day!”

Josephine gave me a smile and a nod. “Goodbye, Ms. Jones.”

“I hope you find it. Have a good day, Imani,” Tre said in his professional tone.

With a smile, I waved goodbye.

I’d made it to the elevator and pressed the button when I heard Josephine call my name. It arrived at the same time as she did.

She studied my face. “What are you here for?”

I swallowed hard. “My notebook.”

Thankful that the elevator doors had opened, I entered.

“Be careful, Ms. Jones,” she warned.

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

*****

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