Page 137 of Hidden Ties

“Is it me, or does it seem like everyone is in a terrible mood today?”

Glenda nodded. “I’m glad today is my last day. I’m too old to kiss ass anymore.”

Sage rolled her eyes at her. “Since when did you ever kiss anyone’s ass?”

“Anytime anyone from the top floor comes down. At least for the first four or five years I worked here, I did. I stopped worrying about getting fired when I was the only one who could find something when it became lost. The better you know where everything is, the more your job security rises.”

“I can understand why. I’m sure none of the lawyers want to go to court and have to explain why a document is missing.”

Taking out a magazine from her desk drawer, she started flipping through the pages. Working in the file room could become tedious while waiting for someone to come in. They weren’t allowed to use their cell phones or any electronic devices to read books, so she had started bringing magazines or real books to pass the time.

“After today, I bet you won’t miss working here. Everyone should be in a good mood after your party at lunch, yet everyone seemed as if they couldn’t wait to get back to the office,” she said offhandedly, not really caring why everyone seemed to be in such a foul mood.

“The firm is being sued. If they lose, they could lose millions of dollars. The case starts Monday.”

Sage looked up from the magazine. “With my luck, they’ll go bankrupt just when I got this job.”

“If they lose, they’ll not only lose money but clients, as well.” Glenda started buffing her nails as she talked. “Several of the lawyers who have been working the case will be fired, too.”

Could Kent be fired? She loved having lunch with him. They’d had lunch together every day this week, and the thought of that ending would hurt.

“Is Kent working on the case?”

“No. Relieved?” Glenda turned a knowing glance in her direction.

“Yes,” she admitted easily. Kent had come down from his office to take her to lunch, not that Glenda had seen, but Sage was pretty sure the whole office was aware that they were dating.

“Have you decided what you’re going to wear tonight?”

Her eyes went back to the magazine she was flipping through. “Not yet. Kent said it was a small dinner party at Mr. Hollingsworth’s house. I have a few dresses I could wear from when I performed in recitals, and a few from when Glory was getting married. I can’t figure out how dressy the other women will be.”

“They’re probably worried about the same thing,” Glenda said reassuringly.

“Doubtful.”

“Do you have a nice black dress?”

“Yes.”

“Wear that. You can’t go wrong with a black dress.”

“The last time I wore it was to my brother-in-law’s funeral.”

Glenda made a grimace. “Then don’t wear that. Wear something that you feel pretty in. Mrs. Hollingsworth will be wearing something designer, which likely will have cost a small fortune. If you wear something that makes you feel pretty, it won’t matter what it is.”

She had one dress that might do. It was light and flowy. Her mother had bought it for her to wear to Glory’s engagement party, but she hadn’t been brave enough to wear it then and had chosen something else.

As the rest of the afternoon passed, Sage dreaded the end of the day. Glenda had packed up her things intermittently throughout the week, so at the end of the day, she just had to carry out the various presents that had been given to her at the party.

As they walked out together, Sage helped her carry one of the bags.

“Promise me we’ll have lunch when you get back from your cruise?” she asked once they had the presents stored away in Glenda’s trunk.

“I promise.” Glenda’s eyes filled with a sheen of tears.

Sage had to blink to hold hers back. “Take care of yourself, and don’t forget to be back on time when you’re at port. I don’t want you breaking a leg running to make it back to the ship on time.”

“I don’t plan to go on any excursions. I’m going to park my ass on a lounge chair at the swimming pool and drink margaritas. That’s the only exercise I have planned.”

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